Name: Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 20 slices pepperoni; ½ cup bell pepper; 6 oz Mozzarella cheese; 2 tsp Italian Seasoning; salt and pepper; 2 tsp olive oil; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 tbsp parsley

Pizza stuffed chicken combines the savory flavors of a pizza with the wholesome nutrition of a chicken breast. It's a simple, versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. This recipe brings together a wonderful blend of pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara sauce stuffed into juicy chicken breasts. It's an exciting twist on your traditional pizza night.

Photos of Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Most of the ingredients required for this recipe, like chicken breasts, pepperoni, salt, pepper, and olive oil are staple items in many households. However, some ingredients like Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese might not be readily available at home. If you don't have these, you can easily find them in the Italian or cheese section of most supermarkets.

Ingredients for Pizza Stuffed Chicken

Chicken breasts: They are the main component of this dish, providing a lean, high-protein base.

Pepperoni: This cured meat adds a deliciously spicy and salty flavor to the dish.

Bell pepper: Adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, and provides a vibrant color.

Mozzarella cheese: A classic Italian cheese that melts beautifully, adding a rich and creamy texture.

Italian seasoning: A blend of dried Italian-inspired herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary.

Salt and pepper: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken, it adds a subtle, slightly fruity flavor.

Marinara sauce: A tangy tomato-based sauce that adds a hint of Italian flair to the dish.

Parsley: Used as a garnish, it adds a fresh, slightly bitter taste.

One reader, Kimbra Seibert says:

This pizza stuffed chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible and the chicken turns out so juicy. It's a fun twist on traditional pizza and a great way to switch up dinner. Plus, it's easy to make and a hit with the whole family. Highly recommend!

Kimbra Seibert

Cooking Techniques for Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe

How to prepare the chicken: Cut a pocket into one side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.

How to stuff the chicken: Place 5 slices of pepperoni, 1 to 2 tablespoons of sliced peppers, and 1 to 2 slices of mozzarella cheese into each pocket.

How to close the chicken pocket: Use 3 to 4 toothpicks to secure and close the pocket on each chicken breast.

How to sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then cook on both sides until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side.

How to bake the chicken: After searing, pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each piece, then bake for 20 minutes at 400°F or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.

How to serve: Sprinkle with parsley, then serve and enjoy!

How To Make Pizza Stuffed Chicken

Bake up a hearty plate of pizza stuffed chicken for dinner tonight! It’s packed with pepperonis, cheeses, and more for a belly-filling meal.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4chicken breasts,boneless, skinless
20slicespepperoni
½cupbell pepper,thinly sliced
6ozmozzarella cheese,thinly sliced, divided use
2tspItalian seasoning,or equal parts garlic powder, dried oregano and dried basil
salt and pepper,to taste
2tspolive oil
2cupsmarinara sauce
1tbspparsley,chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Using a small knife, cut a pocket into one side of each chicken breast; making sure not to cut all the way through to the other side.
Place 5 slices of pepperoni, 1 to 2 tablespoons of sliced peppers and 1 to 2 slices of mozzarella cheese into each pocket.
Reserve 4 slices of cheese.
Use 3 to 4 toothpicks to close up the pocket on each chicken breast.
Heat the olive oil in an oven safe pan over medium high heat.
Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
Place the chicken in the pan, then cook on both sides until golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
Place all the seared chicken breasts in the pan, then pour the marinara sauce over the top.
Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken piece.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Sprinkle with parsley, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 578.84kcal
Fat: 35.26g
Saturated Fat: 13.30g
Trans Fat: 0.35g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.50g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.02g
Carbohydrates: 13.22g
Fiber: 3.27g
Sugar: 8.50g
Protein: 49.99g
Cholesterol: 162.35mg
Sodium: 1142.55mg
Calcium: 318.64mg
Potassium: 927.51mg
Iron: 3.44mg
Vitamin A: 203.59µg
Vitamin C: 28.01mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe

When stuffing the chicken breasts, be careful not to overfill them. Overfilling can cause the stuffing to spill out during cooking, resulting in a less appealing presentation and potential loss of flavor. It's better to have a little less filling and ensure it stays inside the chicken. Also, when sealing the stuffed chicken with toothpicks, make sure they're visible for easy removal before serving.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Pizza Stuffed Chicken

Prep ahead: Prepare the filling and stuffing for the chicken breasts the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save time and make the assembly process quicker.

Uniform shape: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cutting the pockets. This will ensure even cooking and reduce the risk of overcooking the thinner parts while waiting for the thicker parts to cook through.

Use store-bought marinara sauce: Save time by using a quality store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch. This will cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.

One-pan cooking: Use an oven-safe pan for both searing the chicken and baking it in the oven. This will minimize clean-up and save time on washing multiple dishes.

Prep all ingredients: Measure and prepare all the ingredients before starting the cooking process. This will streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for ingredients.

Substitute Ingredients For Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts are a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts, providing a similar texture and taste.
Pepperoni - Substitute with salami: Salami offers a similar savory and slightly spicy flavor to pepperoni, making it a suitable substitute.
Bell pepper - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can provide a similar crunch and mild sweetness to bell peppers, adding a fresh element to the dish.
Mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a similar mild and creamy flavor to mozzarella, making it a great alternative for stuffing the chicken.
Italian seasoning - Substitute with herbs de Provence: Herbs de Provence blend offers a fragrant and aromatic mix of herbs, similar to Italian seasoning, to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato sauce with Italian herbs: Tomato sauce with Italian herbs can provide a similar rich and tangy flavor to marinara sauce, perfect for this recipe.

How to Plate and Present Pizza Stuffed Chicken

Elevate the chicken breasts: Carefully arrange the stuffed chicken breasts on the plate, ensuring they are positioned neatly and elegantly.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with finely chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the presentation.
Drizzle with balsamic reduction: Create a beautiful design on the plate using a balsamic reduction to add a touch of sophistication and depth of flavor.
Accompany with grilled vegetables: Serve the pizza stuffed chicken alongside a colorful array of grilled vegetables, arranged in an appealing manner to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Use a white plate for contrast: Present the vibrant colors of the dish on a clean, white plate to create a striking visual impact and allow the colors to stand out.
Incorporate microgreens: Add a delicate sprinkle of microgreens to the plate for a subtle yet visually appealing touch that adds a hint of elegance to the presentation.
Create a sauce swirl: Use a small spoon to create an artistic swirl of marinara sauce on the plate, adding a touch of finesse to the overall presentation.
Add a touch of edible flowers: Introduce a few edible flowers to the plate for a sophisticated and visually stunning presentation, elevating the overall aesthetic appeal of the dish.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Oven: You will need an oven to bake the stuffed chicken until it is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Small knife: A small knife will be used to cut a pocket into the chicken breasts for stuffing.
Toothpicks: Toothpicks will be used to secure the stuffed chicken pockets closed before cooking.
Oven-safe pan: An oven-safe pan will be used to sear the chicken and then bake it in the oven.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for Pizza Stuffed Chicken

Allow the pizza stuffed chicken to cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza stuffed chicken:
- Wrap each piece of cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, making sure there are no air pockets.
- Place the wrapped chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
To reheat frozen pizza stuffed chicken:
- Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the thawed chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the cheese and pepperoni, if desired.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave:
- Place a single piece of thawed pizza stuffed chicken on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, depending on the strength of your microwave.
- Let the chicken rest for 1 minute before serving, as the filling will be hot.

How To Reheat Leftover Pizza Stuffed Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pizza stuffed chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method will help maintain the crispiness of the pepperoni and the tenderness of the chicken.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover pizza stuffed chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it may become rubbery or dry.
For a crispy exterior, you can reheat the leftover pizza stuffed chicken in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the exterior is crispy. This method will give you results similar to when the dish was freshly made.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover pizza stuffed chicken, you can brush the top with some olive oil or melted butter before reheating. This will help keep the chicken moist and add a rich, savory taste to the dish.
To prevent the marinara sauce from drying out during reheating, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth to the dish before placing it in the oven or microwave. This will help keep the sauce moist and flavorful.

