One Pan Pizza Chicken: Deliciously Easy Weeknight Meal for Busy Families

Transform your busy weeknights with our incredible One Pan Pizza Chicken! This super easy recipe captures all the delicious, comforting flavors of pizza in a convenient, wholesome chicken dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s the perfect solution for those hectic evenings when you need a satisfying meal fast, without compromising on taste.

Everyone loves a classic pizza night, but it’s not always feasible or the healthiest choice to have pizza every night of the week. That’s why I’m always seeking creative and simple ways to infuse those beloved pizza flavors into other easy-to-prepare dinners that my entire family will genuinely enjoy. This One Pan Pizza Chicken recipe is an absolute game-changer; it’s so straightforward to make and bursting with familiar tastes that it’s destined to become a beloved staple in your household, much like our popular Pizza Pasta Skillet.

This dish is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, ensuring a delicious and satisfying dinner without the usual fuss. Imagine a tender, juicy chicken base topped with a savory tomato sauce, your favorite pizza toppings, and gooey, melted mozzarella cheese, all cooked in a single pan. It’s a complete meal that delivers big on taste while keeping cleanup to a bare minimum, freeing up more of your precious time for family and relaxation.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Easy Pizza Chicken Recipe

This One Pan Pizza Chicken isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a strategic culinary triumph that will significantly simplify your meal planning and consistently delight your taste buds. Here are the compelling reasons why this recipe is poised to become a cherished family favorite and a regular feature in your weeknight rotation:

• Effortless One-Pan Cooking for Minimal Cleanup: The most appealing aspect of this recipe is its ingenious design for one-pan preparation. You begin by browning the chicken directly in a single oven-safe skillet, developing a rich, savory crust. Following this, the entire dish transitions seamlessly to the oven for final cooking. This streamlined process means you avoid accumulating piles of dirty dishes, leading to significantly reduced cleanup time. It’s the ultimate convenience for hectic weeknights, allowing you more time to unwind and enjoy your evening.
• Fully Customizable to Your Family’s Tastes: Just like ordering your favorite pizza, this chicken dish offers unparalleled customization. While our classic combination features savory turkey pepperoni, earthy mushrooms, and briny black olives, the true beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel empowered to unleash your creativity and incorporate any pizza toppings your heart desires. Whether your family craves extra vegetables like bell peppers and onions, different meats such as cooked Italian sausage, or a blend of various cheeses, this recipe serves as a versatile canvas for all your pizza-inspired dreams.
• Excellent Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Option: For those monitoring their carbohydrate intake or adhering to a ketogenic diet, this One Pan Pizza Chicken is an outstanding and flavorful choice. By focusing on lean, protein-rich chicken complemented by a vibrant array of low-carb vegetables and delectable cheese, it naturally aligns with a low-carb lifestyle without any sacrifice in taste or satisfaction. It’s a hearty and delicious meal that effortlessly caters to diverse dietary needs, making it an incredibly versatile addition to any healthy eating plan.
• Bursting with Familiar and Comforting Pizza Flavors: Who can resist the universally beloved and comforting taste of pizza? This recipe expertly delivers all those cherished flavors – from the tangy and savory sauce to the irresistibly gooey melted cheese and your favorite hearty toppings – but in a healthier, protein-packed chicken format. It presents a fun, exciting, and highly approachable twist on traditional chicken dinners, guaranteed to be a hit even with the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Quick Preparation and Efficient Cook Time: From the moment you start prepping to the instant it lands on your table, this fulfilling meal can be ready in under 40 minutes. With minimal prep work required and a straightforward cooking process, it’s the ideal solution for those evenings when time is undeniably of the essence, yet you still aspire to serve a homemade, wholesome, and incredibly flavorful meal.

Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Pizza Chicken

For precise measurements and comprehensive step-by-step instructions, please scroll down to the very bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

Crafting this incredibly flavorful One Pan Pizza Chicken requires a thoughtful selection of both fresh ingredients and convenient pantry staples. Here’s an in-depth look at what you’ll need to gather, along with some helpful tips for ingredient selection and possible substitutions:

• Chicken Thighs or Chicken Breasts: For optimal flavor and tenderness, we highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Their natural fat content helps them remain incredibly moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process. However, if you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are an excellent alternative! If opting for breasts, consider slicing them into thinner cutlets or gently pounding them to a uniform thickness. This ensures more even cooking and helps prevent them from drying out.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is indispensable for properly browning the chicken and establishing a rich, aromatic flavor base for the entire dish. Any standard cooking olive oil you have on hand will work perfectly.
• Tomato Sauce: The very essence of our “pizza” flavor emanates from the tomato sauce. A plain canned tomato sauce serves as a wonderful, neutral base that expertly absorbs the added seasonings. For an even quicker preparation method, don’t hesitate to utilize your favorite store-bought pizza sauce – just adjust the additional seasonings to taste.
• Onion Powder: This provides a subtle, yet deeply savory and aromatic depth to the sauce, delivering onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
• Garlic Powder: An undeniable cornerstone in virtually all Italian-inspired culinary creations, garlic powder infuses your pizza sauce mixture with a robust, pungent, and intensely aromatic kick.
• Italian Seasoning: This aromatic blend of dried herbs, typically including oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, is absolutely crucial for imparting that authentic, unmistakable pizza parlor taste to your chicken. If you don’t have a pre-mixed blend, you can easily create your own with individual dried herbs.
• Mushroom Pieces: Canned mushroom pieces offer incredible convenience and efficiency for this recipe, contributing a delightful earthy, umami depth of flavor. Should you prefer fresh mushrooms, simply slice them and sauté them briefly in a separate pan before adding them to the skillet for the best texture and flavor.
• Sliced Black Olives: A quintessential pizza topping, sliced black olives introduce a wonderfully briny and savory note that perfectly complements the other vibrant ingredients in the dish. Pre-sliced canned olives significantly expedite the preparation process.
• Turkey Pepperoni (or regular): For a slightly lighter option without sacrificing that iconic spicy, savory taste, turkey pepperoni is a fantastic choice. Naturally, traditional pork or beef pepperoni works equally well if that aligns more with your personal preference or dietary needs.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese is an absolutely non-negotiable component for achieving that irresistible, bubbly, golden-brown, and wonderfully melted cheese topping that truly defines a pizza experience! While freshly shredded mozzarella often melts more smoothly, pre-shredded varieties are perfectly acceptable and convenient.

To ensure this One Pan Pizza Chicken comes together in literally minutes, I frequently rely on readily available pantry staples such as canned mushrooms, olives, and a high-quality canned tomato sauce. However, I strongly encourage customization! Feel completely free to incorporate fresh bell peppers, different types of onions, or any other vegetables you typically adore on your favorite pizza. The ultimate goal is to make this dinner as effortless, enjoyable, and utterly delicious for YOU and your family!

How to Make One Pan Pizza Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Meal

This recipe is meticulously crafted for maximum flavor payoff with minimum kitchen fuss. Follow these straightforward steps to effortlessly bring your incredibly delicious One Pan Pizza Chicken to life, even on the busiest of weeknights:

1. Prepare Your Oven and Brown the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 400ºF (200ºC). Next, select a large, heavy-bottomed, and specifically oven-safe skillet (a cast-iron skillet or any high-quality, oven-safe pan works exceptionally well). Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in this skillet over high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add your boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if using) to the hot pan. Allow them to brown for 2-3 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden crust develops. The primary objective at this stage is to build a foundation of flavor and color, not to cook the chicken through completely. Once adequately browned, gently remove the pan from the direct heat, keeping the chicken nestled within.
2. Craft the Flavorful Pizza Sauce: While your chicken is undergoing its initial browning, quickly prepare your simple yet potent pizza sauce. In a small, separate bowl, combine the canned tomato sauce with the specified amounts of onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir these ingredients thoroughly and vigorously until they are perfectly blended and combined. This swift homemade sauce base is absolutely essential for imparting that quintessential pizza flavor to your dish. For those exceptionally time-constrained evenings, a good quality store-bought pizza sauce can be utilized as a convenient shortcut – just remember to taste and adjust any additional seasonings as needed.
3. Layer with Your Favorite Toppings: Now, for the truly enjoyable part – constructing your delectable “pizza” directly atop the chicken! Evenly sprinkle the well-drained mushroom pieces and the savory sliced black olives both over and around the browned chicken pieces in the skillet. Subsequently, artfully arrange 4-5 slices of turkey pepperoni (or your preferred regular pepperoni) on top of each individual piece of chicken. At this stage, do not hesitate to creatively add other favorite pizza toppings, such as thinly sliced bell peppers or onions, if desired.
4. Pour Sauce and Blanket with Cheese: With your toppings in place, carefully and evenly pour the aromatic seasoned tomato sauce mixture over the chicken and all the added toppings within the skillet, ensuring everything receives a generous coating. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, liberally sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire dish. This will melt into an utterly irresistible, bubbly, and stretchy topping that authentically captures the essence of pizza.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Gently transfer the skillet directly into your preheated oven. Allow it to bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. It’s important to note that the exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness and specific cut of your chicken. The chicken is deemed fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC) and the cheese has achieved a beautifully melted, bubbly consistency with a desirable slight golden hue, indicating perfect caramelization.
6. Serve Immediately for Best Enjoyment: Once perfectly baked, carefully remove the skillet from the hot oven. It’s advisable to let the dish rest for a minute or two before serving immediately and hot. This brief resting period allows the succulent chicken juices to redistribute evenly, ensuring every bite is tender, moist, and supremely flavorful. Pair it with your chosen side dishes for a complete and unforgettable meal!

Creative Pizza Chicken Topping Ideas to Customize Your Meal

One of the greatest culinary delights of pizza is the seemingly endless possibility of delicious toppings, and this One Pan Pizza Chicken recipe enthusiastically embraces that philosophy! While the classic combination of pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives is always a guaranteed hit, we wholeheartedly encourage you to experiment and truly make this dish uniquely your own. Here’s an expanded list of fantastic ideas to spark your culinary imagination and get your creative juices flowing:

• Vibrant Vegetable Additions:
  • Bell Peppers: Incorporate thinly sliced red, green, or yellow bell peppers for a delightful sweet crunch, a burst of fresh flavor, and beautiful visual appeal.
  • Onions: Add thinly sliced red or white onions to offer a wonderfully pungent, savory kick. You can briefly sauté them beforehand for a softer texture or let them mellow and soften while baking in the oven.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Drained and roughly chopped marinated artichoke hearts introduce a deliciously tangy and tender element, pairing wonderfully with the chicken and cheese.
  • Fresh Spinach: Wilt a generous handful of fresh spinach leaves directly into the sauce or layer them under the cheese for an added boost of nutrients and a subtle earthy flavor.
  • Jalapeños: For those who appreciate a fiery kick, introduce sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños to ignite your taste buds.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or rehydrated) offer an intense, concentrated tomato flavor that elevates the sauce.
• Hearty Meaty Enhancements:
  • Canadian Bacon: Diced Canadian bacon or ham provides a milder, yet distinctly savory flavor profile that complements the chicken beautifully.
  • Cooked Sausage: Crumbled and pre-cooked Italian sausage, whether mild or spicy, is always an incredibly fantastic and robust choice that adds significant depth.
  • Seasoned Ground Beef: Cooked and seasoned ground beef can be generously sprinkled over the chicken for a more substantial and protein-rich meal.
  • Crispy Bacon Bits: For a delightful smoky, salty crunch and an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle on some crispy bacon bits.
• Cheesy Variations & Alternative Sauces:
  • Pesto Drizzle: For a uniquely aromatic flavor profile, drizzle a touch of vibrant basil pesto over the chicken before applying the tomato sauce.
  • Cheese Blends: Elevate the cheesiness by mixing in or substituting with other complementary cheeses like creamy provolone, sharp grated Parmesan, or even a robust blend of Italian cheeses.
  • Ricotta Cheese: Strategically placed dollops of creamy ricotta cheese can introduce a wonderfully smooth and rich texture, especially delicious when paired with spinach.
• Unexpected Yet Delicious Twists:
  • Pineapple Chunks: For all the Hawaiian pizza aficionados, small pineapple chunks can add a wonderfully sweet and tangy counterpoint to the savory elements.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: A light pinch of red pepper flakes, added to the sauce or sprinkled over the top, will effortlessly elevate the spice level of your pizza chicken to your desired heat.

Always remember, if you happen to have a convenient jar of your preferred prepared pizza sauce already stocked in your pantry, do not hesitate to use it instead of mixing the quick homemade version specified in this recipe. The ultimate goal is to make your dinner preparation as enjoyable, efficient, and stress-free as humanly possible, while still delivering incredible flavor!

Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Pizza Chicken

While this One Pan Pizza Chicken is undeniably a satisfying and complete meal on its own, pairing it with a thoughtfully chosen side dish can significantly elevate your entire dinner experience. Here are a few fantastic options that beautifully complement the rich, Italian-inspired flavors of the chicken, offering balance and additional textures:

