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
Scale
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
