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Cheesy High Protein Pizza Chicken Bake - A Comforting, Lighter Take on Pizza Night

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

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lb total)
  • Olive oil: 1–2 tablespoons
  • Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Pizza sauce or marinara: 1 to 1.5 cups (low-sugar if desired)
  • Mozzarella cheese: 1.5 to 2 cups shredded, part-skim or whole milk
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup grated
  • Toppings: Sliced turkey pepperoni or regular pepperoni, sliced black olives, sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, diced red onion, and/or sliced banana peppers
  • Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish (optional)
  • Cooking spray or a little extra olive oil for the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Trim and season chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat.
  3. Quick sear (optional but recommended): Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 1–2 minutes per side to get light color. This locks in juices and boosts flavor. Transfer to the baking dish. If skipping sear, place seasoned chicken directly in the dish.
  4. Sauce it up: Spoon pizza sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Use about 1/4 cup per piece, more if you like it saucy.
  5. Add toppings: Scatter your chosen toppings over the sauced chicken. Don’t overload—aim for a light, even layer so the chicken cooks evenly.
  6. Cheese layer: Sprinkle mozzarella over the top, then finish with Parmesan. Press lightly to help it adhere.
  7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake 18–25 minutes, depending on thickness. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Cheese should be melted and bubbling.
  8. Broil for color (optional): Switch to broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the cheese. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Rest and garnish: Let the bake rest 5 minutes so juices settle. Top with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
  10. Serve: Pair with a crisp salad, roasted veggies, or garlic green beans. For more carbs, serve over cooked pasta, quinoa, or with garlic bread.