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High Protein Pizza Chicken Bake - Easy, Cheesy, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
  • 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara (look for a no-sugar-added option)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 20–30 turkey pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni if preferred)
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment for easy cleanup.
  2. Flatten the chicken: If the breasts are thick, place them between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 3/4-inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
  3. Season well: Pat the chicken dry. Rub both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Lay the chicken in a single layer in the baking dish.
  4. Add the sauce: Spoon the pizza sauce evenly over each breast. Don’t drown them; you want a coating that clings without pooling.
  5. Cheese layer: Sprinkle mozzarella over the sauced chicken, then dust with Parmesan for extra savory flavor.
  6. Top it like pizza: Add pepperoni, bell pepper, red onion, and olives. Distribute toppings so each piece gets a bit of everything.
  7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If your chicken is thicker, add a few more minutes.
  8. Optional broil: For a golden, bubbly top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Rest and garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so the juices settle. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if you like.
  10. Serve: Pair with a side salad, roasted veggies, or steamed greens for a balanced meal.