Introduction
If you love both pizza and juicy roasted chicken, this recipe is a dream come true. The chicken breasts are stuffed with gooey mozzarella, tangy pizza sauce, and aromatic herbs — then baked to golden perfection. Each bite bursts with Italian flavors, but with a French twist in presentation and technique. Serve this for a cozy family dinner or an impressive date-night meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or herbes de Provence)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce (or tomato basil sauce)
- 10–12 slices of pepperoni (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (or parsley)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup extra pizza sauce
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (for melting on top)
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part — but don’t cut all the way through.
- Open the chicken like a book and season inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing
- In a small bowl, mix together the mozzarella, parmesan, chopped basil, and a few spoonfuls of pizza sauce.
- Add the pepperoni slices if desired.
- Spoon this mixture into the center of each chicken breast, then fold it closed. Use toothpicks to secure if necessary.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove from heat (do not overcook yet — it will finish in the oven).
Step 4: Bake
- Spoon extra pizza sauce over the top of each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Transfer the skillet (or use a baking dish) to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 75°C / 165°F).
Step 5: Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
Chef’s Tips
- Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms inside for extra pizza flair.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of baking it.
- Use smoked mozzarella or provolone for a richer cheese pull.
Would you like me to include a quick homemade pizza sauce recipe to pair with it?
Introduction
If you love both pizza and juicy roasted chicken, this recipe is a dream come true. The chicken breasts are stuffed with gooey mozzarella, tangy pizza sauce, and aromatic herbs — then baked to golden perfection. Each bite bursts with Italian flavors, but with a French twist in presentation and technique. Serve this for a cozy family dinner or an impressive date-night meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or herbes de Provence)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce (or tomato basil sauce)
- 10–12 slices of pepperoni (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (or parsley)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup extra pizza sauce
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (for melting on top)
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the thickest part — but don’t cut all the way through.
- Open the chicken like a book and season inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing
- In a small bowl, mix together the mozzarella, parmesan, chopped basil, and a few spoonfuls of pizza sauce.
- Add the pepperoni slices if desired.
- Spoon this mixture into the center of each chicken breast, then fold it closed. Use toothpicks to secure if necessary.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove from heat (do not overcook yet — it will finish in the oven).
Step 4: Bake
- Spoon extra pizza sauce over the top of each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Transfer the skillet (or use a baking dish) to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature 75°C / 165°F).
Step 5: Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
Chef’s Tips
- Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms inside for extra pizza flair.
- For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of baking it.
- Use smoked mozzarella or provolone for a richer cheese pull.