I’ll tell you one thing: when I first made Baked Pepperoni Pizza Chicken, I was just hoping for a simple dinner that would please the family. Little did I know, I was about to stumble upon a recipe that would become a household favorite! I can still hear my kids’ cheers when they dug in for the first time. It was as if I had whipped up their ultimate pizza dream meal, and I mean, what’s better than pizza in chicken form? This dish delivers the comforting flavors of a pizza while keeping it healthy and protein-packed.
Now, I must confess, I’ve had some “epic kitchen fails” before, but this recipe has become my superhero in the kitchen. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, but it also makes the house smell heavenly while it’s baking. If you’re like me and love to combine comfort food with a nutrient boost, you’re in for a treat!
What’s in Baked Pepperoni Pizza Chicken?
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of this dish! They stay juicy and tender while soaking up all the flavorful marinara and spices. I usually grab organic ones because I find them to be more succulent.
– Marinara sauce: This savory sauce is the base of the dish, making it taste just like pizza! You can use store-bought for convenience or try homemade for that extra touch of love.
– Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flair. It’s one of my go-tos – I always have it in my pantry!
– Garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic? It amps up the flavor and is so much easier than mincing fresh garlic.
– Onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish. A great way to add onion flavor without the tears!
– Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey cheese that turns this dish into a melty, dreamy treat. I like to go with low-fat mozzarella to keep things light, but you do you!
– Pepperoni slices: Everyone’s favorite pizza topping! Feel free to swap for turkey or vegetarian options if you’re looking to lighten things up or avoid meat.
– Tomato: Fresh slices add a burst of color and juiciness. I tend to use vine-ripened tomatoes for that garden-fresh taste.
– Fresh basil leaves: The perfect garnish to elevate the whole dish both in taste and presentation! Plus, who doesn’t want something green on their plate?
– Olive oil: A touch of healthy fat to help flavor the dish and keep the chicken moist.
– Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in your ingredients.
Is Baked Pepperoni Pizza Chicken Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish offers a delightful mix of lean protein from the chicken, while the marinara sauce contributes vitamins and minerals, especially if you opt for a sauce with no added sugars. The cheese provides calcium, and let’s not forget those tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants. However, it’s good to be mindful of portion sizes since cheese and pepperoni can be higher in calories and sodium.
If you’re watching salt intake, consider using low-sodium marinara sauce and limiting the use of added salt when seasoning the chicken. By the way, swapping out regular mozzarella for a part-skim version can also reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
What You’ll Need:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
– 1 large tomato, sliced
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
*Serves 4*
How to Make Baked Pepperoni Pizza Chicken?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Take a baking dish and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil, spreading it to coat the bottom evenly.
3. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. This step is crucial to ensure that every bite is flavorful!
4. Lay the seasoned chicken breasts in your baking dish, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well covered.
6. Layer that gooey, shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara-covered chicken. Don’t skimp on the cheese, this is pizza chicken after all!
7. Place the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese, and then add those fresh tomato slices on top.
8. Pop it into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). You want that cheese bubbly and slightly golden!
9. Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. It’s hard to wait, I know!
10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for that perfect finishing touch.
Delicious Tips for Baked Pepperoni Pizza Chicken
– If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add some vegetables? Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach could be great additions – just layer them on top of the marinara before the cheese.
– Craving a little heat? Toss some crushed red pepper flakes into your marinara or sprinkle on top before serving!
– Pair this dish with a fresh side salad for a complete meal, or serve it over whole grain pasta for a hearty twist.
– Leftovers (if you have any!) reheat beautifully. You can even slice it up and serve it in a wrap with some greens for a quick lunch.
I can’t wait for you to dive into this delightful Baked Pepperoni Pizza Chicken recipe – trust me; it’s a winner! So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious dish. And when you do, I would love to hear how it turned out! Happy cooking!
