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### Instructions:
#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken
– Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the chicken from sticking.
– Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, and then use a sharp knife to create a pocket in the center of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through—leave the edges intact so that the filling won’t spill out.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Filling
– In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and the pepperoni slices (or your chosen pizza toppings). Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
– If you’re using breadcrumbs, add them to the mixture for extra texture.
– Pour about **2 tablespoons of marinara sauce** into the cheese mixture and stir until everything is well combined. This will give the filling a bit of moisture and pizza flavor.
#### Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
– Carefully stuff each chicken breast with the prepared cheese and pepperoni mixture. Pack the filling in tightly, ensuring it’s well distributed inside the pocket of each chicken breast. If there’s excess filling, you can stuff the chicken breasts a bit more generously.
– Use toothpicks to secure the openings of the chicken breasts if necessary. This will help hold the filling inside while the chicken bakes.
#### Step 4: Sear the Chicken
– In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil (or a combination of olive oil and butter) over medium-high heat.
– Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and
sear them for **2-3 minutes per side**, until golden brown. This will help lock in the flavors and juices before the chicken goes into the oven.
#### Step 5: Bake the Chicken
– Once the chicken is seared, spoon a little extra marinara sauce over each chicken breast for added flavor and moisture.
– Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for **20-25 minutes**, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
– If you’d like the top to be extra golden and bubbly, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
– Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Remove the toothpicks, if used.
– Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
– Serve the **Stuffed Pizza Chicken** with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite sides.
## Variations of Stuffed Pizza Chicken
While the classic stuffed pizza chicken recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to modify the dish to suit your tastes. Here are a few fun variations to try:
### 1. **Buffalo Pizza Chicken**
Add a spicy twist by incorporating buffalo sauce into the filling or drizzling it over the chicken before baking. You can also use blue cheese crumbles instead of mozzarella for a classic buffalo pizza flavor.
### 2. **Veggie Lover’s Stuffed Pizza Chicken**
For a vegetarian version, swap the pepperoni for your favorite vegetables, such as sautéed spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Add a bit of ricotta cheese to the filling for a creamy texture.
### 3. **BBQ Pizza Chicken**
Substitute marinara sauce with **BBQ sauce** for a smoky, tangy version of stuffed pizza chicken. Add cooked chicken breast or pulled pork for a more substantial filling.
### 4. **Meat Lovers Stuffed Pizza Chicken**
For a more indulgent version, load the filling with multiple types of meats, such as sausage, bacon, and ham, in addition to pepperoni. The result will be a hearty, meaty stuffed pizza chicken that’s perfect for those who love bold, savory flavors.
## Conclusion
**Stuffed Pizza Chicken** is a flavorful and satisfying dish that takes the best elements of pizza and transforms them into a hearty, protein-packed meal. By combining tender chicken breasts with pizza-inspired ingredients like mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and pepperoni, this dish delivers a comfort food experience that everyone will love. Plus, it’s highly customizable, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining a crowd, Stuffed Pizza Chicken is sure to impress. The combination of savory fillings, melty cheese, and crispy chicken creates a mouthwatering dish that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. So next time you’re craving pizza but want something a little different, give **Stuffed Pizza Chicken** a try—you won’t be disappointed!
