Get ready for a flavor explosion with One-Pan Pizza Chicken! This easy-to-make dish combines the classic taste of pizza with the convenience of a one-pan meal. By baking the chicken in a skillet or sheet pan with all your favorite pizza toppings, you can enjoy a cheesy, pepperoni-packed dinner with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a comforting, Italian-inspired meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings in a whole new way.
The Benefits of One-Pan Meals
One-pan meals like this One-Pan Pizza Chicken are a busy home cook’s best friend. Not only do they cut down on prep and cooking time, but they also minimize the number of dishes to clean up afterwards. By layering all the ingredients in a single oven-safe skillet or sheet pan, you can create a complete, flavor-packed meal with just a few simple steps. Plus, the one-pan method helps lock in the juices and aromas of the chicken, resulting in a moist, delicious final dish.
Ingredient Breakdown: Building Layers of Flavor
The key to this One-Pan Pizza Chicken recipe is the interplay of high-quality, flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The foundation of the dish, chicken breasts provide a lean protein that soaks up all the delicious pizza flavors.
- Pizza Sauce: This is the base that ties the entire pizza-inspired theme together. Look for a sauce with bold, savory tomato flavor.
- Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder: These classic spices help season the chicken and complement the pizza flavors.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: The melty, gooey cheese toppings are what really make this dish feel like a pizza.
- Mini Pepperoni or Turkey Pepperoni: For that quintessential pizza topping, pepperoni adds a delightful spicy-and-savory punch.
- Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken before baking, the olive oil helps create a beautiful caramelized crust.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional): These herbs add a fresh, fragrant finishing touch to the dish.
Feel free to get creative with the toppings and customize the recipe to your liking. Sautéed mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, or even crumbled Italian sausage would all make delicious additions.
Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pan Pizza Chicken
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the easy preparation process:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or sheet pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Add the Toppings: Spoon the pizza sauce over the seared chicken, then top with the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and mini pepperoni.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet or sheet pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the One-Pan Pizza Chicken from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Techniques Explained
The key to nailing this One-Pan Pizza Chicken recipe is all in the cooking techniques. By searing the chicken before baking, you’re creating a delightful caramelized crust that seals in the juices and adds a wonderful texture contrast to the melty cheese topping. The high-heat baking then ensures the chicken is cooked through while the cheese has time to melt and bubble to perfection.
Another important technique is using an oven-safe skillet or sheet pan. This allows you to seamlessly transition the dish from the stovetop to the oven, making the entire process a breeze. Just be sure to use an oven mitt when handling the hot pan after baking!
Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Pizza Chicken
This One-Pan Pizza Chicken is a complete meal in itself, but you can easily round it out with a few tasty accompaniments. Try serving it with a fresh, crisp salad dressed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette or some garlic-parmesan roasted broccoli. For a heartier option, pair it with a side of garlic bread or creamy mashed potatoes.
No matter what you choose to serve alongside it, the One-Pan Pizza Chicken is sure to be the star of the show. Its bold, pizza-inspired flavors and convenient one-pan preparation make it a weeknight dinner winner that the whole family will love.
Nutritional Information
One serving of this One-Pan Pizza Chicken (1 chicken breast and toppings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
While this dish is hearty and satisfying, it can also be made healthier with a few simple tweaks. Consider using low-fat or part-skim mozzarella cheese, opting for turkey pepperoni, and serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. These small changes can help boost the nutritional value without sacrificing the delicious pizza-inspired flavor.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of One-Pan Pizza Chicken is its versatility. Here are some ideas for customizing the recipe to suit your tastes:
- Vegetarian/Vegan Version: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Use vegan cheese and tomato sauce to make it completely meat-free.
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Instead of traditional pizza sauce, use a low-carb marinara or crushed tomatoes. Serve the chicken over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken before baking for a fiery twist.
- Extra Veggie-Packed: Load up the chicken with sautéed onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, or your other favorite pizza veggies.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as provolone, cheddar, or even crumbled feta or goat cheese.
No matter how you choose to customize it, the One-Pan Pizza Chicken is sure to be a hit. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
FAQs for One-Pan Pizza Chicken
1. What ingredients do I need to make One-Pan Pizza Chicken?
To make One-Pan Pizza Chicken, you will typically need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and your choice of vegetables (such as bell peppers or onions). You may also need olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
2. How long does it take to prepare One-Pan Pizza Chicken?
The preparation time for One-Pan Pizza Chicken is usually around 10-15 minutes, while the cooking time can take about 25-30 minutes. Overall, you can expect the entire process to take around 40-45 minutes from start to finish.
3. Can I customize One-Pan Pizza Chicken with other toppings?
Absolutely! One-Pan Pizza Chicken is highly customizable. You can add your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or different cheese varieties. Just ensure that any additional toppings are pre-cooked or can be cooked in the same time frame as the chicken.
4. What can I serve with One-Pan Pizza Chicken?
One-Pan Pizza Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it over pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken Over Parmesan Pasta
- One-Pan Chicken Noodles
- Cheesy Taco Stuffed Tater Tot Cups
- Bacon Ranch Chicken Mac & Cheese Bombs
Get ready to enjoy a delicious, pizza-inspired meal with minimal effort using this simple One-Pan Pizza Chicken recipe. With its irresistible flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
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One-Pan Pizza Chicken Recipe: Quick & Delicious Dinner
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Get ready for a flavor explosion with One-Pan Pizza Chicken! This easy-to-make dish combines the classic taste of pizza with the convenience of a one-pan meal. By baking the chicken in a skillet or sheet pan with all your favorite pizza toppings, you can enjoy a cheesy, pepperoni-packed dinner with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a comforting, Italian-inspired meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings in a whole new way.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or turkey pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or sheet pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Add the Toppings: Spoon the pizza sauce over the seared chicken, then top with the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and mini pepperoni.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet or sheet pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the One-Pan Pizza Chicken from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite pizza toppings such as sautéed mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, or even crumbled Italian sausage. For a healthier option, consider using low-fat cheese and turkey pepperoni.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast and toppings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg