Turn your favorite comfort food into an easy weeknight meal with this Pizza Stuffed Chicken. We’re filling tender chicken breasts with melty mozzarella and zesty pepperoni—baking them just until golden and bubbly. Ready in 30 minutes, this family dinner is hearty, fun, and sure to satisfy those pizza cravings without the crust.
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Ingredients for Pizza Stuffed Chicken
For the chicken
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Perfect for stuffing and baking. Make sure they’re nice and thick!
- Salt – Essential for seasoning the chicken and breadcrumbs.
- Black Pepper – Adds a little kick to balance the flavors.
- Dried Italian Seasoning – This brings all the Italian-inspired vibes.
For the stuffing
- Shredded Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese – The melty, cheesy goodness that makes it feel like pizza.
- Finely Chopped Pepperoni – Tiny bits ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Jarred Marinara Sauce – Go for a good quality one you trust—it’s the base of the filling.
- Softened Cream Cheese – Adds a creamy richness that ties everything together.
- Finely Chopped Fresh Basil – Fresh herbs make all the difference here.
For the breading
- All-Purpose Flour – The first step for a crispy coating.
- Large Egg – Helps the breadcrumbs stick beautifully.
- Italian-Style Panko Breadcrumbs – These give the chicken that irresistible crunch.
- Olive Oil – Use it to crisp up the crust in the skillet before baking.
For serving
- Marinara Sauce – Warm it up for dipping—it’s the perfect finishing touch!
Cook Time for easy Pizza Stuffed Chicken
I find one of the biggest hurdles for getting a cheesy chicken dinner on the table is timing. That’s why I love this easy Pizza Stuffed Chicken recipe—it’s truly a weeknight lifesaver! From start to finish, you’ll be sitting down to eat in less time than it takes for pizza delivery.
Here’s the breakdown: it takes about 20 minutes of active prep to stuff and bread the chicken. The actual cook time for this baked Pizza Stuffed Chicken is about 25 minutes. That includes a quick sear on the stovetop to get that gorgeous golden crust before it finishes in the oven.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for quick and satisfying mains, you’ll love my collection of easy grilled chicken breast recipes too.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
How to Make Pizza Stuffed Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Using a small, sharp knife, carefully slice a deep pocket horizontally into the thickest side of each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through. The pocket should be large enough to hold the filling without tearing.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, chopped pepperoni, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, softened cream cheese, and fresh basil. Stir until evenly mixed, then divide the creamy, cheesy marinara filled chicken dinner filling into four equal portions.
Step 3: Stuff and Secure
Season the inside of each chicken pocket with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stuff each chicken breast with one portion of the pizza filling, using a spoon or your fingers to pack it in. Press the edges of the pocket closed and secure with 2-3 toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
Step 4: Create the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow dishes: one with the all-purpose flour, one with the egg whisked with a splash of water, and one with the panko breadcrumbs mixed with the remaining salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dredge each stuffed chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere evenly. This creates that savory breaded chicken with Italian seasoning we all love.
Step 5: Sear to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the crust is golden brown and crisp. This initial sear is what gives you that beautiful pan-seared chicken with a pizza filling texture.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before carefully removing the toothpicks. Serve warm with the remaining 1/2 cup of warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve made this baked Pizza Stuffed Chicken more times than I can count. Along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even more foolproof and delicious. Here are my favorite ways to customize this cheesy chicken dinner for your family’s taste!
- Flavor Swap: Not a pepperoni fan? Try using chopped cooked Italian sausage or even some sautéed mushrooms and olives for a different twist. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients from other authentic Italian chicken dishes.
- Diet Tweak: For a lower-carb version, you can skip the breading step entirely. Just sear the stuffed chicken and bake as directed. The flavor from the cream cheese and mozzarella stuffed chicken interior is incredible all on its own!
- Prep & Texture Fix: If your chicken breasts are very uneven, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound the thicker ends to create a more uniform thickness. This helps everything cook evenly. For more tips on handling chicken, check out my guide to perfect chicken tenders.
- Storage & Reheat Tip: Leftovers keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to keep the crust crispy. The microwave will make the breading soft.
Pizza Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 2 pounds total
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pepperoni
- 1/4 cup jarred marinara sauce plus an additional 1/2 cup for serving
- 2 tbsp softened cream cheese
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Italian-style panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Equipment
- oven
- baking dish
- Oven-safe skillet
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Using a small, sharp knife, carefully slice a deep pocket into the thickest side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, chopped pepperoni, 1/4 cup marinara sauce, softened cream cheese, and fresh basil to create the pizza filling. Divide this mixture evenly into four portions.
- Season the inside of each chicken pocket with a pinch of the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stuff each chicken breast with one portion of the pizza filling, using a spoon or your fingers. Press the edges of the pocket closed and secure with 2-3 toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with the flour, one with the egg beaten with a splash of water, and one with the panko breadcrumbs mixed with the remaining salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dredge each stuffed chicken breast first in the flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before carefully removing the toothpicks. Serve warm with the remaining 1/2 cup of warmed marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
There’s no denying that this easy Pizza Stuffed Chicken feels like a comforting treat, but I love that it also offers some solid nutritional benefits when you look a little closer. It’s a fantastic source of lean protein from the chicken, which helps keep you full and satisfied, and the cheese provides a good dose of calcium.
While it’s a rich, cheesy chicken dinner, you can feel good about controlling the ingredients. For instance, you know exactly how much salt and oil goes in, unlike ordering a greasy takeout pizza. To explore more ways to create balanced meals, you might find inspiration in my collection of cilantro lime chicken recipes. And if you’re looking for a more health-conscious approach, the team at Clean Eating Magazine offers a Healthy Pizza Stuffed Chicken Preparation with some great tips on ingredient swaps.
Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving to give you an idea. The exact values will vary based on the specific brands of cheese and pepperoni you choose.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 |
| Protein | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 15-20g |
| Fat | 25-30g |
A Lighter Version of Pizza Stuffed Chicken
If you’re watching your calories or just want a lighter feel, this Pizza Stuffed Chicken recipe is incredibly adaptable. I often make a few simple tweaks for a version that’s just as delicious but feels a bit lighter on the palate.
First, try using low-fat mozzarella cheese and a reduced-fat cream cheese. The flavor is still wonderfully cheesy, but you’ll trim down the fat content significantly. For the breading, a light spray of olive oil before baking can crisp up the panko beautifully without needing to pan-sear in oil. You could also skip the breading entirely for a truly low-carb, baked Pizza Stuffed Chicken that’s packed with flavor from the cream cheese and mozzarella stuffed chicken interior. For another lean and flavorful option, my easy garlic chicken breast is always a hit. And if you love the idea of stuffing chicken with veggies, my broccoli and cheese stuffed chicken is another fantastic, lighter alternative.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I believe that good food should be accessible to everyone, no matter their dietary needs. Around my own table, we’ve had to get creative for family members who are sugar-conscious or managing their blood sugar, so I’ve learned a few simple ways to adapt favorite recipes like this one. It’s all about making smart, diabetic-friendly swaps without sacrificing flavor.
First, always check your marinara sauce label for added sugars. Many jarred varieties sneak in quite a bit. Opt for a brand with no added sugar or simply make a quick batch yourself with crushed tomatoes and herbs. For an even more glucose-friendly meal, you can omit the breadcrumb coating, as this significantly reduces the carb count. Finally, paying attention to portion size is a simple yet powerful tool for glycemic control; one of these hearty stuffed breasts is often plenty satisfying when paired with a big green salad.
How to Serve Pizza Stuffed Chicken
I’ll never forget the first time I served this Pizza Stuffed Chicken to my family. My youngest looked at his plate, then up at me, and declared it was “pizza magic.” That’s the joy of this dish—it feels like a celebration, a fun twist on weeknight family meals that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
For a complete meal, I love to keep the sides simple and fresh. A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. If you’re craving carbs, a side of garlic bread is a no-brainer, or for a lighter option, try zucchini noodles or a quick sauté of spinach. This pan-seared chicken with a pizza filling also pairs wonderfully with my simple chicken pasta bake if you’re feeding a bigger crowd. And for another cheesy, crowd-pleasing main, you can’t go wrong with my smothered chicken with creamed spinach. No matter how you serve it, just don’t forget that extra cup of warm marinara for dipping!
Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made this Pizza Stuffed Chicken recipe more times than I can count, and believe me, I’ve learned from my fair share of kitchen mishaps. There’s nothing worse than going through all the effort only to have the cheesy filling burst out or the chicken turn out dry. Let me share a few common pitfalls so you can avoid them and create the perfect baked Pizza Stuffed Chicken every single time.
First, never skip pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. If one section is too thick, it won’t cook at the same rate as the thinner parts, leading to either undercooked meat or an overdone, rubbery texture. Second, don’t overstuff the chicken! It might be tempting to load up on all that delicious cream cheese and mozzarella stuffed chicken filling, but too much will cause it to leak during cooking. Finally, always make sure your skillet is properly preheated before adding the chicken for that initial sear. A hot pan creates that gorgeous golden crust that locks in the juices. For more tips on cooking chicken perfectly, check out my guide to easy grilled chicken breast. And if you’re curious about other stuffing techniques, Professional Chef’s Pizza Stuffed Chicken Technique offers some great professional insights.
Learning these little lessons has made such a difference at my family’s table. Now when I serve this cheesy chicken dinner, I know it will be juicy, cheesy, and absolutely perfect—just like yours will be!
How to Store Pizza Stuffed Chicken
I’ll never forget the time I made a double batch of this Pizza Stuffed Chicken for my sister’s family when they welcomed their new baby. Being able to pull a perfectly prepared meal from the freezer was a lifesaver for them, and it reminded me how valuable good storage practices can be for busy families.
For short-term storage, place cooled chicken in an airtight container—it will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, I recommend wrapping each breast individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain their quality for up to 2 months. When reheating, I always go for the oven or air fryer to restore that crispy exterior. Simply bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes if refrigerated, or 25-30 minutes if frozen, until heated through. For another great make-ahead savory breaded chicken with Italian seasoning, try my authentic Italian chicken cutlets. And if you’re looking for more freezer-friendly dinner ideas, my chicken burgers are always a hit with both kids and adults.
Try This Pizza Stuffed Chicken Yourself
I truly hope you’ll give this easy Pizza Stuffed Chicken recipe a try in your own kitchen. There’s something magical about cutting into that golden crust and discovering the warm, cheesy pizza heart inside—it never fails to bring smiles around my table, and I know it will at yours too.
This recipe has become one of our cherished weeknight family meals, perfect for those evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of familiar pizza flavors wrapped in tender chicken feels like such a treat, yet it’s wholesome enough to feel good about serving regularly. If you love this concept of stuffed proteins, you might also enjoy my stuffed chicken breasts with different fillings, or perhaps my garlic butter mushroom stuffed chicken for something equally delicious. For more crowd-pleasing chicken dishes, don’t miss my BBQ chicken breasts or the always popular chicken tenders that kids absolutely adore.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy Tuesday night or a special weekend gathering, this Pizza Stuffed Chicken is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep stuffed chicken from drying out?
The key is not overcooking the chicken and keeping the filling moist. Pound your chicken to an even thickness so it cooks uniformly, and don’t skip the cream cheese in the filling—it adds moisture and richness. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F will prevent drying out. For more juicy chicken ideas, try my crispy garlic chicken.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey breast cutlets work wonderfully in this recipe. They have a similar mild flavor and lean texture that pairs perfectly with the pizza-inspired filling. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly as turkey can vary in thickness compared to chicken breasts.
What can I use instead of pepperoni?
If you’re not a fan of pepperoni or want to switch things up, try diced ham, cooked Italian sausage, or even sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian option. The recipe is very adaptable—use your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own!
Can I make this without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can absolutely make a delicious low-carb version without breadcrumbs. Simply skip the breading step and bake the stuffed chicken as directed. The interior cheesy marinara filled chicken dinner will still be packed with flavor, making it a great option for those watching their carb intake.
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If this Pizza Stuffed Chicken spoke to your comfort food cravings, wait until you try these other family favorites from my kitchen.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Dip – All the elegant flavors of the classic dish in a warm, creamy dip that’s perfect for sharing.
Chicken Crust Pizza – A genius low-carb pizza with a crust made entirely from chicken that crisps up perfectly.
Chicken Pasta Bake – The ultimate cozy casserole with tender chicken, pasta, and bubbly cheese that feeds a crowd.
Smothered Chicken with Creamed Spinach – Elegant enough for company but easy enough for weeknights, with rich flavors that feel indulgent.
