Description

This Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake is a mouthwatering fusion of classic pizza flavors and tender chicken breasts. Juicy chicken breasts are butterflied and stuffed with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, marinara sauce, and Parmesan, then baked to perfection with a cheesy, flavorful topping. Perfect for a comforting dinner that combines the best of Italian-inspired pizza with protein-packed chicken.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Pizza Filling and Topping

24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
4 slices thick-cut mozzarella cheese
30 slices pepperoni
1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
⅛ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
Prepare chicken and seasoning: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting horizontally about two-thirds through the thickness. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly all over the chicken breasts ensuring full flavor coverage.
Layer marinara sauce: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will keep the chicken moist and add flavor from the base up.
Stuff the chicken breasts: Open each butterflied chicken breast gently. Place one slice of thick-cut mozzarella cheese inside each chicken breast, followed by 5 slices of pepperoni, a spoonful of marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Carefully close the chicken breast and secure with toothpicks if needed to hold the filling inside. Place each stuffed breast in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
Top the chicken: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the tops of the stuffed chicken breasts. Then evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, remaining pepperoni slices, and the rest of the Parmesan cheese on top. If you like, add an extra pinch of Italian seasoning for enhanced herbiness.
Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving.

Notes

Butterflying the chicken breasts allows for more even cooking and creates room for a generous filling.
Using thick-cut mozzarella inside helps prevent the cheese from melting out during baking.
Secure the chicken breasts with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling from spilling out.
Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.