If you are craving something that combines the comfort of pizza with the heartiness of a baked chicken dish, you need to try this Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe. It’s everything you love about a classic pepperoni pizza rolled up inside tender, juicy chicken breasts then baked with savory marinara and ooey-gooey cheese. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser and brings that perfect balance of melty cheese, crispy pepperoni, and well-seasoned chicken that feels both homey and a little indulgent. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become one of your favorite weeknight dinners or weekend treats to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create big flavor and terrific texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s to add juiciness, seasoning, or that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for stuffing, tender and lean.
- ½ tablespoon olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a little kick and balances the richness.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Offers a savory depth and classic Italian profile.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend that brings warmth and herbaceous notes.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar): The saucy base that infuses the chicken with tangy richness.
- 4 slices thick-cut mozzarella cheese: Melts delectably inside the chicken pockets.
- 30 slices pepperoni: The star topping, fiery and flavorful, stuffed inside and on top.
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible golden cheese layer on top.
- â…› cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes that elevate every bite.
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready and Prep Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray to keep things clean and your chicken from sticking during baking. This simple first step paves the way for a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Season and Butterly Your Chicken Breasts
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This seasoning mix will be the secret to infusing layers of flavor in every bite. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing about two-thirds of the way through horizontally—this creates a pocket the perfect size for stuffing. Rub the seasoning blend all over the chicken to ensure every part is well coated with that savory goodness.
Step 3: Add a Flavorful Marinara Base
Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This not only creates a flavor-packed bed for your stuffed chicken but also keeps it moist and tender while baking.
Step 4: Stuff Your Chicken with Cheese, Pepperoni, and More Sauce
Open each butterflied chicken breast like a book. Inside, place a slice of thick mozzarella cheese for creamy meltiness, followed by 5 slices of pepperoni for that iconic pizza taste. Add a spoonful of marinara sauce to keep each bite juicy, then sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese for that extra savory kick. Close the chicken breast around the filling—secure with toothpicks if needed—and lay it in the baking dish. Repeat this delicious assembly with all four breasts.
Step 5: Top with More Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed chicken breasts. Now sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously across the top, adding the remaining pepperoni slices and Parmesan cheese. If you want an extra herbaceous touch, sprinkle a bit more Italian seasoning over everything. This topping will create that golden, bubbly crust you’re dreaming of.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Juicy and Cooked Through
Bake your dish in the oven for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This step ensures your chicken is juicy and safe to eat while letting all those flavors harmonize beautifully as the cheese melts and sauce bubbles.
How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching presentation and added flavor, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a pleasant heat if you’re feeling adventurous. These touches bring freshness and color that brighten the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A light Caesar salad cuts through the richness perfectly, while some garlic bread lets you soak up any leftover marinara sauce—pure comfort on a plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-friendly twist, carve the chicken into thick slices to show off the beautiful pepperoni and cheese layers inside. Serve it buffet-style so everyone can grab their favorite toppings or pair it with individual bowls of extra Parmesan and chili flakes. These presentation ideas add fun and flair to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors often develop even more after resting overnight, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish cooked or unbaked. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave leftovers, but baking retains the crispy pepperoni and melted cheese much better.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese besides mozzarella?
Absolutely! While mozzarella provides that classic stretchy melt, you can experiment with fontina, provolone, or even sharp cheddar for different flavor twists. Just choose cheeses that melt well.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
Is it necessary to butterfly the chicken breasts?
Butterflying creates a pocket perfect for stuffing and helps the chicken cook evenly while encasing all those delicious fillings. It’s worth the small extra step.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free marinara sauce and check that any seasoning mixes or pepperoni slices don’t contain hidden gluten. The chicken and cheese are naturally gluten-free.
What’s a good alternative to pepperoni if I don’t eat pork?
Try turkey pepperoni or thin slices of cooked sausage or even roasted vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for a veggie twist. The flavor will still be deliciously satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe is such a fun and flavorful way to enjoy pizza night without the usual dough and carbs. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a dish that’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with all the best pizza flavors wrapped up in juicy chicken. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza Stuffed Chicken Bake combines juicy, seasoned chicken breasts stuffed with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce for a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired meal. Topped with more marinara, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, this bake delivers all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza in a healthy, protein-packed chicken dish perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
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
Filling and Toppings
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
- 4 slices thick-cut mozzarella cheese
- 30 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- â…› cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Season the chicken: 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 of the way through. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly all over the chicken breasts, including inside the cut.
- Spread marinara sauce: Pour and spread half of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful base.
- Stuff the chicken breasts: Open each butterflied chicken breast and place one slice of thick-cut mozzarella cheese inside. Top the cheese with 5 slices of pepperoni, a spoonful of marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Close the chicken breast to encase the filling, securing with toothpicks if necessary, and place each in the baking dish. Repeat this process with all four chicken breasts.
- Add remaining sauce and toppings: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the stuffed chicken breasts. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, add the remaining pepperoni slices, and finish with the remaining grated Parmesan. Optionally, sprinkle extra Italian seasoning for an enhanced herb flavor.
- Bake the chicken: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts allows for even cooking and creates space for delicious stuffing.
- Secure the stuffed chicken with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Using freshly shredded and grated cheeses enhances the flavor and helps them melt better.
- You can serve this dish with a side of pasta, salad, or garlic bread to complete the meal.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing to retain juiciness.
