Who doesn’t love pizza? But what if you could bring all those crave-worthy pizza flavors to your dinner plate without the crust? That’s where Pizza Parmesan Chicken comes in. It’s everything you adore about pizza—melted cheese, savory sauce, and rich Italian herbs—combined with the juicy, tender goodness of chicken. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner night into something special.
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This recipe is incredibly easy to make, yet it feels like a decadent treat. And if you’re anything like me, the combination of chicken, cheese, and marinara sauce will have you hooked. Plus, it’s perfect for those nights when you’re craving pizza but want something a little lighter and faster. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen!
Why You’ll Love Pizza Parmesan Chicken
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about making mealtime exciting! Whether you’re having a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, Pizza Parmesan Chicken fits the bill. Here’s why it’s a go-to in my kitchen:
Versatile: Perfect for a quick family dinner or a dish to impress guests. It’s like the pizza we all crave, but in a healthier and more satisfying form.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this dish—it’s all about using simple pantry staples to create something amazing.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and just a few simple steps, you’ll have a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish on the table in no time.
Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, olives, or mushrooms to make this dish your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for kids, adults, or a mix of both, this recipe is sure to win everyone over. You’ll get that pizza night vibe without all the extra work!
Ingredients in Pizza Parmesan Chicken
Here’s the magic of this dish—it’s made with simple ingredients, but the result is extraordinary. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts: The base of this recipe. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are the perfect foundation for all those amazing pizza toppings.
Breadcrumbs: For that crispy, golden crust that makes every bite satisfying.
Parmesan Cheese: A key player here! This adds that salty, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the marinara sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: The melty cheese you crave! Mozzarella adds that gooey, stringy goodness to the dish.
Marinara Sauce: The pizza flavor we all love—tangy, sweet, and savory all at once.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to give the chicken that Italian flair.
Olive Oil: Helps the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully and gives the chicken a golden, irresistible finish.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth and a little extra flavor boost.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this pizza-inspired dish:
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot.
Prepare the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dip them in a bowl of breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick evenly.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a little olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Add the Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Bake: Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil (optional), and serve hot! Whether you enjoy it with a side of pasta, salad, or on its own, this dish is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Pizza Parmesan Chicken
This dish is super versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Here are a few ideas:
With Pasta: Pair it with a side of spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta for a classic Italian meal.
With Salad: A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce and melted cheese.
On Its Own: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Just garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
With Veggies: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers make the perfect side dish to add some color and nutrition.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can bread the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just pop it in the pan when you’re ready to cook.
Crispy Chicken: If you want an extra-crispy crust, bake the chicken on a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess.
Toppings Galore: Feel free to add your favorite pizza toppings, like olives, bell peppers, or even pepperoni.
Make It Lighter: Use low-fat mozzarella cheese or a smaller amount of cheese to make this dish a little lighter.
Leftovers: Leftovers taste just as good the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven to keep the crispy texture.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs would work beautifully in this recipe. They’re a bit juicier and just as delicious.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just follow the rest of the steps when you’re ready to eat!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.
Q4: Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
A4: Absolutely! Store-bought breadcrumbs work just fine for this recipe.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just bake from frozen for a few extra minutes.
Q6: Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
A6: Definitely! Homemade marinara sauce will add an extra touch of freshness and flavor to this dish.
Q7: Can I skip the searing step?
A7: Searing adds a nice golden crust, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step and go straight to baking. It’ll still be tasty!
Q8: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A8: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the chicken crispy and the cheese melted.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes! Just double the ingredients and make sure your pan is large enough to fit all the chicken.
Q10: How do I make the chicken extra cheesy?
A10: Add an extra layer of mozzarella cheese on top before baking for an extra cheesy experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving pizza but want a lighter, more protein-packed option, Pizza Parmesan Chicken is the way to go. It’s full of all the flavors we love about pizza—cheese, marinara, and Italian spices—while being super satisfying with that juicy chicken. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a treat, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with your whole family. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in some pizza-inspired perfection!
Print
Pizza Parmesan Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Pizza meets chicken parmesan in this delicious Pizza Parmesan Chicken! Tender, juicy chicken breasts are coated in crunchy seasoned breadcrumbs and topped with fresh tomatoes, marinara sauce, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s your classic chicken parmesan with a pizza twist. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family meal.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
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2 large eggs
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 cup flour
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
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1 teaspoon pepper
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1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
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1 pint cherry tomatoes (12 ounces)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3/4 cup marinara sauce
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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16 slices pepperoni
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Small fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a 10×17 casserole dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
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Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound each chicken breast to a little more than 3/4-inch thick at the thickest part (ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking).
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Set up three shallow bowls:
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1st bowl: Whisk together eggs and lemon juice.
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2nd bowl: Add the flour.
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3rd bowl: Stir together breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, pepper, and salt.
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Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture on both sides, then dredge in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip again in the egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat.
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Transfer the chicken breasts in a single layer to the prepared casserole dish.
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Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the chicken, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Bake for 18 minutes, then top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce, 1/4 cup mozzarella, and 4 slices of pepperoni.
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Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
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For extra flavor, add a dash of red pepper flakes or extra herbs to the breadcrumb mixture.
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Serve with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg