Description
Mozzarella Pepperoni Chicken Bake is a cheesy, pizza-inspired dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni, then baked until bubbly and golden. This easy family-friendly meal delivers all the flavors of pepperoni pizza in a protein-packed casserole.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 slices turkey pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and place them in the baking dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the dish from the oven and spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Arrange turkey pepperoni slices over the cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Turkey pepperoni keeps the dish halal-friendly while maintaining classic pizza flavor.
- Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Serve with pasta, garlic bread, or a green salad.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American