If you’ve ever had a tough time deciding between pizza night and chicken Parm, let me introduce you to the best of both worlds: Pizza Parmesan Chicken. This is the kind of crave-worthy, comfort food mashup that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any dinner table. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seasoned and baked before being crowned with a generous layer of zesty marinara, gooey cheese, and pepperoni slices, then finished till bubbling and golden in the oven. It’s weeknight-dinner easy, yet exciting enough for the weekend—perfect for anyone who wants big flavors with minimal fuss!

Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to pull off this stunning dish, and every single one plays a starring role—adding flavor, texture, or even that picture-perfect melted cheese stretch! Here’s what you’ll want to gather before starting your Pizza Parmesan Chicken adventure.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base of the dish—tender and protein-packed, they soak up all those amazing flavors.
Italian seasoning: This classic blend of herbs gives a punch of savory flavor and brings home that unmistakable Italian-American feel.
Garlic powder: Adds an irresistible aroma and depth, without the fuss of mincing fresh garlic.
Salt: Essential for enhancing every bite—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: A little spice goes a long way in building a warm, well-rounded taste.
Marinara or pizza sauce: Use your favorite jar or homemade version, for bright, bold tomato flavor and that classic “pizza” touch.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, stretchy topping everyone looks forward to—don’t be shy, pile it on!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a sharp, salty finish and brings everything together.
Pepperoni slices: Adds smokiness, a pop of color, and seriously ups the fun factor (swap for turkey pepperoni if you like).
Olive oil: A drizzle keeps the chicken juicy and helps the seasonings stick.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and makes the dish really pop on the plate.

How to Make Pizza Parmesan Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F, and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil. This keeps the chicken from sticking and ensures an easy cleanup later. Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer in the dish, giving them a little space to ensure even baking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil, making sure each piece gets a nice, glossy coat. Sprinkle both sides with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This quick step gives every bite an aromatic, Italian-inspired character that’s so satisfying.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake the chicken uncovered for 20 minutes. Partially cooking the chicken first keeps it juicy, so when it meets all the sauce and cheese, it won’t get overdone. The kitchen smells amazing at this point!

Step 4: Top with Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni

Remove the dish from the oven (careful: it’s hot!) and spoon a generous amount of marinara or pizza sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Scatter shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the sauce, then tuck 4–5 slices of pepperoni on top of each piece for full pizza effect.

Step 5: Bake Pizza Parmesan Chicken Until Bubbling

Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes. The cheese should be gloriously melted and golden, the pepperoni slightly crisped, and the chicken fully cooked to 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This little pause makes slicing easier and lets everything settle into cheesy, saucy perfection.

How to Serve Pizza Parmesan Chicken

Garnishes

For irresistible freshness and color, sprinkle your finished Pizza Parmesan Chicken with freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving. The herbs brighten the whole dish and make it look restaurant-worthy, while their aroma complements the tomato sauce and cheese.

Side Dishes

A twirl of spaghetti or a bed of zucchini noodles turns this chicken into a filling main event. For something lighter, try a big Italian-style salad with crisp greens, olives, and a bright vinaigrette. Roasted veggies or garlicky breadsticks on the side are never a bad idea, either!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Pizza Parmesan Chicken into sliders by slicing it up and piling onto toasted buns with extra sauce. Or serve individual portions over mini polenta rounds for a fun appetizer twist! A family-style platter, garnished generously and brought to the table bubbling hot, is also guaranteed to wow your crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers of Pizza Parmesan Chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only seem to get better as they mingle, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

You can freeze fully cooked Pizza Parmesan Chicken for meal prep magic! Let it cool completely, then wrap each chicken breast tightly or seal in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and the cheese is melty again. For quicker results, microwave individual portions in 45-second bursts until hot, though the oven will keep the edges crispy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully for Pizza Parmesan Chicken. They stay extra juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may cook a touch faster.

What’s the best way to make this dish lower in fat?

To lighten things up, opt for part-skim mozzarella, use turkey pepperoni or skip the pepperoni altogether, and keep the olive oil to a minimum. You’ll still get all the Pizza Parmesan Chicken goodness with fewer calories.

What pizza sauce works best for this recipe?

Your favorite jarred marinara or classic pizza sauce will both do the trick! If you’re feeling fancy, homemade sauce with lots of garlic and herbs can take Pizza Parmesan Chicken to the next level.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part reaches 165°F. The cheese should be melted and bubbling, and the juices from the chicken run clear. If you’re ever unsure, a quick temp check is your best friend!

Can I assemble Pizza Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?

Definitely! You can season and arrange the chicken in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to cook, just bake as directed, then top with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni for the final round in the oven.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s just as fun as it is flavorful, Pizza Parmesan Chicken is a can’t-miss crowd pleaser. It’s a simple way to put a twist on weeknight chicken, and the combination of pizza flavors with cheesy baked chicken is pure dinnertime joy. Give it a try—you just might discover your new favorite!

Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Pizza Parmesan Chicken recipe is a flavorful twist on a classic dish, combining the savory flavors of pizza with tender, juicy chicken. Baked to perfection with gooey cheese and zesty pepperoni, it’s a satisfying and easy meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Toppings:

1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
16–20 slices pepperoni
1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish:

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare chicken: Place chicken breasts in the dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes.
Add toppings: Spoon marinara/pizza sauce over each chicken breast. Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices. Bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.