Pizza Chicken Breast: A Delicious Twist on Classic Pizza

Looking for a healthy, satisfying alternative to traditional pizza? Pizza Chicken Breast is the perfect solution! This recipe combines the flavors of your favorite pizza—tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings—on a juicy chicken breast. It’s a fun and delicious way t  o enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the carbs of pizza dough. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal prep idea, this dish is sure to impress.

This recipe is easy to make, customizable with your favorite pizza toppings, and a great way to get your protein while still satisfying your pizza cravings. For more delicious low-carb pizza options, check out Chicken Parmesan Pizza and Cauliflower Crust Pizza.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Pizza Chicken Breast Recipe | Healthy, Low-Carb Pizza-Inspired Chicken

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Pizza Chicken Breast is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of a pizza with the lean protein of chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a great weeknight dinner that satisfies your pizza cravings while keeping things light and healthy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, etc.)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil on both sides.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the oven.

Assemble the Pizza Chicken:

• Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
• Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauce.
• Add your pizza toppings (pepperoni, vegetables, etc.) on top of the cheese.

Bake the Chicken:

• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finish and Serve:

• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
• Serve the pizza chicken breast with a side of salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta.

Notes

• Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Try adding veggies like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a more traditional pizza feel.
• Cheese: You can use any cheese you like, but mozzarella is the classic choice for pizza. For added flavor, try a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Make it low-carb: Serve the pizza chicken over cauliflower rice or a bed of greens for a low-carb option.
• Meal prep: These pizza chicken breasts are perfect for meal prepping! You can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking / Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Pizza Chicken Breast Recipe

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs (oregano and basil).
   • Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a small drizzle of olive oil.
   • Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them all the way through since they will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Assemble the Pizza Chicken:
   • Once the chicken breasts are browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
   • Pour marinara or pizza sauce over the top of each chicken breast, spreading it evenly.
   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by a few slices of pepperoni or any other pizza toppings you prefer.
   • Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
4. Bake:
   • Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
   • Serve the pizza chicken breasts with a side of salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Advanced Techniques

1. Grill Your Chicken

For a smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken breasts instead of searing them on the stovetop. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side. After grilling, top the chicken with sauce and cheese, then finish it off in the oven for 5-7 minutes to melt the cheese.

2. Add Veggies

For a veggie-packed version of Pizza Chicken Breast, top the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, or any of your favorite pizza veggies. You can even toss the veggies in a bit of olive oil and seasoning before adding them to the chicken to enhance their flavor.

3. Use Different Cheeses

While mozzarella is the classic pizza cheese, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A blend of mozzarella and provolone will give a richer flavor. For a tangy bite, try adding some goat cheese or blue cheese.

4. Make It Spicy

If you enjoy a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or top the chicken with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the top before serving.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Pizza Chicken Breast is a great meal for leftovers and can be stored for a few days in the fridge. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pizza chicken if you have leftovers. Allow the chicken to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or storing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: To reheat in the microwave, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Oven: Reheat in the oven by covering the chicken with foil and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Gluten-Free

This Pizza Chicken Breast recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those following a gluten-free diet. Just ensure that your pizza sauce is gluten-free, as some store-bought varieties may contain gluten.

2. Low-Carb/Keto

This recipe is ideal for low-carb or keto diets since it’s a pizza-inspired dish without the carbs from pizza dough. If you want a slightly lower-fat version, you can use reduced-fat cheese or skip the pepperoni for a lighter meal.

3. Dairy-Free

For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free mozzarella cheese or another plant-based cheese alternative. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free version to keep it vegan-friendly.

4. Vegetarian

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the pepperoni or any meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, olives, artichoke hearts, or even vegan sausage. There’s no shortage of pizza toppings that work beautifully on this chicken!

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, so they’ll work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook than chicken breasts.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken breasts and top them with the pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings ahead of time. Store the prepared chicken in the fridge and bake it just before serving.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza sauce for convenience. However, homemade pizza sauce can give the dish a fresher flavor. To make it, simply blend canned tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt.

How can I make this recipe spicy?

To make this dish spicy, use a spicy pizza sauce, add red pepper flakes, or top the chicken with sliced jalapeños or hot pepperoni.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Pizza Chicken Breast is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy pizza without the carbs from traditional pizza dough. With its tender, juicy chicken topped with your favorite pizza flavors, this recipe is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings in a healthier way. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a special occasion, it’s a guaranteed hit.

This dish is versatile, customizable, and can be made to suit a variety of dietary preferences, from low-carb to vegetarian. You can also experiment with different toppings and sauces to make this recipe your own. So go ahead, give this pizza-inspired chicken a try—you’ll be amazed at how delicious it is!