Quick & Easy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Pizza lovers, this easy pizza stuffed chicken recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into an exciting culinary adventure.

Cheese and marinara dance inside tender chicken breasts, creating a mouthwatering surprise with each bite.

Crispy exterior meets gooey interior, promising an irresistible meal that sparks conversation around the table.

Familiar flavors blend seamlessly in this innovative dish that feels both comforting and unexpected.

Family members will eagerly watch as you slice into these golden-brown parcels, revealing melted mozzarella and zesty sauce.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Dive into this delicious creation and watch everyone ask for seconds!

Pizza-Stuffed Chicken: Cheesy, Saucy, Amazing

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this pizza-inspired chicken in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults will love the combination of melted mozzarella, zesty marinara, and crispy pepperoni tucked inside tender chicken breasts.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Easily prepare this recipe in either an oven or air fryer, making it adaptable for different kitchen setups and cooking preferences.
• Low-Effort Gourmet Hack: Transform ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal prep work and simple, accessible ingredients that deliver maximum flavor.

What’s Stuffed in Pizza Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: The main protein that acts as a canvas for the pizza-inspired stuffing, preferably fresh and trimmed.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Pepperoni: Classic pizza toppings that create a delicious inner filling, choose high-quality mozzarella and mild pepperoni for best flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides a tangy base for the internal stuffing, look for a robust and flavorful brand.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty finish to the exterior seasoning.

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Oregano: A combined spice mix that brings classic pizza-like aromatics and depth to the chicken, select fresh and fragrant spices for maximum flavor.

How to Bake Pizza-Stuffed Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Butterfly Chicken Breasts

Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a butterfly or book-like opening.

Keep the edges connected so the chicken remains intact, allowing space for delicious fillings.

Step 3: Season and Sauce the Interior

Sprinkle salt and pepper inside the chicken breasts.

Spread marinara sauce evenly across the interior, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Pepperoni Filling

• Mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices

Distribute these toppings equally among the chicken breasts for consistent taste in every bite.

Step 5: Seal and Secure the Stuffing

Gently fold the chicken over the filling, pressing down to keep ingredients inside.

Season the exterior with additional salt and pepper.

Step 6: Create Flavor-Packed Seasoning Blend

• Parmesan cheese
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Dried oregano

Mix thoroughly to create a robust seasoning mix.

Step 7: Coat Chicken with Seasoning

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly across the top of each stuffed chicken breast, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor development.

Step 8: Cook to Perfection

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or air fry for 18-20 minutes.

Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.

Step 9: Serve and Savor

Remove from heat, plate immediately, and enjoy the pizza-inspired chicken while hot and bubbling with melted cheese.

Pizza Chicken Tips With Less Effort

• Use a sharp knife to create an even pocket in the chicken breast, ensuring the meat stays intact for perfect stuffing.
• Press edges firmly to prevent cheese and pepperoni from leaking during cooking, maintaining a neat and delicious presentation.
• Swap pepperoni for ham, swap mozzarella for provolone, or add fresh basil for a personalized pizza chicken twist.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165℉, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Space chicken pieces apart on the baking sheet or air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy exterior.

Pizza Stuffed Chicken That Stays Juicy

• Store leftover pizza stuffed chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm chicken at 350℉ for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes on medium power, checking temperature to ensure even warming without overcooking.
• Always verify internal temperature reaches 165℉ before consuming reheated chicken to guarantee food safety and prevent bacterial growth.

Smart Picks For Pizza Chicken

• Pair with Zesty Tomato Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a balsamic vinaigrette to complement the rich pizza-stuffed chicken.
• Match with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied white wine with subtle oak notes that will balance the savory pepperoni and melted cheese flavors.
• Serve alongside Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Add a green vegetable with a touch of garlic to enhance the Italian-inspired profile of the main dish.
• Cool Down with Beer Pairing: Choose a light lager or amber ale that cuts through the chicken's richness and provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy pepperoni.

Pizza-Stuffed Chicken Mix Variations

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, stuff with spinach, roasted bell peppers, and plant-based mozzarella for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap marinara for low-carb tomato sauce, use extra cheese, and add more pepperoni to increase fat content while maintaining pizza flavors.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients like marinara and pepperoni are certified gluten-free, and skip breadcrumb-based seasonings to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Substitute pepperoni with kalamata olives, swap mozzarella for feta cheese, and add fresh basil and oregano for a Greek-style pizza chicken experience.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or any melting cheese that complements pizza flavors.

• Is this recipe keto-friendly?

This recipe is relatively low-carb and can be keto-friendly, especially if you use a sugar-free marinara sauce and ensure the pepperoni has no added sugars.

• How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To keep the chicken moist, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches 165℉.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance, cover them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

Easy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent chicken breasts become a flavor-packed canvas for pizza stuffed chicken, merging Italian-inspired comfort with protein-rich delight. Melted cheese, zesty marinara, and crispy pepperoni create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 ounces (56 grams) pepperoni slices

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1/3 cup marinara (or pesto)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven or air fryer by heating to 425℉ (220℃), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, creating a pocket-like opening without completely separating the halves.
3. Generously season the interior of the chicken with salt and pepper, then spread a layer of marinara sauce inside each breast.
4. Distribute mozzarella cheese evenly across the marinara-coated interior, followed by arranging pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
5. Gently fold the chicken breast closed, pressing the edges to seal in the filling and create a compact stuffed chicken package.
6. Combine parmesan cheese with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
7. Sprinkle the herb and cheese mixture over the exterior of the stuffed chicken, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
8. Cook in the preheated oven or air fryer until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165℉ (75℃), which typically takes 20-25 minutes in the oven or 18-20 minutes in the air fryer.
9. Remove from heat, let rest briefly, then serve immediately while the cheese is melted and the chicken is piping hot.

Notes

• Butterfly chicken breasts carefully to create an even pocket without cutting completely through, ensuring a perfect stuffing surface.
• Opt for low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid during cooking, keeping the chicken crispy and preventing sogginess.
• Customize the seasoning blend by adjusting spice levels or replacing herbs based on personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the spice mixture adhere better and create a more flavorful, crisp exterior when baking.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1150 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg