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Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe baked with melted mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, pizza sauce, and fresh parsley in a white baking dish.

Cheesy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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A delightful and family-friendly dinner combining tender, juicy chicken breasts stuffed with marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. It’s a one-dish solution to the weeknight dinner scramble that brings everyone together without fuss or a mountain of dishes.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.52 lbs total)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup marinara or pizza sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture part-skim)

¼ cup mini pepperoni (optional)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part of each breast to create a pocket, leaving about a ½-inch hinge on one side. Alternatively, place each breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness.

3. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Generously season both the inside and outside of each chicken breast with the spice mixture.

4. Open each seasoned chicken breast like a book. On one half, spread 1-2 tablespoons of marinara sauce, leaving a small border. Sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Add mini pepperoni or other toppings if desired. Do not overstuff.

5. Fold the other half of the chicken over the filling to seal. Secure edges with toothpicks if needed.

6. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, or place the stuffed chicken in a lightly greased baking dish if not seared. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). During the last 5 minutes, you can sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.

8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

Notes

Always pat the chicken dry to ensure a good sear. Aim for even thickness of the chicken to promote even cooking. Secure the edges with toothpicks to prevent filling from leaking; remember to remove them before serving. Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest after baking for juicier results. Customize with your favorite pizza toppings such as bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage.

  • Author: Charlotte Johnson
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: low-carb, keto-friendly, high-protein

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
  • Calories: 385
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 48g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg