You know those nights? The ones where the clock is ticking, everyone’s hungry, and the idea of a full-on, multi-step dinner feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops? Yeah, I live for those nights because that’s exactly when this skillet pizza chicken swoops in like a culinary superhero. It’s got all the comforting flavors of a classic pizza, but in a super-easy, one-pan wonder that feels like a hug. Honestly, it’s become my go-to when I’m craving something incredibly satisfying without a mountain of dishes afterwards. If you’re a fan of cheesy, saucy goodness, but also value your sanity on a weeknight, then stick around, because this skillet pizza chicken is about to become your new best friend.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is Skillet Pizza Chicken?
So, what exactly is this magical dish I keep raving about? Think of it as your favorite pizza, deconstructed and then reassembled into a ridiculously easy, incredibly flavorful skillet meal. We’re talking tender pieces of chicken, swimming in a rich, tomato-y, cheesy sauce, all cooked up in one glorious cast-iron skillet. There’s no dough involved in the traditional sense, but the way the chicken and sauce meld together in the oven creates this incredible depth of flavor that’s just pure comfort food. It’s essentially a deeply satisfying, pizza-inspired chicken bake that skips all the fuss of rolling out dough and worrying about oven temperatures. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table ask for the recipe.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons this skillet pizza chicken has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and I’m guessing you’ll fall in love with it for many of the same reasons. First off, the flavor. Oh, the flavor! It’s that perfect blend of tangy tomato sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, savory chicken, and just a hint of garlic and herbs that instantly transports you to pizza heaven. It’s like a warm, cheesy hug on a plate. Then there’s the sheer simplicity. I mean, we’re talking minimal prep and almost no cleanup, which is a huge win in my book, especially after a long day. Seriously, the most active part is just chopping a few things! Plus, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already, and the chicken breasts are usually on sale, making this a fantastic option for feeding a family without breaking the bank. And let’s not forget its amazing versatility. Want to add some mushrooms? Go for it. Olives? Absolutely. Spinach? Why not! It’s a forgiving recipe that lets you play around with your favorite pizza toppings. It truly stands out because it delivers all the satisfaction of a pizza with none of the usual effort, and that’s a combination that’s hard to beat.
How do I make Skillet Pizza Chicken?
Quick Overview
This skillet pizza chicken comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. You’ll start by searing your chicken, then creating a simple, flavorful sauce right in the same skillet. Finally, it all gets topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. It’s really that straightforward, promising a delicious, homemade meal without the fuss. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pizza Sauce Base:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Cheesy Topping:
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni, sliced black olives, chopped fresh basil for garnish
“Made the Easy Skillet Pizza Chicken Your Family Will Love tonight and wow — perfect weeknight dinner. Will definitely make again!”
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, get your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, grab your trusty oven-safe skillet – a 10-inch cast-iron skillet works like a dream here. Pat your cubed chicken dry with paper towels. This is a little trick I learned years ago that really helps get a nice sear. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Then, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to your skillet and place it over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering, but not smoking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if your skillet is too small, you might need to do this in two batches. We’re not cooking it all the way through, just searing it to get some lovely golden-brown color and lock in those juices. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet; those browned bits are pure flavor!
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Reduce the heat in the skillet to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil if needed (if there’s still enough in the pan from the chicken, you can skip this). Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften and become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – it turns bitter quickly!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – that’s where all the flavor is! Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and a good grind of black pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, just to let the flavors meld together. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if you think it needs more salt or a bit more herbaceousness.
Step 5: Return Chicken and Add Toppings
Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the tomato sauce in the skillet. Make sure they’re mostly submerged in the sauce. Now comes the fun part! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. If you’re using any extra toppings like pepperoni, now’s the time to scatter them over the cheese. This is where you can really customize it to your liking!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown, and the chicken is cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when you see those lovely little browned spots on the cheese and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. The smell wafting from your oven at this point will be absolutely incredible!
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once it’s out of the oven, let the skillet pizza chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This is crucial! It allows the cheese to set up slightly and makes it much easier to serve. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh chopped basil over the top just before serving. It adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Carefully slice the chicken and sauce into wedges directly in the skillet, or scoop portions onto plates. Serve it hot and be prepared for everyone to rave about how amazing it is. Honestly, it’s so good, it feels like a treat!
“New family favorite! This Easy Skillet Pizza Chicken Your Family Will Love was so flavorful and ridiculously easy. Crowd-pleaser for sure.”
What to Serve It With
This skillet pizza chicken is so hearty and satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to round out the meal. For a truly classic experience, you can’t go wrong with a big, crisp green salad. The freshness of the greens and a light vinaigrette cut through the richness of the chicken and cheese perfectly. My kids also love it with some crusty bread for dipping into that amazing sauce – it’s practically mandatory in my house! If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, some roasted broccoli or asparagus makes a wonderful addition, offering a nice bit of green goodness. For a lighter option, a simple side of garlic bread is always a hit, and who doesn’t love extra carbs when there’s pizza-inspired goodness involved?
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Skillet Pizza Chicken
Over the years, I’ve made this skillet pizza chicken more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few little tricks that I think really make a difference. Firstly, don’t skip searing the chicken! That little bit of browning adds so much depth of flavor to the dish. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage, just beautifully golden on the outside. When you’re making the sauce, really take a moment to scrape up all those little browned bits from the bottom of the pan after searing the chicken. That’s pure, concentrated flavor gold! Also, taste your sauce before you add the chicken back in and bake. This is your chance to adjust seasonings – maybe it needs a touch more salt, a pinch more oregano, or even a tiny bit of sugar if your tomatoes are a little tart. When it comes to the cheese, don’t be shy! A generous amount of mozzarella is key for that perfect gooey, stretchy, cheesy pull that everyone loves. And if you’re a fan of pepperoni, placing it on top of the cheese means it gets nice and crispy in the oven – a little detail that makes a big difference. Lastly, let it rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but this short resting period really lets everything meld together and makes serving so much cleaner and more appealing. Trust me on this one!
Storing and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this skillet pizza chicken is how well it keeps. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I usually just pop the whole skillet into the fridge if it’s cooled down, or transfer the leftovers into a good quality container. Reheating is super easy. The best way to get that cheesy goodness back is to pop the leftovers (either in the original skillet if it’s oven-safe, or a smaller baking dish) back into a moderate oven, around 350°F (175°C), for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. If you’re in a real hurry, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be aware that the cheese might not get quite as perfectly gooey. I usually avoid reheating the glaze part if I’ve added any fresh herbs after baking, as they tend to wilt and lose their vibrancy. For the best results, I recommend adding any fresh garnishes after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this skillet pizza chicken a try. It’s one of those recipes that consistently brings smiles to faces and makes dinner feel like a special occasion without any of the stress. The combination of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese, all cooked together in one pan, is just pure comfort food magic. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients and a little bit of love can create something truly delicious. If you’re looking for other easy weeknight dinners that are packed with flavor, you might also enjoy my Speedy One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken or my Quick & Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta. I can’t wait to hear what you think of this skillet pizza chicken! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you and if you try any fun topping variations. Happy cooking!
skillet pizza chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 pound chicken breast tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- pepperoni and sliced black olives or other desired pizza toppings
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for about 2 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Remove mushrooms and garlic to a separate plate.
- Meanwhile, season the chicken breast tenders with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the seasoned chicken tenders in the same skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Return the cooked mushrooms and garlic to the pan, distributing them around the chicken. Pour the pizza sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and sauce. Top with pepperoni and sliced black olives (or your chosen toppings). Cover again and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your skillet pizza chicken!
