Description

This Pizza Parmesan Chicken recipe combines the best of two favorites: crispy breaded chicken topped with classic pizza flavors including marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni. The chicken breasts are pounded thin, breaded with a flavorful mix of panko, Parmesan, and Italian herbs, then baked until golden and juicy before being topped with cheese and pepperoni for a melty finish. Fresh cherry tomatoes roast alongside for a light, bright contrast. A simple yet indulgent dish perfect for a family meal with a touch of Italian flair.

Ingredients

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Chicken and Breading

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Other Ingredients

1 pint cherry tomatoes (12 ounces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
¾ cup marinara sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
16 slices pepperoni
Small fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 10×17 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch to ensure even cooking.
Bread Chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with whisked eggs mixed with lemon juice, one with flour, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and kosher salt. Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, then dredge in flour, dip back into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Assemble and Bake: Place the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Scatter cherry tomatoes around the chicken and drizzle them with olive oil. Season tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes until the chicken starts to cook through and the coating is crisping up.
Top and Finish: Remove the baking dish from the oven, and top each chicken breast evenly with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and slices of pepperoni. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Once baked, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve the chicken warm with roasted cherry tomatoes on the side for a delicious pizza-inspired meal.

Notes

Pounding the chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy inside.
You can substitute mozzarella for a lower-fat cheese if desired.
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or use spicy pepperoni.
Use fresh basil leaves just before serving to retain their vibrant flavor and color.
Make sure to check chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety.