If you love the comforting flavors of pizza but want a fun, hearty twist for dinner, the Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe is an absolute game changer. This dish takes juicy, tender chicken breasts and stuffs them with melty mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and rich marinara sauce, then bakes it all together with a blanket of cheese and Italian herbs. It’s like enjoying a slice of your favorite pepperoni pizza plated as a crowd-pleasing entrée that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. The balance of cheesy, savory, and herbaceous flavors wrapped inside each chicken breast makes this recipe a memorable meal that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is delightfully straightforward, yet each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture. From the tender chicken breasts to the blend of cheeses and seasonings, every part is essential to creating that perfect pizza-inspired bake.
- Chicken breasts: Choose 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts so they can be easily butterflied and stuffed with delicious fillings.
- Olive oil: A touch of olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and adds a subtle richness.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Needed for basic seasoning to enhance natural flavors.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with fragrant, garlicky notes without overpowering the dish.
- Italian seasoning: This classic herb mix brings that signature pizzalike brightness, warming every bite.
- Marinara sauce: Use about 24 ounces, as it adds a saucy, tangy tomato base that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Thick-cut mozzarella slices: Four slices go inside each chicken breast to melt into gooey pockets of cheese.
- Pepperoni slices: Approximately 30 slices provide that peppery, slightly spicy crunch inside and on top of the bake.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: One cup sprinkled on top creates a bubbly, golden cheese crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Just a bit adds an umami boost and enhances the cheesy richness throughout.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Setting this foundation correctly makes all the difference for a perfectly baked dish.
Step 2: Season Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until combined. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally about two-thirds of the way through, creating a pocket for the filling. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides and inside the pockets, ensuring each bite will be bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Layer in Baking Dish
Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This base layer will keep the stuffed chicken juicy and infuse it with that rich tomato goodness as it bakes.
Step 4: Stuff Chicken
Gently open each butterflied chicken breast and layer one slice of thick-cut mozzarella inside. Top that with about five slices of pepperoni, a spoonful of marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Carefully close the chicken breast and use toothpicks if necessary to secure the filling. Place each stuffed chicken breast into the baking dish on top of the sauce.
Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Spread the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese, the remaining pepperoni slices, and Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch of flavor, you can dust the top with a little more Italian seasoning. This final topping layer creates a golden, cheesy crust that perfectly complements the tender chicken inside.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the stuffed chicken breasts for about 25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is cooked through while allowing the cheese to melt beautifully and the sauce to simmer into a rich, bubbly topping.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor by sprinkling fresh chopped basil or parsley over the finished bake. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a beautiful touch and a subtle kick to the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe with a crisp side salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread are also fantastic choices that keep the meal classic and satisfying without competing with the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, serve the entire baking dish at the table with a large spoon so everyone can scoop out a hearty portion. Alternatively, slice each stuffed chicken breast carefully on a platter for an elegant, restaurant-worthy look that showcases the cheesy, pepperoni-filled center.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. For best results, assemble the stuffed chicken breasts, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. If freezing after baking, cool completely and freeze in an airtight container.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melty again, about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sacrifice some of the crispy topping texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and provides that classic pizza texture, you can mix in provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just be sure the cheese you choose melts well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free marinara sauce and verify that your seasonings do not contain gluten.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, try adding red pepper flakes inside the filling or using spicy pepperoni. A drizzle of hot sauce on top before serving also works wonders.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts the day before, keep them covered in the refrigerator, and bake them fresh when ready to serve.
What should I do if I don’t have thick-cut mozzarella slices?
If thick-cut slices aren’t available, use regular mozzarella slices or even shredded cheese packed tightly so it stays in place inside the chicken pockets during baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that combines the best of pizza and chicken in one irresistibly cheesy package, the Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe is your new go-to dinner. This dish is not only packed with flavor and comfort but also surprisingly easy to make with everyday ingredients. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy of that first bite bursting with cheesy, saucy goodness. Enjoy every delicious moment!
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Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake is a delicious, family-friendly dinner that combines the flavors of classic pepperoni pizza with tender, juicy chicken breasts. Each chicken breast is butterflied and stuffed with mozzarella, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to perfection with a cheesy marinara topping. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a comforting meal perfect for pizza lovers looking for a protein-packed twist.
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, plus extra for topping
Pizza Stuffing and Sauce
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
- 4 slices thick-cut mozzarella cheese
- 30 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- â…› cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together 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, creating a pocket. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the outside and inside of the chicken breasts for full flavor.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base for the stuffed chicken.
- Stuff Chicken: Open each butterflied chicken breast carefully. Place one slice of thick-cut mozzarella cheese inside, then layer five slices of pepperoni on top. Add a spoonful of marinara sauce and sprinkle with a bit of grated Parmesan cheese. Fold the chicken breast closed and, if needed, secure with toothpicks to keep the filling inside. Place each stuffed chicken breast into the baking dish on top of the sauce.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Cover the stuffed chicken breasts with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then add any remaining pepperoni slices and the rest of the Parmesan cheese. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle a little more Italian seasoning over the top.
- Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the sauce hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Make sure to butterfly the chicken breasts carefully to avoid cutting all the way through.
- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts so the filling doesn’t leak out while baking.
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella cheese or reduce the amount of cheese used.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
