If you’re craving a dish that brings together the irresistible flavors of Italian pizza and the hearty satisfaction of chicken, then you need to try this Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion where crispy, golden chicken breasts are lovingly breaded with Parmesan and Italian herbs, then topped with marinara, gooey mozzarella, and pepperoni slices. The juicy cherry tomatoes roasted alongside add bursts of freshness that make every bite a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy goodness. This recipe is quick to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite, whether you’re cooking for weeknights or craving something special on the weekend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe are simple, approachable, and all contribute to building the layers of amazing flavor and texture. Each one plays its part—whether it’s the crunchy panko for the perfect crust or the fresh basil that gives a pop of color and aroma at the end.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each): The star of the dish, providing juicy, tender protein.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the coating ingredients to the chicken for that perfect golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds a subtle tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the first layer of dredging for the breading process.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Gives a crunchy, light texture that holds up beautifully during baking.
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning: Infuses classic herbal flavors reminiscent of pizza seasoning.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish: Adds a savory, nutty depth to the crust and finishing touch on top.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Balances the flavors with a mild heat.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (12 ounces): Roasts up juicy and sweet, complementing the rich chicken and cheese.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps roast the tomatoes perfectly and adds richness.
- ¾ cup marinara sauce: The classic tomato base that brings that authentic pizza vibe.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, giving each bite that signature pizza ooze.
- 16 slices pepperoni: Adds a spicy, savory punch and iconic pizza flair.
- Small fresh basil leaves, for garnish: Provides a fresh herbal brightness and stunning color contrast.
How to Make Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), and grease a 10×17 inch baking dish to ensure your chicken doesn’t stick. Before the breading process, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch. This step is crucial for even cooking, so each bite ends up tender and juicy.
Step 2: Bread Chicken
Set up a classic breading station with three shallow bowls: one with whisked eggs and lemon juice, one with all-purpose flour, and another with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, dried Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan, black pepper, and kosher salt. This layered coating is what gives the chicken its beautiful, crispy crust. Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, then dredge it in flour, dip back into the egg for better adhesion, and finally press it into the breadcrumb mixture until completely coated. This process ensures every bite will have that perfect crunch combined with savory depth.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Place each breaded chicken breast into the greased baking dish. Scatter the cherry tomatoes all around the chicken and drizzle olive oil over them. Finish with a quick sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 18 minutes. This gentle roast allows the chicken to cook through while the tomatoes soften and develop their juicy sweetness.
Step 4: Top and Finish
Once the initial baking is done, it’s time to build that glorious pizza topping. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then blanket them with shredded mozzarella cheese, and finally add slices of pepperoni on top. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese bubbles and melts to irresistible perfection. This finishing bake locks in all those traditional pizza flavors but with the heartiness of chicken underneath.
Step 5: Serve
When your Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe is out of the oven, garnish generously with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. These final touches not only make the dish visually stunning but elevate the flavors with that fresh, nutty, and aromatic finish. Trust me, this is the part where everyone’s eyes light up.
How to Serve Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan are the classic garnish duo that add vibrant color and an herbaceous zip to your chicken. The basil’s aroma pairs perfectly with the tomato and cheese, while the Parmesan topping enhances the savory crust. Feel free to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re craving a little heat—it’s a game-changer.
Side Dishes
This Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe deserves side dishes that complement its Italian-inspired flavors without overpowering them. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds peppery freshness, while garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any marinara drips. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans provide a healthy and colorful balance to the rich main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at your next dinner, serve this chicken sliced on a large platter with the roasted cherry tomatoes and melted mozzarella cascading over it. You can also serve it family-style, letting everyone add extra basil or Parmesan to their taste. Pair it with a rustic basket of Italian bread for a homemade pizzeria feel right at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pizza Parmesan Chicken can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain the chicken’s moisture and preserve the flavor of the toppings.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this recipe in advance, you can freeze the cooked chicken breasts before adding the sauce and cheese. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating with toppings.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven set at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to maintain the chicken’s crisp crust and to melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and the texture less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional and melts beautifully, you can try provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a twist. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well to keep that gooey, cheesy texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The recipe’s crispy texture can still be achieved with these swaps, ensuring everyone can enjoy it safely.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
You sure can. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and have more flavor but may take a couple more minutes to cook through. Adjust baking time accordingly and make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What type of marinara works best?
A simple, flavorful marinara sauce with good-quality tomatoes and herbs is ideal. You can use store-bought or homemade, depending on what you prefer. Avoid sauces that are overly sweet to balance the savory elements of the dish.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can pound and bread the chicken earlier and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the tomato roasting and toppings fresh on the day you plan to bake for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe is truly a standout meal that brings together the best of pizza and comfort chicken in one gorgeous dish. It’s perfect for anyone who loves hearty meals with layered flavors and a little bit of flair. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s a sure way to brighten any dinner table and satisfy every craving!
Print
Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Pizza Parmesan Chicken recipe featuring breaded chicken breasts baked to perfection, topped with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni for a delicious pizza-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (12 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 16 slices pepperoni
- Small fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a 10×17 inch baking dish. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ¾ inch, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Bread Chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with whisked eggs mixed with fresh lemon juice, one with all-purpose flour, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, dried Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and kosher salt. Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, then dredge in flour, dip again in the egg mixture, and finally coat completely in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the chicken, drizzle with olive oil, and season everything with salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes to partially cook the chicken and soften the tomatoes.
- Top and Finish: Remove the baking dish from the oven and spread marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and add pepperoni slices. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish the baked chicken with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately for a delicious pizza-inspired chicken meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly to avoid uneven cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Cooking times may vary depending on chicken thickness; always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or use spicy pepperoni.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
