Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy chicken breast, bursting with gooey mozzarella and savory pepperoni, all enveloped in rich marinara sauce. If that sounds like a dream come true, then you're in for a treat with this Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe! Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy date night, this Italian-inspired dish is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. In just 40 minutes, you can elevate your chicken game and impress your loved ones with a meal that combines the best of both worlds: pizza and chicken. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the oven is hot enough to cook the chicken evenly and thoroughly.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help the chicken cook evenly and make it easier to stuff.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. This will be the delicious stuffing for your chicken breasts.
- Take one seasoned chicken breast and place a generous amount of the cheese and pepperoni mixture in the center. Be careful not to overstuff, as you need to be able to fold the chicken over the filling.
- Fold the chicken breast over the filling, securing it with toothpicks if necessary. This will help keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Repeat the stuffing process with the remaining chicken breasts until all are filled.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. This step adds flavor and helps seal in the juices.
- Once the chicken is seared, pour the marinara sauce over the top of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. This will add moisture and flavor as the chicken cooks.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks, if used. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken.
- Serve the pizza stuffed chicken breasts hot, garnished with extra marinara sauce or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly and makes it easier to stuff them without tearing.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up on the cheese and pepperoni, be careful not to overstuff the chicken. A generous amount is great, but you need to be able to fold the chicken over without spilling the filling.
- Sear for Flavor: Searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet before baking adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step—it locks in the juices and creates a delicious golden crust.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: If you have a cast-iron skillet or another oven-safe pan, use it for both searing and baking. This not only saves on dishes but also helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and optimal juiciness.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Serve your stuffed chicken with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of extra marinara sauce for added freshness and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 135mg
