If you love the flavors of pizza but crave something a little more hearty (and maybe a tad more wholesome), Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken is about to become your new weeknight obsession. This dish is the perfect marriage of juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts smothered in marinara, bubbling mozzarella, crisp pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Parmesan—basically everything you adore about pizza, minus the crust. Best of all, it comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and delivering maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken recipe is selected to build layers of flavor and texture, while keeping things wonderfully simple. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each one makes a difference:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for soaking up all that classic pizza flavor and staying juicy under the cheese.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps get that irresistible golden sear on the chicken.
- Italian seasoning: The blend of herbs gives the chicken its signature “pizza” vibe.
- Garlic powder: Infuses savory depth into every bite—no mincing required!
- Salt: Brings all the flavors to life and ensures nothing tastes flat.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and enhances the savory notes.
- Marinara or pizza sauce: Delivers that saucy, tangy base you expect from pizza—use your favorite brand or homemade!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, creating that irresistible cheese pull.
- Sliced pepperoni: Brings a punch of classic pizzeria flavor and a bit of crispness on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that makes everything pop.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A handful of fresh herbs adds color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness.
How to Make Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready when you need it. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this small step helps the seasoning stick and ensures you get a beautiful golden sear.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This combo creates a savory, herby crust that’s the backbone of that pizza flavor. Don’t skimp—the more evenly you season, the more flavorful each bite will be.
Step 3: Sear for Flavor
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. You’re not cooking them through just yet—just building that mouthwatering color and flavor.
Step 4: Sauce and Cheese It Up
Remove the skillet from the heat and spoon marinara or pizza sauce generously over each chicken breast. Next, blanket the chicken with shredded mozzarella, then top with pepperoni slices and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s the pizza trifecta—sauce, cheese, and toppings—all in one pan.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling
Slide the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through (look for an internal temp of 165°F) and the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbly, with little golden spots on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you want to add a fresh pop of color and flavor, scatter chopped basil or parsley over the finished dish. Not only does it look beautiful, but it brings everything together with a fresh, herby finish.
How to Serve Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a final flourish! A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving adds brightness and a touch of elegance. For even more Italian flair, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or a light drizzle of good olive oil.
Side Dishes
Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides. Classic garlic bread is always a hit, but a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or a bowl of buttered pasta will round out the meal perfectly. For a lower-carb option, serve with roasted vegetables or a crisp Caesar salad.
Creative Ways to Present
This dish shines family-style straight from the skillet, but you can also plate individual portions over a bed of spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a fun twist. Slice the chicken and serve as sliders on mini buns for a party, or tuck leftovers into a warm tortilla for a pizza-inspired wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Simply let the Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors just keep getting better as they mingle and settle!
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, this dish freezes well. Place cooled chicken (with sauce and cheese) in freezer-safe containers or tightly wrapped foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty again—about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven keeps the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly juicier and work wonderfully in Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a few extra minutes to reach 165°F.
What other toppings can I add?
Let your pizza dreams run wild! Try sliced mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, onions, or even a handful of spinach for extra veggies. Just layer them on top before baking and enjoy the endless possibilities.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that your marinara (or pizza sauce) and any toppings are free of gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You sure can. Substitute your favorite dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan alternatives, and skip the pepperoni or use a plant-based version if needed. The result will still be deliciously satisfying!
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is done?
The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer—the chicken is perfectly cooked when it hits 165°F at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center to ensure the juices run clear and there’s no pink left.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving comfort food or just want a crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in a flash, Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken is a winner every single time. Give it a try, get creative with your toppings, and watch it become a new family favorite in your kitchen!
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Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet, Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that combines tender chicken breasts with classic pizza ingredients like marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. This recipe offers a low-carb, gluten-free twist on traditional pizza, baked directly in a skillet for a quick and flavorful meal perfect for 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 marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Customize your pizza chicken by adding toppings such as sliced olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Serve with garlic bread, pasta, or a side salad to make it a complete meal.
- Ensure marinara or pizza sauce is gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
- Use an oven-safe skillet to go straight from stovetop to oven safely.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
