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
Scale
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.
