Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

¼ cup vegetable oil (can substitute canola or olive oil)

½ cup flour

1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

2 eggs (whisked until airy and frothy)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)

¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)

24 oz. marinara sauce

1 cup mozzarella cheese

3 tablespoons Parmesan (grated)

Pizza toppings of choice (see notes for suggestions)

Fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (to garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare three breading stations: combine flour with seasoned salt and pepper for station one; whisk eggs with garlic powder for station two; mix breadcrumbs with shredded Parmesan for station three.

Step 2: Slice the chicken breasts into 2-3 thinner slices, about ½ inch thick. Pat the pieces completely dry and tenderize if needed to ensure even cooking and plumpness.

Step 3: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, tapping off any excess. Next, dip briefly into the egg mixture allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.

Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches about 350 degrees. Use enough oil to cover the chicken by one third. Fry two pieces at a time, leaving space between them, for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a cooling rack and repeat with remaining chicken.

Step 5: Spread 80% of the marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of an oven-safe baking dish. Place the fried chicken on top and spoon the remaining sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, add your chosen pizza toppings, then finish with grated Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 13 minutes. Check after 10 minutes and remove once the cheese is melted and toppings are cooked.

Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your pizza-inspired chicken!

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, use a cast iron skillet when frying the chicken.

Try different pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers depending on your favorite pizza flavors.

Substitute the marinara sauce with a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick of heat.

To make it lighter, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying before topping and baking with sauce and cheese.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They are more flavorful and tender, but you may need to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.

What are some good pizza toppings to add?

Popular options include pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, onions, and cooked sausage. Customize based on your taste or what you have on hand.