If you love the idea of combining crispy chicken with all the beloved flavors of pizza, then this Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs tonight. Imagine tender, breaded chicken breasts coated with a golden crust flavored with Parmesan and Italian seasoning, topped with savory marinara, melty mozzarella, and plenty of pepperoni. This dish is a deliciously fun twist that brings together the best parts of pizza and chicken into one satisfying meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a favorite for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish uses straightforward, fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance between crispy, cheesy, and saucy that makes the Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe so irresistible.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each): The hearty base of the dish, pounded evenly for perfect cooking.
- 2 large eggs: Helps the breading stick and adds moisture to the chicken coating.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright zing to the egg wash for an extra flavor pop.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the first layer of breading to seal in juices.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light, airy crunch that’s hard to beat.
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning: Infuses classic pizza flavors into the crust.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish: Adds sharp, savory depth to the breading.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: For a subtle but necessary spice kick.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (12 ounces): Roasted alongside the chicken for juiciness and natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps roast the tomatoes and crisp up the chicken’s exterior.
- ¾ cup marinara sauce: The sauce that tops the chicken, bringing that unmistakable pizza vibe.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- 16 slices pepperoni: Adds a bold, savory punch reminiscent of classic pepperoni pizza.
- Small fresh basil leaves, for garnish: Brings color and fresh herbal notes to brighten the dish.
How to Make Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) and greasing a 10×17 inch baking dish. Evenly pounding your chicken breasts to about three-quarters of an inch thick is the secret to ensuring they cook evenly and stay juicy. Taking this extra time at the start sets the stage for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Step 2: Bread Chicken
To make your breading station, set up three shallow bowls: one with whisked eggs combined with fresh lemon juice, another with the all-purpose flour, and the last combining panko breadcrumbs, dried Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and kosher salt. Dip each chicken breast first in the egg mixture, then dredge through the flour, back into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. This double dip method guarantees a crispy, flavorful crust that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Place the breaded chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish and scatter cherry tomatoes around them. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to amp up the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and add a touch of seasoning. Bake for 18 minutes to let the chicken become golden and the tomatoes soften gently in the heat.
Step 4: Top and Finish
Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, it’s time to pile on the flavors that make this such a standout Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe. Ladle marinara sauce over each piece, sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, and top with pepperoni slices. Pop the dish back into the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, stretchy blanket that makes you want to dig in immediately.
How to Serve Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding small fresh basil leaves on top just before serving adds a pop of vibrant green and a fresh, peppery aroma that cuts through the richness perfectly. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan for an elegant finish and boost of savory goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its richness. Toss up a crisp green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate. Garlic bread or a buttery pasta on the side is also a classic way to complement the pizza flavors while soaking up the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken atop a bed of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes—both are perfect for catching extra sauce and melted cheese. Alternatively, slice the chicken and stuff into warm ciabatta rolls for a hearty sandwich experience that makes the Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe easy to enjoy anytime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the cheese and pepperoni on the chicken helps retain moisture and flavor even after chilling, so reheated slices remain delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken breasts individually wrapped or in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. This way, you can quickly thaw and enjoy the magic of this recipe anytime you crave a rich, comforting meal.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which keeps the crust nice and crispy. Microwaving is faster but may soften the crust and cheese, so use that only if you’re pressed for time.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan bring the classic flavors, you can mix in provolone, fontina, or even a little cheddar for a different twist. Just choose cheeses that melt well for the best results.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives a lighter, crunchier texture that really makes the difference in this Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe. If you only have regular crumbs, try adding a bit of crushed crackers for extra crispness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. There are many gluten-free breadcrumb options available that maintain the texture and flavor you want.
Is it possible to bake this recipe without the pepperoni?
Of course! The pepperoni adds a nice spicy note, but this dish remains delicious without it. You might want to add extra cheese or some olives for a bit more pizzazz.
How long does it take to prepare this Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe?
The total time, including prep and baking, is about 38 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal that looks and tastes like you spent much longer in the kitchen, perfect for busy nights.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a brilliant, comforting way to enjoy the best flavors of pizza with juicy, crispy chicken. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels special yet comes together quickly with everyday ingredients. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easy and delicious dinner can be when pizza and chicken come together like this!
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
This Pizza Parmesan Chicken recipe is a delicious twist on classic chicken parmesan, featuring breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices for that authentic pizza flavor. Cherry tomatoes roasted alongside add a fresh, juicy component making this an easy and satisfying dinner that brings pizza and chicken parmesan together in one dish.
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
Other Ingredients
- 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). Grease a 10×17 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch to ensure even cooking.
- Bread Chicken: Prepare a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the eggs and fresh lemon juice. The second bowl should hold the all-purpose flour. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, dried Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and kosher salt. Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the flour. Dip back into the egg mixture, and finally coat well with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the chicken, drizzle them with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes to cook the chicken and soften the tomatoes.
- Top and Finish: Remove the dish from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then layer the pepperoni slices on each breast. Return the dish to the oven and bake an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color. Serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure they cook properly and remain juicy.
- Using fresh basil as a garnish enhances the freshness and adds a vibrant aroma.
- If you prefer less spice, omit or reduce the pepperoni slices.
- For an extra crispy crust, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning.
