Description
This Chicken Pizza Bake features tender chicken breasts smothered in savory pizza sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and crispy pepperoni for a complete meal that tastes like your favorite pizza.
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week, this simple casserole comes together quickly and delivers comforting, satisfying flavors that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 to 8 ounces each for even cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups pizza sauce, jarred or homemade
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese, fresh or low-moisture work best
- 1/2 cup mini pepperonis, or 12 regular sized pepperonis
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste
- Optional toppings, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, onions, fresh spinach, or fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help them brown better.
- Brown the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until lightly golden (they won't be cooked through, and that's okay). Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder as they cook.
- Transfer to baking dish: Carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and arrange the breasts in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
- Add sauce and seasoning: Pour the 2 cups of pizza sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is covered. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning over the sauce, distributing it evenly.
- Top with cheese and pepperoni: Arrange the 4 slices of mozzarella cheese over the chicken and sauce, then scatter the mini pepperonis across the top. If you're using any optional vegetables, add them now before the cheese.
- Bake to perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature), the cheese is melted and lightly bubbly, and the pepperonis are slightly crispy around the edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes