Chicken With Pepperoni-Marinara Sauce is the kind of dish that warms the heart and fills the kitchen with the aroma of love and tradition. For us three nonnas, this recipe is a reminder of the Sunday dinners we grew up with, where chicken was tender, sauce was rich, and pepperoni added that irresistible touch of spice. It is a dish that feels both rustic and comforting, yet playful with its pizza-inspired flavors.
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Chicken With Pepperoni-Marinara Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy chicken baked with marinara, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella for a pizza-inspired comfort dish.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup sliced pepperoni
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Sear seasoned chicken in skillet until golden.
3. Sauté garlic, then stir in marinara and herbs.
4. Place chicken in baking dish, cover with sauce.
5. Layer pepperoni on chicken.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
8. Garnish with basil and serve.
Notes
Use thin chicken cutlets for quicker baking.
Turkey pepperoni works well too.
Fresh mozzarella makes it extra creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1450mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: chicken with pepperoni-marinara sauce, homemade pizza recipe easy, cheesy pizza with fresh ingredients
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Chicken With Pepperoni-Marinara Sauce
- Combines the best of Italian American comfort food: chicken, pepperoni, and marinara.
- Perfect for a cozy family dinner, yet special enough for guests.
- Brings the nostalgic taste of homemade pizza right into a hearty chicken dish.
- Quick prep and the oven does most of the work.
Ingredients Needed for This Chicken With Pepperoni-Marinara Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How to Make Chicken With Pepperoni-Marinara Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in marinara sauce and stir in oregano and basil.
- Transfer seared chicken to a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Layer pepperoni slices over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and cheese is bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
How to Serve Chicken With Pepperoni-Marinara Sauce
- Pair with spaghetti, penne, or even garlic bread for a pizza-meets-pasta dinner.
- Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for balance.
- Perfect alongside roasted vegetables or a creamy polenta.
How to Store Chicken With Pepperoni-Marinara Sauce
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooked portions (without fresh basil garnish) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave gently.
Tips to Make Chicken With Pepperoni-Marinara Sauce
- Use thin chicken cutlets for faster cooking.
- Try turkey pepperoni for a lighter twist.
- Do not skimp on the cheese, the gooey top makes this dish irresistible.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the sauce before baking.
Helpful Notes for This Recipe
- Homemade marinara makes this dish truly shine, but a quality jarred sauce works well too.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts creamier than pre-shredded.
- If you prefer bone-in chicken, increase the baking time slightly.
Variation
- Cheesy Pizza Chicken: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives before layering cheese for a pizza-loaded chicken bake.
- Spicy Kick: Use hot pepperoni or add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the sauce.
- Stovetop Shortcut: Cook chicken in a deep skillet, cover with sauce and toppings, then cover and cook on low until cheese melts.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What is the best side dish for this recipe?
We love it with pasta, but garlic knots or even a simple Caesar salad work beautifully.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, just adjust baking time as needed.
Conclusion
There is something so special about Chicken With Pepperoni-Marinara Sauce. It is comfort food with a little twist, reminding us of family, laughter, and the joy of sharing a meal together. Whether you serve it for Sunday dinner or a weeknight treat, this recipe brings the flavors of Italy right to your table.
If you loved this dish, you may also enjoy our Air Fryer Cheeseburger Pizza or our sweet Easy Air Fryer Cannoli.
Stay connected with us on Pinterest for more cozy recipe inspiration, or join us on Facebook where the Nonna’s Dishes community shares love, stories, and lots of good food.
- Chicken With Pepperoni-Marinara Sauce - September 14, 2025
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