Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe

This Pizza Parmesan Chicken is a fun and flavorful twist on two classic dishes! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, baked with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni, just like a pizza. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for a family weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Fun: This recipe combines the familiar flavors of pizza with the heartiness of chicken parmesan 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 a healthy and delicious meal.
• 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.
• Eggs: Whisked with lemon juice to create an egg wash for the chicken.
• Fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright and zesty flavor to the chicken.
• Flour: Used to dredge the chicken and create a light crust.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create a light and crispy crust.
• Dried Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of classic Italian herbs to the breading.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the breading and garnish.
• Pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• Coarse salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Cherry tomatoes: Adds sweetness and a burst of flavor.
• Olive oil: Used to coat the tomatoes and prevent sticking.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a cheesy stretch.
• Pepperoni slices: Adds a classic pizza topping.
• Fresh basil leaves: Adds a fresh herb flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.

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

How to Make Pizza Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a 10×17 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of a little more than ¾-inch. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Set up three shallow bowls for breading:

1. In the first bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice.
2. Add the flour to the second bowl.
3. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, pepper, and salt. Mix well.

Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken back in the egg mixture, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Arrange the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared casserole dish. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the chicken and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Bake for 18 minutes, then remove the dish from the oven. Top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce, ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese, and 4 pepperoni slices. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the casserole dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Even thickness: Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook it just until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
• Customize the toppings: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, onions, or peppers.
• Make ahead: You can bread the chicken cutlets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

How to Serve

This Pizza Parmesan Chicken is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Pasta: Serve the chicken with a side of your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and colorful touch.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pizza Parmesan Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

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

FAQs

1. 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. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can! However, panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken a lighter and crispier crust.

3. Can I make this recipe without the marinara sauce and cheese?
Yes, you can! The marinara sauce and cheese add a delicious flavor and texture, but you can omit them if you prefer a lighter dish.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the chicken or breading?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.

This Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a fun, flavorful, and easy way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. With its simple preparation, versatile serving options, and customizable toppings, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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