If you love pizza but want something a little lighter, this Easy Pizza Stuffed Chicken is about to become your new obsession. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with gooey melted cheese, rich marinara sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings—baked to perfection! It’s an easy weeknight dinner that brings all the flavors of pizza without the carbs of a crust. Trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Pizza Flavor, No Crust: Perfect for a low-carb or keto-friendly meal.
- Super Easy & Quick: Minimal prep with just a few simple ingredients.
- Customizable: Use your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.
- Kid-Approved: A fun way to enjoy pizza night with a twist!
- High in Protein: A great meal to keep you full and satisfied.
Ingredients in Easy Pizza Stuffed Chicken
Every bite of this dish is packed with delicious pizza goodness:
- Chicken Breasts: The perfect vessel for all the cheesy, saucy goodness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for that signature pizza pull.
- Marinara Sauce: A rich, flavorful base—use store-bought or homemade.
- Pepperoni: Adds a classic pizza taste, but feel free to switch it up!
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds extra depth and cheesiness.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings all the flavors together.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory, garlicky notes.
- Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the chicken for a golden-brown finish.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken just right.
- Fresh Basil (Optional): Adds a fresh, aromatic touch.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through.
Stuff the Chicken: Spread a spoonful of marinara sauce inside each pocket, then layer in mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
Secure & Season: Use toothpicks to hold the filling in place, then brush the outside of the chicken with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and more Italian seasoning.
Sear for Extra Flavor: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
Finishing Touches: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
Serve & Enjoy: Pair with your favorite side dishes and dig in!
How to Serve Pizza Stuffed Chicken
- With a Side Salad: A fresh Caesar or garden salad balances out the richness.
- Over Zoodles or Pasta: For a heartier, Italian-inspired meal.
- With Garlic Bread: If you’re not watching carbs, it’s the perfect side!
- Roasted Veggies: Serve with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
- On Its Own: It’s so flavorful, you won’t even miss the crust!
Additional Tips
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or spicy pepperoni.
- Try Different Cheeses: Provolone, cheddar, or gouda all work great.
- Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, just adjust the cooking time.
- Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Without Drying Out: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave in short bursts.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A1: Not for this recipe! You need raw chicken so it can fully cook with the filling inside.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble the stuffed chicken and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q3: Can I freeze this?
A3: Yes! Wrap the stuffed chicken tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q4: What other toppings can I use?
A4: Try olives, mushrooms, onions, or even cooked sausage!
Q5: How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
A5: Use toothpicks to secure the edges or wrap the chicken in bacon for extra hold!
Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?
A6: Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the cheese altogether.
Q7: What’s the best way to check doneness?
A7: Use a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) is the magic number!
Q8: Can I air fry this?
A8: Absolutely! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes.
Q9: What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
A9: A homemade sauce is great, but any high-quality store-bought one works too.
Q10: Can I make this with turkey instead of chicken?
A10: Yes! Just adjust the cooking time as turkey can dry out faster.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pizza Stuffed Chicken is a must-try for pizza lovers looking for a healthier twist. It’s cheesy, saucy, and bursting with flavor—without the guilt! Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a fun dinner with friends, this dish is sure to impress. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how you love it!
Print
Easy Pizza Stuffed Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Pizza Stuffed Chicken is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a low-carb, high-protein dish. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with marinara, melty mozzarella, and savory pepperoni, then topped with a seasoned parmesan crust. A quick and delicious dinner ready in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup marinara (or pesto)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz pepperoni slices
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Top Crust:
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425℉ (220℃) or air fryer to 400℉ (200℃). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise, creating a “flap” or “book” shape, but keeping it intact.
- Season the inside with salt and pepper. Spread 2 tbsp marinara inside each chicken breast.
- Divide the mozzarella evenly among the three chicken breasts, then top each with 7 slices of pepperoni.
- Fold the chicken over and press down gently. Season the tops with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the tops of the stuffed chicken.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes in the oven or 18-20 minutes in the air fryer, until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ (75℃).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use turkey pepperoni for a lighter option.
- Swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a flavor twist.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg