Pizza Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Pizza Chicken is a delicious twist on classic chicken dishes, combining crispy breaded chicken with all the flavors of your favorite pizza. Topped with marinara, gooey mozzarella, and your choice of pizza toppings, it’s an easy meal sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (can substitute canola or olive oil)
- ½ cup flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs (whisked until airy and frothy)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 24 oz. marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan (grated)
- Pizza toppings of choice (see notes for suggestions)
- Fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (to garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare three separate breading stations: mix flour, seasoned salt, and pepper in the first; whisk eggs with garlic powder in the second; and combine breadcrumbs with shredded Parmesan in the third.
- Step 2: Slice the chicken breasts into 2-3 thinner pieces, aiming for about ½ inch thickness. Pat dry and tenderize if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Step 3: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip briefly in the egg mixture, letting extra drip off, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
- Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use enough oil to cover about one-third of the chicken’s thickness.
- Step 5: Fry two chicken pieces at a time, leaving space around them so they crisp properly. Cook for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a cooling rack. Repeat with remaining pieces.
- Step 6: Spread 80% of the marinara sauce on the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish. Place the fried chicken on top, spoon the remaining sauce over the chicken, then add mozzarella cheese, your favorite pizza toppings, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 13 minutes. Check after 10 minutes and remove once the cheese has melted and toppings are cooked through.
- Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired, then serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Use a meat tenderizer to ensure chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy.
- Try different pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers depending on your preference.
- For a lighter option, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying—about 20 minutes at 425°F until crispy.
Storage
Store leftover Pizza Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the breading soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
What are some good pizza toppings to use?
Popular toppings include pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, onions, and cooked sausage. Feel free to customize based on your favorite pizza flavors.
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Pizza Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This delicious Pizza Chicken recipe combines crispy, breaded chicken breasts fried to perfection and then baked with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings for a flavorful, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (can substitute canola or olive oil)
- ½ cup flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs (whisked until airy and frothy)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
Sauce and Toppings
- 24 oz. marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 3 Tablespoons Parmesan (grated)
- Pizza toppings of choice (suggestions: pepperoni, sliced olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or cooked sausage)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Breading Stations and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In three separate shallow bowls, prepare your breading stations: first, mix ½ cup flour with 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper; second, whisk together 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon garlic powder; third, combine 1 ¼ cups breadcrumbs with ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Slice and Pound Chicken: Slice each chicken breast into 2-3 thinner pieces, aiming for about ½ inch thickness. Use a meat tenderizer to pound them evenly if needed. Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels to ensure the breading sticks well.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour mixture, tapping off excess. Next, dip it briefly into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat Oil and Fry Chicken: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet (cast iron preferred) to cover about one-third of the chicken’s height and heat it over medium until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry 2 pieces of chicken at a time, ensuring space between pieces for crispiness. Fry for approximately 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to remove the chicken and place on a cooling rack to drain excess oil. Repeat for all pieces.
- Assemble Baking Dish: Spread about 80% of the marinara sauce on the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish. Arrange the fried chicken slices evenly over the sauce. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top, add your chosen pizza toppings, then sprinkle with 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 13 minutes. Begin checking after 10 minutes to ensure the cheese is melted and bubbling and the toppings are heated through. Remove from oven once done.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the baked pizza chicken with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the pizza toppings to your liking—popular options include pepperoni, sliced olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or cooked sausage.
- For a lighter alternative, use olive oil for frying instead of vegetable oil.
- Ensure the chicken slices are patted very dry before breading for a crispier crust.
- Use a cast iron skillet for best frying results to achieve even heat distribution and a crisp crust.
- The chicken must be cooked through before baking, as the baking step primarily melts the cheese and heats the toppings.
- Leftover pizza chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Pizza Chicken, Breaded Chicken, Fried Chicken, Italian-American, Marinara Sauce, Baked Chicken, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan, Easy Dinner
