Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a secret shortcut to total comfort and big, bold flavor. Imagine the juiciest, golden-seared chicken breasts smothered in melty mozzarella, bubbling pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings—all done with just one skillet and a handful of pantry staples. Test this once, and you just might find it sneaking onto your menu every single week. Ready to enjoy a dish that brings all the delicious vibes of pizza night—without the dough? Let’s dive in!

Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken has a delicious job to do, coming together in a way that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters to flavor, texture, and color.

Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless—these provide a lean, hearty base that soaks up all the pizza flavors.
Kosher Salt: Helps the chicken stay juicy and seasons it all the way through for a full, savory bite.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds warmth and depth, giving each mouthful a little kick.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a light dusting lends a beautiful golden crust when you sear the chicken.
Olive Oil: This is for searing; it brings a hint of fruitiness and helps everything crisp up.
Marinara or Pizza Sauce: The essential “pizza” element—choose your favorite for instant rich, tangy tomato flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into that irresistible oozy blanket (try a block for best melt and flavor!).
Italian Seasoning: Classic herbs like oregano and basil amplify the pizza vibe and tie all the flavors together.
Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish; they add a pop of color and garden-fresh flavor at the very end.
Optional Toppings (Pepperoni, Olives, Mushrooms): Use your favorites! They turn each serving into a custom mini pizza.

How to Make Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken

Step 1: Season and Flour the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle them generously with kosher salt and black pepper. A quick, light coating in flour not only gives flavor but ensures each piece gets a gorgeous, golden crust that locks in all the juices once heated.

Step 2: Sear in Olive Oil

Heat your largest oven-safe skillet over medium-high and add the olive oil. Once shimmering, place the chicken in the pan and don’t move it for the first 3 to 4 minutes; this is the secret to that beautifully crisp golden exterior. Flip and repeat on the other side—you’re looking for color, not full doneness yet.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese

Lower the heat, then pour your marinara or pizza sauce gently around and slightly over the chicken. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over everything evenly, letting it tumble into the sauce. Dust the top with Italian seasoning for a true “pizza” aroma.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Cook Through

This is the time for creativity! Arrange your toppings—pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, or whatever you love—right over the cheese. Cover the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on medium-low until the chicken is cooked to 165°F and the cheese melts gloriously across the top.

Step 5: Optional Broil for a Golden Top

If you want that irresistible golden-bubbled cheese top, slide the uncovered skillet under your broiler. Keep a close eye on it—just 1 to 2 minutes is all it takes for the cheese to achieve that classic pizza-style melt and color!

How to Serve Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves absolutely make this dish pop. Tear them right before serving for the brightest flavor, and scatter generously across your bubbling skillet. A final dusting of extra Italian seasoning or a drizzle of good olive oil never hurts, either.

Side Dishes

The beauty of Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken is its versatility—pair it with a crisp Caesar salad, buttery garlic bread, or simple roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, spoon it over pasta or serve with fluffy rice to soak up all that rich sauce and gooey cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken into a build-your-own dinner by setting out bowls of extra toppings and fresh herbs for the table. Or, slice the chicken and layer it in a toasted hoagie roll for the ultimate pizza-chicken sub. If you’re hosting, bring the skillet straight to the table for a delicious, family-style wow moment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken to cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits—making leftovers something you’ll actually look forward to!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip bags, squeezing out excess air. For best flavor and texture, enjoy within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken, use a covered skillet over low heat or a 350°F oven until warmed through. Add a splash of marinara or broth if needed to keep things saucy and prevent drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch—just go low and slow to maintain that succulent texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are just as delicious and stay extra juicy, though you may need to add a few more minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Can Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the regular flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and double-check that your marinara sauce doesn’t include any sneaky wheat-based thickeners or additives.

What toppings work best on this dish?

The classic pizza toppings always shine—pepperoni, sliced olives, mushrooms, or even red onion and bell pepper. Get creative and use whatever you love; this recipe is the perfect playground for customizing to your taste.

How can I make this dairy-free?

While mozzarella is the signature cheese here, you can substitute with your preferred dairy-free shreds or use a vegan mozzarella-style cheese. Also, make sure your optional toppings fit your dietary needs.

Do I have to use a broiler at the end?

The broiler is totally optional! It just gives that golden pizza-style finish. If you skip it, the cheese will still melt beautifully—just slightly less bronzed and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

Let Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken be your invitation to a dinner that feels special without a single moment of fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just making comfort food for yourself, this easy one-pan wonder truly brings everyone to the table. Give it a try soon—you might just fall in love at first cheesy, saucy bite!

Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

This Skillet Cheesy Pizza Chicken recipe combines the flavors of pizza with tender chicken breasts, all cooked in one skillet for an easy and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil

Toppings:

1½ cups marinara or pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Optional toppings such as sliced pepperoni, olives, or sautéed mushrooms

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Instructions

Season and Coat Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then coat them lightly in flour.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour marinara sauce around the chicken. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top, followed by Italian seasoning. Add optional toppings if desired.
Cook: Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
Broil: For a browned cheese top, broil the skillet for 1–2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.