Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe

This Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake is a fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza! Imagine tender chicken breasts stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce, then baked to perfection with even more cheese and pepperoni on top. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for pizza lovers of all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Fun: This recipe combines the familiar flavors of pizza with the heartiness of chicken for a unique and satisfying dish.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Kid-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy pizza night.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, onions, or peppers.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
• Olive oil: Used to coat the chicken and prevent sticking.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
• Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs for a classic Italian flavor.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
• Thick-cut mozzarella cheese: Used for stuffing the chicken breasts.
• Pepperoni: Adds a classic pizza flavor.
• Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a cheesy topping.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the dish.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Season Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting about ⅔ of the way through horizontally, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, inside and out.

Step 2: Assemble the Chicken

Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the baking dish and spread it into a thin layer. Open each butterflied chicken breast and place a slice of thick-cut mozzarella inside, followed by 5 slices of pepperoni. Add a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to each chicken breast. Close the chicken breasts and secure them with toothpicks if needed. Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the baking dish.

Step 3: Top and Bake

Top the chicken breasts with the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring they are fully covered. This will keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, remaining pepperoni, and remaining Parmesan cheese over the top. If desired, sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting¹ in more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use high-quality chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality chicken breasts.
• Don’t overstuff the chicken: Overstuffing the chicken can prevent it from cooking evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Let the chicken rest: Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

How to Serve

This Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping and scooping up any extra sauce.
• Pasta: Serve with a side of pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, tossed with marinara sauce or butter.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

2. Can I add other pizza toppings? Definitely! Chopped mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or olives would be delicious additions.

3. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts, so they’re a great option for this recipe.

4. Can I make this recipe without the breading? Yes, you can! Simply omit the breading step and bake the stuffed chicken breasts as directed.

This Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe is a fun, flavorful, and easy way to enjoy a pizza-inspired meal. With its cheesy filling, tender chicken, and versatile serving options, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

Print