If you love the irresistible combination of pizza flavors with a hearty chicken dinner, then you will absolutely fall for this Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe. It’s like your favorite pizza, but transformed into a warm, comforting skillet meal that’s bursting with melty mozzarella, zesty pizza sauce, and crispy pepperoni — all layered perfectly over tender, juicy chicken breasts. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly simple to make, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color in this dish. Using fresh and quality components ensures your Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty base of the dish, providing protein and a tender bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing, giving a golden crust and enhancing flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs infuses the chicken with classic Italian aroma and taste.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth, complementing the pizza flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle spicy kick to highlight other spices.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: The tangy, rich sauce that brings the iconic pizza taste.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, cheesy topping we all crave.
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoni: For that classic pizza topping with a hint of spice and crispiness.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish to the cheesy layer.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A fresh, bright garnish that livens up the dish.
How to Make Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by mixing the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then generously coat both sides of your chicken breasts. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This step locks in juices and adds so much flavor, even though the chicken won’t be fully cooked yet.
Step 2: Add the Pizza Goodness
Remove the skillet from the heat to avoid burning the sauce or cheese. Spoon the vibrant pizza sauce evenly over each seared chicken breast, spreading it out nicely. Next, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the sauced chicken. Top with sliced pepperoni for a classic pizza touch, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfect
Place the skillet into your preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure safety and juiciness. If you want an extra crispy, browned cheese topping, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the hot skillet chicken to add a fresh pop of color and flavor. Your Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe is now ready for serving and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a plate.
How to Serve Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley always brighten up the dish, giving it a vibrant look and that fresh, herbal note that pairs beautifully with the strong flavors of cheese and pepperoni. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat!
Side Dishes
This cheesy chicken pairs exceptionally well with garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans also add crunch and color to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken straight from the skillet for that casual, homey vibe. Alternatively, plate each breast over a bed of zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a creamy polenta for a gluten-free or low-carb twist. You can even slice the chicken and serve it open-faced on toasted ciabatta for a delicious pizza-inspired sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy again as a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for later, freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze before adding any fresh herb garnish to maintain the best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out, and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain the cheese’s melty goodness and keep the chicken juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well because they stay juicy and tender. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a little longer to cook through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just make sure your pizza sauce and other ingredients don’t have hidden gluten additives.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well. Also, check your pizza sauce for any dairy ingredients to keep it safe for dairy-free diets.
How spicy is this recipe?
This dish is mild but flavorful. If you love spice, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or swap the pepperoni for a spicier variety to kick up the heat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can season and sear the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. When ready, add the toppings and bake fresh to keep the cheesy layer delicious and melty.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and satisfying about the Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe. It effortlessly brings together the best parts of pizza and chicken in one skillet that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a new favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your skillet and get ready for a cheesy, saucy, and savory meal that everyone will love!
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Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make Italian-American inspired main course featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with classic pizza flavors like mozzarella, pepperoni, and pizza sauce. Cooked first on the stovetop and finished in the oven, this dish combines the crisp sear of chicken with melted cheesy goodness for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse them with classic flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Add Toppings: Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon pizza sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top, then add the sliced pepperoni and grated Parmesan for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish the chicken with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use mini pepperoni or chopped olives for a fun variation to customize the flavors.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- For extra crisp and golden edges on the cheese, broil the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking.
