Pizza Chicken Recipe

Discover the ultimate Pizza Chicken Recipe, a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This family-friendly recipe features golden fried chicken topped with marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings. Easy to customize and packed with classic pizza flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re searching for a quick dinner idea, a low-carb pizza alternative, or a unique twist on chicken parmesan, this dish delivers on all fronts. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Try this Pizza Chicken today and make dinner exciting again!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ¼ cup vegetable oil (can substitute with canola or olive oil)

Breading Station 1:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Breading Station 2:

• 2 large eggs, whisked until airy and frothy
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Breading Station 3:

• 1 ¼ cups breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Sauces and Toppings:

• 24 oz. marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• Pizza toppings of your choice (pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, etc.)
• Fresh parsley and red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Breading Stations and Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, seasoned salt, and black pepper for breading station 1.
3. In another dish, whisk the eggs with garlic powder for station 2.
4. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs with the shredded Parmesan cheese for station 3.

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Slice each chicken breast into 2-3 thinner pieces. If needed, pound them with a meat tenderizer to achieve ½-inch thickness. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Dredge each chicken slice in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.
4. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Fry the Chicken:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (177°C). Use enough oil to cover about one-third of the chicken.
2. Fry 2 pieces of chicken at a time, leaving space around each piece to ensure even crispiness.
3. Cook each side for about 4 minutes until golden brown. Use tongs to remove and place the chicken on a cooling rack. Repeat for all pieces.

Assemble the Dish:

1. Spread 80% of the marinara sauce on the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish.
2. Arrange the fried chicken pieces on top and spoon the remaining marinara sauce over them.
3. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
4. Add your favorite pizza toppings, then finish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake:

1. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 13 minutes, checking after 10 minutes.
2. Remove the dish once the cheese is fully melted and the toppings are cooked to your liking.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Cheesy: Combines the best of crispy chicken and gooey pizza toppings in one dish.
• Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings to make it uniquely yours.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.

Tips

• Even Coating: Ensure the chicken is completely dry before breading for the crispiest coating.
• Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F for perfect frying.
• Thinner Chicken: Thinner slices cook more evenly and stay juicy.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Substitute chicken with turkey cutlets or eggplant for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Choices: Swap mozzarella for provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Toppings: Try sausage, bell peppers, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, but skip the frying step and proceed with assembling and baking. Adjust the baking time to ensure the chicken is heated through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can bread and fry the chicken up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and assemble it with the toppings just before baking.

Can I freeze this dish? Yes. Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light pasta dish for a hearty dinner.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through or microwave individual portions.

Enjoy this delicious and versatile Pizza Chicken recipe for your next dinner night!