Imagine biting into a juicy chicken breast that explodes with the irresistible flavors of pizza - melted mozzarella, zesty marinara, and crispy pepperoni, all wrapped in perfectly seasoned chicken. This Easy Pizza Stuffed Chicken recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero, turning ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with a dish that combines the comfort of pizza with the protein-packed goodness of chicken!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the thickest part of the breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through, leaving about a 1/2 inch border on the sides.
- Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Fill each chicken breast pocket with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices, pressing gently to ensure the filling stays inside.
- Secure the openings of the chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Pour marinara sauce over and around the chicken breasts, ensuring some sauce covers the top of each piece.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove toothpicks before serving. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set and juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips
- Pocket Technique: When creating the chicken pocket, use a sharp knife and cut slowly to ensure an even, deep pocket without piercing through the chicken.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting quality and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Toothpick Pro Tip: Remember to count your toothpicks and remove ALL before serving to prevent any unexpected surprises for your diners!
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve - a perfect meal prep option.
- Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different pizza-inspired fillings like adding some chopped spinach, swap pepperoni for ham, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 140mg
