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Savory Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe with Pepperoni and Mozzarella

pizza stuffed chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy stuffed chicken breast recipe combining the flavors of pizza with pepperoni and melty mozzarella, perfect for a comforting dinner without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each), pounded thin
  • 2024 pepperoni slices (regular or turkey pepperoni)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • Fresh basil leaves (a handful, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound gently until about ½ inch thick.
  3. Use a sharp knife to cut a horizontal slit along the thickest side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through.
  4. Season inside and out with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Stuff each pocket with about 5–6 pepperoni slices and roughly ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella. Do not overstuff.
  6. Secure the pockets with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.
  7. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks or twine, spoon marinara sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking and easier stuffing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Let chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. Toothpicks or twine prevent filling from escaping during cooking. For a low-carb meal, serve with cauliflower mash or fresh salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed chicken breast, pepperoni chicken, mozzarella chicken, pizza chicken, easy dinner, low-carb, gluten-free