Pizza Chicken is the ultimate easy, healthy weeknight dinner that combines all the delicious flavors of a classic pizza, with the added bonus of being low-carb and super satisfying. If you’re someone who loves the combination of melty cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, then this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. Plus, it’s a breeze to make—perfect for busy nights when you crave comfort food but don’t have the time to order takeout.
The best part? This Pizza Chicken is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those who need to avoid gluten. Whether you’re following a keto meal plan, a healthy eating plan, or just need a quick family meal, Pizza Chicken is a fantastic option. It’s high in protein, customizable, and has all the satisfaction of pizza without the extra carbs.
Let’s dive into why this recipe is such a hit and how to make it a part of your regular meal rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of comfort food, but want something a bit healthier and lighter, Pizza Chicken is exactly what you need. With all the flavors of a classic pizza, topped with melty cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings, it satisfies those pizza cravings without the heavy carbs.
- Low-carb and gluten-free – Perfect for those on keto meal plans or anyone avoiding gluten.
- Customizable – Top it with whatever your pizza-loving heart desires! From pepperoni to veggies, it’s a great way to personalize your dinner.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners.
- High-protein – With juicy chicken breasts or thighs, it’s packed with protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Pizza Chicken is more than just another chicken dish. It’s a fun twist on your favorite pizza that’s simple to prepare but delivers big on flavor. What makes it stand out is how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner or even a weekend family meal.
- No dough, no fuss – All the pizza goodness without the mess of rolling out dough or waiting for it to rise.
- Healthy comfort food – You get all the pizza flavors you crave but in a healthier, lower-carb format.
- Perfect for meal prep – This dish can easily be prepped ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner.
Pizza Chicken is ideal for those following a high-protein, low-carb meal plan or anyone who’s just looking for an easy, delicious dinner option. It’s also fantastic if you’re in search of budget-friendly recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, fresh basil
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Making this dish couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to get from pantry to plate in no time:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. You want to make sure the chicken is nicely coated with these savory spices to give it that pizza flavor.
- Optional step: Sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil. Searing the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown adds an extra layer of flavor and helps the chicken cook more evenly. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, but it’s worth it for the extra flavor!
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Top with pizza sauce – Spoon a generous amount of sauce over each chicken breast.
- Add the cheese – Sprinkle shredded mozzarella (and parmesan if you’d like!) over the chicken.
- Add your toppings – Go wild here! Add your favorite pizza toppings, whether it’s pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, or anything else you love on your pizza.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil – Once it’s out of the oven, add a little fresh basil or parsley to garnish and serve.
Tips for Best Results
- Use thick chicken breasts – To ensure even cooking, try to use thicker chicken breasts, or gently pound them to an even thickness.
- Broil for extra crispiness – If you like crispy cheese edges, pop the chicken under the broiler for a minute or two once it’s done baking.
- Don’t overload with sauce – Too much sauce can make the chicken soggy. Stick to a light coating to keep the texture nice.
- Customize to your liking – This recipe is super flexible! Swap the pizza sauce for marinara, add your favorite vegetables or protein, or use a different cheese like provolone or gouda.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are a few fun twists to make it your own:
- Stuffed Pizza Chicken – Butterfly the chicken and stuff it with mozzarella and pizza sauce before baking. You’ll get a cheesy, saucy surprise in every bite!
- BBQ Chicken Pizza Style – Use BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, and top with red onions and smoked gouda for a tangy twist.
- Veggie Pizza Chicken – Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Parmesan-Crusted Chicken – Before baking, coat the chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for a crunchy, cheesy exterior.
Serving Suggestions
Pizza Chicken is perfect on its own or paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to make your meal complete:
- Green salad – A fresh side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect light accompaniment.
- Roasted vegetables – Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy side.
- Garlic bread – If you’re craving carbs, garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish for that pizza-night feel.
- Pasta – For a more indulgent side, serve with a simple pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
Looking to pair a drink with your Pizza Chicken? Here are a few ideas:
- Wine – A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the richness of the cheese and sauce.
- Sparkling water – A refreshing, no-calorie beverage that cleanses the palate.
- Crisp cider – If you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter, a light apple cider pairs perfectly with the pizza flavors.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers, don’t worry, they’ll keep for a few days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you can either use a covered skillet or pop it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you don’t want to dry out the chicken, avoid microwaving it, as it can affect the texture of the chicken and cheese.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make ahead – Assemble the dish in a baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
- Freezing – While freezing is not ideal for this recipe due to potential texture changes, you can freeze the cooked chicken without toppings. When ready to serve, add fresh sauce and cheese before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading on sauce – Too much sauce will make the chicken soggy. Less is more here!
- Not checking the internal temperature – Make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Not letting it rest – After baking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This ensures a juicy, tender bite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicy and cook quickly, making them a great option if you prefer dark meat. - Do I need to sear the chicken?
Searing is optional, but it does add extra flavor and helps the chicken cook more evenly. - Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! You can use provolone, gouda, or any cheese that melts well. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh when you’re ready. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your sauce and toppings are gluten-free.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- A baking dish
- A skillet for searing (optional)
- Meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!
Pizza Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup optional toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Optional: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. This step adds extra flavor but is optional.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Spoon the pizza sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then add your desired toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
