Description
Pepperoni Chicken Parm is a delicious twist on classic chicken parmesan, featuring crispy, tender chicken breasts topped with zesty marinara sauce, melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and crispy pepperoni slices. This easy-to-make dish delivers a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, with a smoky, cheesy finish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (oregano, basil mix)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20–24 slices pepperoni (thinly sliced)
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for added flavor.
- Bread the Chicken: Set up two bowls — one with beaten eggs and the other with seasoned breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. This seals in moisture and creates a crisp crust.
- Assemble with Sauce and Cheese: Place the browned chicken breasts on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Spoon generous amounts of marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Arrange pepperoni slices evenly on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the pepperoni edges have crisped.
- Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and serve immediately while hot and melty.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts evenly for juicier, even cooking.
- Season breadcrumbs and chicken well to enhance flavor.
- Choose quality, thinly sliced pepperoni for best crispiness and flavor.
- For extra crispy pepperoni, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Make your own breadcrumbs by toasting fresh bread with garlic powder and herbs for a personalized coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Keywords: chicken parmesan, pepperoni chicken parm, easy chicken dinner, Italian chicken recipe, baked chicken with cheese, family dinner, crispy chicken, pepperoni recipe
