Pepperoni Pizza Chicken

5 from 2 votes

Pepperoni Pizza Chicken: The Pizza-Inspired Dish! This Pepperoni and Mozzarella Chicken brings the best parts of pizza right onto your chicken breast. It's cheesy, easy, and a hit with the family. Serve it with pull-apart pizza bread for a complete pizza-themed dinner everyone will enjoy.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Chicken Recipes, Main Dishes

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: cheese, chicken, pepperoni, pizza

Servings: chicken pizzas

Calories: 973kcal

Author: Trisha Haas - Salty Side Dish

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
1/2 cup pizza sauce
12 mozzarella cheese
4 slices pepperoni quartered
chopped fresh basil for garnish optional

Instructions

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Lightly grease a baking dish using nonstick cooking spray.

Creating Seasoned Breadcrumb Mixture:

In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, oregano, basil, and black pepper. Mix well.

Making Egg Wash:

In a separate shallow dish, add egg and beat well.

Coating the Chicken Breasts:

First, dip the chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it's coated evenly on both sides.
Then, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat both sides thoroughly. Place the coated chicken onto the prepared baking dish.
Follow the same steps for any remaining pieces of chicken.

Baking Pepperoni Pizza Chicken:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, take the chicken out and evenly spread pizza sauce, Mozzarella cheese, and pieces of pepperoni on top of each piece.
Put the chicken back in the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Garnish the pizza chicken with freshly chopped basil before serving.

Notes

Weight Watchers Nutritional Information: 4 Points per serving for 2 servings IF skipping the breading and parm cheese and using fat-free mozzarella cheese and turkey pepperoni.

Can I use different cheeses for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! While mozzarella is commonly used for its meltiness and flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone.

How can I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

A: A meat thermometer is a great tool. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).

Can I add other toppings aside from pepperoni?

Of course! Just like a pizza, you can get creative with toppings. Consider adding bell peppers, olives, or even pineapple for a twist.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best to reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain its crispiness.

Nutrition