Imagine a dish that combines the irresistible flavors of pizza with perfectly cooked chicken - a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! This Pizza Chicken Pepperoni Basil recipe is not just a meal, it's a game-changing dinner experience that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouth-watering sensation that'll have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your home cooking and become the kitchen hero you were always meant to be!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the chicken breasts. If they are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds flavor and helps to lock in moisture.
- Once the chicken breasts are nicely browned, remove the skillet from the heat. Pour 1 cup of pizza sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce-covered chicken. Make sure to cover the chicken generously for a cheesy, melty topping.
- Top the cheese with 1/2 cup of sliced pepperoni, distributing them evenly over the cheese for a delicious, savory flavor.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the fresh basil. Rinse the basil leaves under cold water, pat them dry with a paper towel, and chop them finely.
- Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the cheesy, pepperoni-topped chicken for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Serve the Pizza Chicken Pepperoni Basil hot, and enjoy it with your favorite side dishes, such as a fresh salad or garlic bread.
Tips
- For the juiciest chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches exactly 165°F (75°C) - no dry chicken here!
- Choose high-quality pepperoni for maximum flavor impact. Thinly sliced varieties work best for even distribution.
- If you want extra crispy pepperoni, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Fresh basil is key - chop it just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma.
- For a low-carb version, serve over zucchini noodles or with a side of roasted vegetables.
- Experiment with different pizza sauces like spicy arrabbiata or herb-infused marinara to customize the flavor profile.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness and easier slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 135mg