• Simple Tossed Salad: A fresh, crisp mixed green salad, lightly dressed with a zesty vinaigrette, provides a refreshing and vibrant contrast to the savory richness of the chicken and melted cheese. It’s incredibly quick to prepare and adds essential freshness and nutrients to your meal.
• Roasted Asparagus: Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and creates a perfectly tender-crisp texture. This elegant yet remarkably simple vegetable side cooks quickly in the oven, often alongside your chicken, making it a convenient choice.
• Olive Garden Breadsticks: Soft, warm, and infused with garlicky goodness, these breadsticks are absolutely perfect for soaking up any extra delicious pizza sauce from your plate. They add a comforting, slightly carby element to your meal, much like a traditional pizza crust.
• Tomato Mozzarella Salad (Caprese Style): A beautiful and fresh Caprese-style salad, featuring ripe, juicy tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, wonderfully echoes the Italian flavors of the main dish.
• Copycat Crazy Bread: For an extra indulgence of garlic and cheesy deliciousness, this homemade version of popular crazy bread is a fun, comforting, and incredibly flavorful accompaniment that pairs perfectly with pizza chicken.
• Classic Garlic Bread: A timeless side for virtually any Italian-inspired meal, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside garlic bread is always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and harmonizes wonderfully with the savory pizza flavors.
• Steamed Green Beans with Lemon: Lightly steamed green beans, tossed with a sprinkle of sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, offer a healthy, simple, and bright vegetable option.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

If you’re fortunate enough to have any delicious One Pan Pizza Chicken leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occurrence in most bustling families!), storing them properly is key to ensuring they remain fresh, flavorful, and safe for another delightful meal.

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the cooked chicken and any remaining sauce and toppings into an airtight container. Store this container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, individual portions can be easily warmed in the microwave until thoroughly heated through. Alternatively, for a delightfully crispier topping and more even heating, you can reheat it in a conventional oven or toaster oven preheated to 350ºF (175ºC) for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is hot and the cheese is bubbly again. This recipe also works exceptionally well for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a quick, convenient, and flavorful lunch or dinner option throughout your busy week.

Discover More One Pan Dinner Recipes for Effortless Weeknights

If you’ve fallen in love with the sheer convenience, incredible flavor, and minimal cleanup offered by this One Pan Pizza Chicken, then you’re truly in for a treat! Our extensive collection of one-pan and one-pot recipes is specifically designed to radically simplify your cooking routine and maximize your enjoyment of delicious, home-cooked meals. Explore these other fantastic and equally easy options:

• Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese: Indulge in creamy, dreamy macaroni and cheese, all prepared in a single pot for ultimate comfort and convenience.
• One Pan Spicy Garlic Shrimp: A remarkably quick, delightfully zesty, and explosively flavorful seafood option that is ready to savor in mere minutes.
• Chicken Fajita Pasta: Experience all the vibrant, sizzling flavors of classic fajitas harmoniously combined with tender pasta, all cooked in a single, convenient skillet.
• One Pan Cheesy Sausage Pasta: A hearty, comforting, and incredibly cheesy pasta dish featuring savory sausage, perfect for a deeply satisfying family meal.
• Sausage & Rice Skillet: A wholesome, satisfying, and wonderfully flavorful meal that cooks up effortlessly in just one pan, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• One Pot Beef Stroganoff: Relish this classic comfort food, made incredibly simple and fuss-free with the convenience of just one pot.
• Cheesy Skillet Chili Mac: Enjoy the absolute best of both chili and macaroni and cheese, perfectly combined and cooked in one fantastic skillet.
• Creamy Chicken and Rice: A wonderfully comforting and deeply satisfying dish that proves perfect for any night of the week, offering a taste of home-cooked goodness.

Rated 4.90 from 28 votes

One Pan Pizza Chicken

By
Erin Sellin

One Pan Pizza Chicken – get all the flavor of pizza in a one pan chicken dinner! Super easy recipe to get you through those tough weeknights.

Prep:

5 mins

Cook:

30 mins

Total:

35 mins

Servings:
4

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Equipment

• Pot and Pan Set (or a large oven-safe skillet)

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (can use chicken breasts)
• 1 14 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 4 oz can mushrooms pieces
• 1 2.25 oz can black olives, sliced
• 24-30 slices turkey pepperoni
• 1 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400º F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Brown chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms. Remove the pan from heat.
3. In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning with the tomato sauce. Stir until well combined.
4. Sprinkle the drained mushroom pieces and sliced olives over and around the chicken. Place 4-5 slices of pepperoni on each piece of chicken.
5. Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and toppings.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire dish.
7. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165ºF / 74ºC) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious One Pan Pizza Chicken!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g |
Calories: 497kcal |
Carbohydrates: 7g |
Protein: 57g |
Fat: 28g |
Saturated Fat: 11g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g |
Cholesterol: 259mg |
Sodium: 997mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 3g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on specific ingredients used and preparation methods.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
4

Calories:
497

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