Interesting Trivia About Pizza Stuffed Chicken

Pizza stuffed chicken is a creative dish that combines the flavors of pizza with the tenderness of chicken. It's a delicious and unique way to enjoy two classic dishes in one.

Is Making Pizza Stuffed Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this pizza stuffed chicken recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients are commonly found in households, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of chicken, pepperoni, and bell pepper provides a good balance of protein and vegetables. The addition of mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce enhances the flavors, making it a satisfying meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it an affordable and delicious choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is Pizza Stuffed Chicken Healthy or Not?

This pizza stuffed chicken recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:

The high amount of cheese and pepperoni contributes to increased saturated fat and sodium content.
The use of marinara sauce, depending on the brand or recipe, may contain added sugars and preservatives.
Frying the chicken in olive oil before baking adds extra fat to the dish.

However, the recipe does include some nutritious elements, such as the lean protein from the chicken and the addition of bell peppers.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of cheese and pepperoni, or opt for low-fat and nitrate-free alternatives.
Choose a marinara sauce with no added sugars, or prepare a homemade version using fresh tomatoes and herbs.
Instead of frying the chicken, try seasoning it with Italian herbs and baking it directly in the oven.
Increase the amount of bell peppers and add other vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or spinach to boost the nutrient content.
Serve the stuffed chicken with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced meal.

By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the flavors of pizza stuffed chicken while reducing the overall fat, sodium, and calorie content, and increasing the nutritional value of the dish.

Editor's Opinion on the Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe

This pizza-stuffed chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of savory pepperoni, vibrant bell peppers, and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a burst of Italian-inspired goodness in every bite. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and seared to golden perfection, then baked to tender juiciness. The finishing touch of marinara sauce and melted mozzarella adds a comforting, familiar taste. This dish is a wonderful way to elevate a classic chicken dinner into a gourmet experience. It's a surefire crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving for more. Buon appetito!

Enhance Your Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a crispy garlic parmesan topping.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized brussels sprouts drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.

Honey Sriracha Roasted Carrots: Roasted carrots coated in a sticky honey sriracha glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.

Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad: Al dente pasta tossed in a creamy pesto dressing with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

Grilled Pineapple Salsa: A refreshing and tangy salsa made with grilled pineapple, red onion, and cilantro.

Similar Recipes to Pizza Stuffed Chicken

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette before grilling for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Braised Beef Stew: Slow cook tender beef with hearty vegetables and savory broth for a comforting and filling meal.

Mango Sorbet: Blend ripe mangoes with a touch of lime juice and freeze for a refreshing and fruity dessert.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Appetizers:

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Combine creamy spinach and artichoke dip with crispy tortilla chips for a perfect start to your meal. The warm, gooey dip is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with your guests.

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory stuffed mushrooms are filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. They make for a delightful bite-sized appetizer that will leave your guests wanting more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this warm and gooey chocolate dessert. The outer layer is perfectly baked, while the inside oozes with a molten chocolate center. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Tiramisu: Transport yourself to Italy with this classic dessert featuring layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese. The dusting of cocoa powder on top adds a hint of bitterness to balance out the sweetness. Serve it chilled for a refreshing and satisfying end to any meal.

Why trust this Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional chicken, combining the flavors of pizza with succulent chicken breasts. The combination of pepperoni, bell pepper, and mozzarella cheese creates a burst of Italian flavors in every bite. The use of Italian seasoning and marinara sauce further enhances the authenticity of the dish. The careful instructions ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection, guaranteeing a mouthwatering experience. With its enticing blend of ingredients and meticulous preparation, this recipe is a trustworthy choice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Share your thoughts on the Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use different types of cheese to suit your taste. Try experimenting with cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of different cheeses for a unique flavor.

Can I substitute the marinara sauce with a different sauce?

Absolutely! You can substitute the marinara sauce with your favorite pizza sauce or even a homemade tomato sauce for a personalized touch.

How can I tell if the chicken is cooked through?

You can check if the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's fully cooked. Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check for any pinkness or translucent areas.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook. Just make sure to remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before baking.

What can I serve with the pizza stuffed chicken?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or even a side of pasta. Choose your favorite sides to complement the flavors of the pizza stuffed chicken.