Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pepperoni Pizza Chicken delivers all the indulgent flavors of pizza in a wholesome, protein-packed format. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires just a handful of ingredients, and is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend comfort food. It’s also naturally gluten-free and can be made keto-friendly with the right sauce and toppings. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just want a creative twist on chicken dinner, this dish is sure to please.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt and black pepper
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder (optional)
Olive oil
Marinara or pizza sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Sliced pepperoni
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden (do not cook through).
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Spread a layer of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a few slices of pepperoni.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Serve hot with a side salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 30–35 minutes total, including prep and baking time.

Variations

Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
Use different cheese: Try provolone, cheddar, or a pizza cheese blend.
Stuff it: Make a slit in the chicken and stuff with cheese and pepperoni for a stuffed version.
Low-carb version: Use sugar-free marinara and pair with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Vegetable toppings: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a fully loaded pizza feel.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. For best texture, reheat uncovered to keep the cheese bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work great and offer more flavor and tenderness.

What sauce should I use?

Use marinara or pizza sauce. For keto, choose a no-sugar-added variety.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, assemble the dish ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your sauce and pepperoni are gluten-free.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

It’s best to use raw or partially cooked chicken so it finishes cooking with the toppings for optimal flavor and moisture.

What can I serve with Pepperoni Pizza Chicken?

It goes well with salad, roasted veggies, garlic bread, or even pasta.

Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?

Yes, grill the chicken first, then layer with sauce and toppings, and broil briefly in the oven to melt the cheese.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, cool completely and freeze in an airtight container. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until hot.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free cheese alternative, and make sure your sauce and pepperoni are dairy-free.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook. Sear briefly, then bake just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Pepperoni Pizza Chicken is the perfect mashup of two dinnertime favorites—juicy baked chicken and cheesy pepperoni pizza. It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, making it a crowd-pleaser that fits into almost any diet. Whether you’re eating low-carb or just want something fun and delicious, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Pepperoni Pizza Chicken

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Pepperoni Pizza Chicken is a low-carb, high-protein dish that brings all the bold, cheesy flavors of pizza to juicy baked chicken. Topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and crispy pepperoni, it’s a quick and easy dinner everyone will love.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American/Italian-Inspired

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden (not fully cooked).
Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Spread marinara sauce evenly over each piece.
Top with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Use sugar-free marinara sauce for a keto-friendly version.
Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Try stuffing the chicken with mozzarella and pepperoni for a different twist.
Do not overcook the chicken—check temperature to ensure it’s just done.
Pairs well with roasted vegetables, salad, or low-carb pasta.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
Calories: 380
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: undefined
Trans Fat: undefined
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 115mg