Description
This Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken recipe is a delightful fusion of Italian pizza flavors with tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a skillet. The chicken is seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and Italian herbs, then topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, diced bell peppers, and optional olives. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Toppings
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to build a flavorful base.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, allowing it to warm up thoroughly before adding the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Reduce heat to low and pour 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the cooked chicken breasts in the skillet, covering them well.
- Top with Cheese and Veggies: Sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauced chicken. Then add diced bell peppers and optional sliced black olives evenly across the top.
- Cover and Melt Cheese: Place a lid on the skillet to trap steam and heat. Let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully and becomes bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove the lid and let the dish cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, fresh finish if desired.
- Serve: Transfer the cheesy pizza chicken to plates and spoon some of the sauce from the skillet over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy a flavorful, comforting dinner.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- Bell peppers add a nice crunch and sweetness but can be omitted or substituted with other vegetables.
- For a spicier flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Use fresh marinara sauce or your favorite jarred variety for convenience.