Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe
If you’re craving all the flavors of a classic pizza but want something a little different, you absolutely have to try this Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe. This dish brings together juicy chicken breasts loaded with melted mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and rich marinara, creating an irresistible combo that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing friends. It’s one of those cozy, crowd-pleasing meals that feels indulgent but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe plays an essential role, from adding bold flavors to keeping the chicken juicy and tender. The combination of spices, cheeses, and sauce will build layers of amazing taste and satisfying texture.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for stuffing and baking, providing a lean but juicy protein base.
- ½ tablespoon olive oil: Helps the spices stick to the chicken and adds a lovely richness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth to the seasoning.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic punch to the chicken.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish that classic Italian pizza vibe.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar): The tangy, tomato goodness that ties everything together.
- 4 slices thick-cut mozzarella cheese: Creamy and melty, perfect for the stuffed center.
- 30 slices pepperoni: Delivers savory, slightly spicy bites tucked inside and on top.
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over the top for that irresistible gooey finish.
- ⅛ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that elevates every bite.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming up, grab a large baking dish and spray it with nonstick spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and help with easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Next, whisk together the olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. This fragrant mixture is going to flavor the chicken beautifully. Take each chicken breast and butterfly it by slicing horizontally about two-thirds of the way through—this creates a pocket for all the delicious fillings. Rub the seasoning blend all over each chicken breast inside and out to ensure every bite is seasoned.
Step 3: Layer the Marinara Sauce in the Baking Dish
Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This not only keeps the chicken moist while baking but infuses every layer of the dish with classic tomato flavor.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Open each butterflied chicken breast like a book, then place a slice of thick-cut mozzarella cheese inside. Next, add about five pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, a spoonful of marinara sauce, and a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Carefully close the chicken breast and secure it with toothpicks if needed to keep all those wonderful fillings inside. Place each stuffed chicken breast into the baking dish on top of the marinara layer and repeat this process for all four breasts.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches and Bake
Now, cover the stuffed chicken breasts with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the rest of the pepperoni slices evenly over the top, followed by the remaining Parmesan cheese. If you like, add a pinch more Italian seasoning for an extra herbal kick. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through. The cheese will be melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni slightly crisped.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, vibrant touch, consider garnishing with chopped fresh basil or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the top right before serving also adds a lovely gloss and richness that perfectly complements the savory flavors.
Side Dishes
This stuffed chicken bake pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also fantastic for scooping up extra sauce, turning the meal into a true pizza-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe family-style in the baking dish, letting everyone dig in. Or plate each stuffed chicken breast on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs, for a more formal touch. For a fun twist, slice the breasts crosswise to reveal the colorful pepperoni and cheese layers inside—always a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making a tasty next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully cooked Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe by wrapping each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make the chicken less tender and the cheese less gooey, so the oven is your best bet!
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan give that classic pizza flavor, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a bit of smoked gouda for a unique twist.
Is it necessary to butterfly the chicken breasts?
Butterflying the chicken creates a pocket for the filling, which helps keep everything inside and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. It also allows for the flavors to better infuse the meat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
For dairy-free, try substituting the cheeses with your favorite non-dairy alternatives. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use a marinara sauce without added gluten ingredients—just double-check the labels.
What if I don’t have fresh Parmesan cheese?
Pre-grated Parmesan works fine in a pinch, but fresh grated Parmesan melts better and has a more vibrant flavor, which really boosts this recipe.
How spicy is the Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the pepperoni. If you want more heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the filling or sprinkled on top before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves the cozy flavors of pizza but wants a hearty, protein-packed meal. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet special enough to serve for guests. Give it a go, and prepare for plenty of compliments—and second helpings!
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Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake is a flavorful twist on traditional pizza, featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella, pepperoni, and marinara sauce, then baked to perfection. This one-pan dish combines the comforting flavors of pizza with lean protein, making it a family-friendly and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Marinara and Cheese
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
- 4 slices thick-cut mozzarella cheese
- 30 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅛ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Season Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally about two-thirds of the way through. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, inside and out, to infuse flavor.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Stuff Chicken: Open each butterflied chicken breast like a book. Place one slice of thick-cut mozzarella inside, then top with 5 slices of pepperoni, a spoonful of marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Close the chicken breast and secure with toothpicks if necessary to hold the stuffing inside. Place the stuffed chicken breasts snugly in the baking dish. Repeat with all four breasts.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the stuffed chicken breasts. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the remaining pepperoni slices and Parmesan cheese. Optionally, sprinkle additional Italian seasoning over the top for extra flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the chicken juicy and tender.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts allows them to hold the stuffing securely and ensures even cooking.
- Use toothpicks to help keep the stuffed chicken closed during baking.
- Feel free to substitute pepperoni with turkey pepperoni or omit for a lower-fat version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days.
- Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
