Pepperoni Chicken – Clara quick dinners

Pepperoni Chicken is a quick and delicious dinner that combines the flavors of pizza with juicy, pan-seared chicken. It’s a fun, family-friendly recipe where chicken breasts are topped with marinara, melty mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni—creating a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to prepare. Think chicken parmesan meets pepperoni pizza!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Uses pantry staples
• Great served over pasta, salad, or on its own
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into 4 thin cutlets)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2½ to 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 3.5 oz pepperoni slices
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded
• Chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
• Cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Warm the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir to warm through.
4. Assemble in the pan: Nestle the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Top each piece with pepperoni slices and mozzarella.
5. Melt the cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot over pasta or with crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: Use spicy pepperoni or add red pepper flakes to the sauce
• Different cheese: Try provolone, fontina, or an Italian cheese blend
• Breaded version: Bread and bake or pan-fry the chicken before topping
• Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or roasted vegetables instead of pasta

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through
• Freeze: Freeze cooked and cooled portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just adjust the cooking time slightly.

What kind of marinara should I use?

Use your favorite brand or homemade marinara. A thicker sauce works best.

Can I use turkey pepperoni?

Absolutely! It’s a leaner option and works just as well.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes—just make sure your marinara and pepperoni are certified gluten-free.

What can I serve this with?

Try pasta, mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or even a simple salad.

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes. Sear the chicken first, then assemble everything in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.

Can I use shredded cheese?

Yes—shredded mozzarella melts faster and gives great coverage.

Do I need to pound the chicken thin?

No, slicing the breasts in half horizontally is usually enough for even cooking.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Don’t overcook—sear just until golden, then finish in the sauce gently.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes! Sear the chicken and refrigerate with sauce. When ready to serve, top with pepperoni and cheese, then reheat and melt.

Conclusion

Pepperoni Chicken is a fun and flavorful dinner that gives you all the best parts of pizza and chicken parm in one dish. With minimal prep and major flavor payoff, this dish is sure to become a regular on your weeknight rotation. Serve it with pasta, veggies, or a side salad for a complete meal everyone will love.

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