Pizza Chicken Recipe – Baked Chicken with Pizza Toppings
Plain breaded chicken can be quite mundane, but with a little twist, it can turn into a delightful dish. This Pizza Chicken recipe brings the best of both worlds—crispy, juicy chicken combined with the classic flavors of pizza. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
Table of Contents
The Best Pizza Chicken Recipes
Notes on Ingredients
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The Italian-seasoned bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese give the chicken a flavorful crust, while the pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni add a delightful pizza touch. Be sure to use skinless, boneless chicken breasts for the best results.
How to Make Pizza Chicken
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Prepare the Coatings: Combine ½ cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper in a shallow bowl. Place ½ cup all-purpose flour in a second bowl. Whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a third bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, dredge in flour, dip again in the egg mixture, and then coat thoroughly in the bread crumb mixture. Place the coated chicken breasts into a baking dish.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until heated through and golden brown.
- Add the Toppings: Spoon 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each chicken breast, sprinkle with ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and top with 2 slices of pepperoni.
- Finish Baking: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a breast should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
How to Serve Pizza Chicken
Serve your Pizza Chicken hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This dish also goes well with garlic bread or a side of pasta.
How to Store Pizza Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 721.47 kcal | 36% |
| Total Fat | 24.17 g | 35% |
| Carbs | 53.43 g | 21% |
| Sugars | 8.38 g | 9% |
| Protein | 69.55 g | 139% |
| Sodium | 2526.57 mg | 126% |
| Fiber | 5.18 g | 19% |
| Saturated Fat | 9.42 g | 47% |
| Trans Fat | 0.18 g | – |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7.08 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.13 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 267.6 mg | 89% |
| Calcium | 375.64 mg | 47% |
| Magnesium | 80.63 mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 812.23 mg | 23% |
| Iron | 4.56 mg | 33% |
| Zinc | 3.29 mg | 33% |
| Phosphorus | 706.01 mg | 101% |
| Vitamin A | 487 mcg | 61% |
| Vitamin C | 12.57 mg | 16% |
| Thiamin B1 | 0.48 mg | 43% |
| Riboflavin B2 | 1.1 mg | 79% |
| Niacin B3 | 26.54 mg | 166% |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.73 mg | 123% |
| Folic Acid B9 | 124.13 mcg | 62% |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.54 mcg | 61% |
| Vitamin D | 0.76 mcg | 15% |
| Vitamin E | 1.57 mg | 11% |
| Vitamin K | 3.48 mcg | 5% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
FAQs About Pizza Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add the pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni just before the second baking step.
Can I freeze Pizza Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze cooked Pizza Chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until hot and bubbly.
The Best Pizza Chicken Recipes
Ingredients
- ½ cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
- ½ cup pizza sauce divided
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 4 slices pepperoni or to taste – divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl; place flour into a second bowl. Whisk egg and lemon juice together in a third bowl.
- Dip each chicken breast in egg mixture and dredge in flour; dip again in egg mixture and dredge chicken in crumb mixture until coated. Place coated chicken breasts into a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is heated through and crumbs are golden, about 20 minutes.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons pizza sauce onto each chicken breast, sprinkle each with half the mozzarella cheese, and top each with half the pepperoni slices.
- Bake until chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear, about 10 more minutes. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a breast should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).
