Description
Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make main course that combines the flavors of a classic pizza with juicy, tender chicken breasts. This recipe features a seared chicken base topped with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, pepperoni, and olives, cooked to perfection on the stovetop and finished under the broiler for a golden, bubbly cheese topping. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and mostly cooked through.
- Lower Heat and Add Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Spoon the pizza sauce evenly over each piece of chicken breasts, creating a flavorful base for the toppings.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauced chicken. Top with mini pepperoni slices and sliced black olives if using, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if desired.
- Cook Covered: Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking through and the cheese to melt thoroughly, becoming gooey and delicious.
- Broil for Golden Cheese: For an extra golden and bubbly cheese top, place the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, and serve immediately for best flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Serve this dish with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- Customize your pizza chicken by adding other favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, green peppers, or even pineapple for a sweet twist.
- Ensure your pizza sauce and toppings are gluten-free if you want to keep this recipe gluten-free.
