Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake

Pizza stuffed chicken brings together two comfort classics in one easy weeknight recipe that never fails to impress. Juicy chicken breasts are loaded with gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and vibrant marinara, so every forkful tastes just like your favorite slice. It is perfect for when you crave pizza but want something hearty and protein packed.

My kids call this dish pizza night’s weeknight twin. It started as a fun twist after our usual Friday tradition and now gets rave reviews every time.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: serve as the meaty base and hold all the fixing
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: delivers that melty pizza goodness look for whole milk for best stretch
• Pepperoni slices: bring savory spice and a classic pizza touch choose good quality for bold flavor
• Marinara sauce: infuses each bite with tomato richness a chunky or smooth style both work well
• Italian seasoning: brings together herbs for authentic pizza taste check the label for real herbs
• Garlic powder and onion powder: create a savory base layer go for fresh and fragrant powder
• Salt and pepper: help all the flavors come alive use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
• Olive oil: keeps the chicken moist and supports browning extra virgin delivers deeper aroma
• Fresh basil: offers a burst of color and flavor optional but highly recommended for freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. This temperature ensures the cheese melts evenly and the chicken cooks without drying out.

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels so seasoning sticks. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Stop just before slicing all the way through to create a deep pocket for stuffing.

Season the Chicken:

Rub each piece all over with olive oil. Sprinkle salt pepper garlic powder and onion powder generously making sure to reach the inside of each pocket for maximum flavor.

Make the Filling:

Combine the shredded mozzarella pepperoni marinara sauce and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Toss gently to make sure every ingredient is well mixed and evenly coated.

Stuff the Chicken:

With a spoon fill each chicken breast pocket with the cheese and pepperoni mixture. Be generous but do not overfill to prevent spillage. Use toothpicks to pinch the pockets closed if needed to keep all the goodness inside.

Bake:

Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish. Slide it into the oven and bake for about thirty to thirty five minutes. You want the outside golden and the inside to reach an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit for perfect juicy chicken.

Rest:

Once out of the oven let the chicken rest in the pan for five minutes. This makes it easier to remove toothpicks and allows juices to redistribute for a more tender bite.

Garnish:

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving to add a final fresh note and some color contrast.

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My favorite ingredient has to be the melty mozzarella. It brings everyone to the table as soon as the aroma hits the air. One time my son helped stuff the chicken and could not stop giggling over the stretchy cheese center.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy edges and gooey center. If you are making ahead raw stuffed chicken can be assembled and refrigerated up to one day before baking. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the cheese stretchy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in part skim mozzarella for a lighter dish or use provolone for a distinct flavor. Turkey pepperoni or chopped cooked veggies like bell pepper and mushrooms make good fillings if you want to skip traditional pepperoni. Gluten free eaters can double check that their marinara and seasonings are certified gluten free as well.

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Serving Suggestions

This meal pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a full pizza night feel. Steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini keep it low carb and add color to the plate. For a fun appetizer twist slice the chicken before serving and insert toothpicks for party bites.

Cultural Inspiration

Pizza stuffed chicken is a true marriage of American comfort food and Italian inspired flavors. It offers an easy way to bring pizza night excitement to your kitchen with a wholesome protein at the center of the plate. Its popularity is a testament to the versatility and lasting appeal of both pizza and stuffed chicken classics.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you ensure stuffed chicken remains juicy?

Lightly oil and season the chicken, avoid overbaking, and let it rest before serving to keep juices inside the meat.

→ Can you make pizza stuffed chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken with filling a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

→ What cheeses work best for this dish?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but provolone or a mix of Italian cheeses also add great flavor and texture.

→ Are there alternatives to pepperoni?

Try cooked sausage, chopped ham, or even sliced olives or bell peppers for a different twist.

→ How do you know the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.