There’s something magical about a dish that brings together two absolute classics: pizza and chicken! Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken is the dinner you make when you want to delight everyone at the table with gooey cheese, savory marinara, and juicy golden chicken breasts, all in a single skillet. It’s the perfect solution if you’re craving pizza but want a protein-packed, low-carb meal that comes together quickly. Whether you load it up with your favorite pizza toppings or keep it classically simple, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular in your kitchen routine.

Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken is how it transforms a handful of humble ingredients into a crowd-pleaser! Each component brings an essential flavor or texture, making every bite downright irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips and tricks for each:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lb): The canvas for your “pizza”—pound or halve thicker pieces for even cooking.
Kosher salt: This brings out the natural flavor in the chicken and balances the sauce and cheese.
Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth that pairs perfectly with the Italian-inspired flavors.
All-purpose flour (for light coating): Lightly dusting the chicken helps lock in moisture and creates a golden, flavorful crust.
Olive oil: Not just for searing—this gives the chicken a gorgeous color and a hint of earthiness.
Marinara or pizza sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade; this is your shortcut to that classic pizza flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Nothing beats the oozy, melty factor—try a cheese blend or provolone if you like!
Italian seasoning (optional): A sprinkle takes the flavor up a notch with herbs like oregano and basil.
Fresh basil (for garnish): The bright, fresh finish elevates every plate and brings color to your dish.
Optional pizza-style toppings (e.g., pepperoni, olives, mushrooms): Customize to your favorite pie—have fun with it!

How to Make Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by laying your chicken breasts on a cutting board and patting them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper, making sure every bite is flavorful. For extra juicy, even-cooking results, halve breasts horizontally if they’re thick. Next, lightly dust each piece with all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess. That thin coating is the secret to a golden, crispy finish!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3–4 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move them around too much—they’ll develop that irresistible golden crust. Remove the skillet from the heat but leave the chicken in place.

Step 3: Sauce & Cheese It Up

Pour your marinara or pizza sauce around and a bit over each piece of chicken, letting it pool in the skillet. This keeps everything juicy and infuses each bite with bold tomato flavor. Now comes the best part: blanket those chicken breasts with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning if you want a little extra Italian flair.

Step 4: Add Pizza Toppings

If you love pizza night as much as I do, this is your moment! Layer your favorite pizza toppings—like pepperoni, sliced olives, or mushrooms—right on top of the cheese. Be generous or go minimalist; either way, you can fully personalize your Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the magic happen for 5–7 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to reach 165°F (74°C), with cheese bubbling and melty. For an extra touch of pizzeria flair, pop the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is just beginning to brown and bubble.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When everything’s golden and glorious, remove the skillet from the heat and shower the whole thing with fresh sliced basil. The fragrance is unreal! Serve immediately and bask in pizza-chicken perfection.

How to Serve Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken with a flourish of fresh basil leaves or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a kick, and a sprinkle of extra Italian seasoning can tie it all together. For a festive look, add grated Parmesan or a few scattered chili flakes.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely shines next to simple sides. Try it with a leafy green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or some roasted garlicky broccoli. For something heartier, serve over steamed rice, buttered noodles, or even with a hunk of crusty bread to scoop up all that saucy, cheesy goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken one step further by slicing each breast and fanning it over toasted baguette slices for party appetizers. Or, serve family-style right from the skillet at the table for a rustic, homey vibe. Mini cast-iron skillets also make adorable single-servings if you’re hosting friends and want to wow them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken cool, then transfer to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors get even richer overnight.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze cooked chicken portions (sauce and cheese included) in a single layer in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and date them, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the chicken juicy.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken with sauce and cheese in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave gently in 30-second bursts. Add an extra sprinkle of cheese before reheating if you want that just-baked effect!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cook time if they’re thicker, making sure they reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your preferred gluten-free flour blend, and you’ve got a delicious, gluten-free Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken everyone can enjoy.

What toppings work best for Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken?

Classic pizza toppers like pepperoni, sliced black olives, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even pineapple are all fantastic. Don’t be afraid to mix and match based on your favorites or what you have on hand.

Can I prep Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken ahead of time?

You can absolutely season, flour, and even partially sear the chicken ahead, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to finish with the sauce, cheese, and toppings. This makes it a great choice for busy weeknights or entertaining.

What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect results—the chicken is ready when it hits 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. The cheese should be bubbly and melted, with a bit of golden brown on top if you broil it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that feels fun and comforting but is secretly quick and easy, Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken is for you! This is the kind of meal that brings smiles, encourages second helpings, and makes you wish you’d made more. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t be surprised if your family begs to have it again next week!

Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken is a delicious one-pan dinner that combines the flavors of pizza with tender chicken breasts, gooey cheese, and savory marinara sauce. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lb)
kosher salt
ground black pepper
all-purpose flour (for light coating)

Other Ingredients:

olive oil
marinara or pizza sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese
Italian seasoning (optional)
fresh basil (for garnish)
optional pizza-style toppings (e.g., pepperoni, olives, mushrooms)

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Instructions

Season and Coat Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, and coat lightly with flour.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour marinara sauce around the chicken, sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning on top. Add optional toppings if desired.
Cook: Lower heat, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes until chicken reaches 165 °F (74 °C) and cheese melts.
Broil: For a browned top, broil for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.