Description
This Chicken Pizza Bake is a deliciously hearty and easy-to-make dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni, all baked to perfection. It’s a perfect meal for pizza lovers seeking a protein-packed dinner that’s ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided (or more to taste)
Toppings and Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce (or substitute Rao’s marinara for a dairy-free option)
- 4-5 thick slices mozzarella cheese (or dairy-free cheese of choice)
- 1/3 cup sliced pepperonis (regular or turkey)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a baking dish with non-stick spray and set it aside. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning, adjusting seasoning according to your taste preference.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, until they develop a golden-brown crust and are roughly 80% cooked through.
- Assemble the Bake: Arrange the seared chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Evenly pour the pizza sauce over the chicken. Layer the mozzarella cheese slices on top of the sauce, followed by the sliced pepperoni. Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning over the assembled ingredients. For extra sauciness, add additional pizza sauce around the chicken.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to settle. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute mozzarella with your favorite dairy-free cheese and use Rao’s marinara or any dairy-free pizza sauce.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- You can use turkey pepperoni as a leaner alternative to regular pepperoni.
- Adding extra pizza sauce around the chicken during assembly helps keep the dish moist and saucy.
- Letting the dish rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute for better flavor and texture.
