If you’re craving a meal that combines the comfort of pizza flavors with the wholesome goodness of chicken, then this Pizza Chicken Meal Prep Recipe is just what you need. It’s a delightful way to enjoy all your favorite pizza toppings while keeping things nutritious, easy to prepare, and perfectly portioned for your weekly meals. The melty mozzarella, zesty sauce, and savory pepperoni elevate simple chicken breasts into a vibrant, satisfying dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients for this dish is key. Each component plays an important role in bringing together texture, taste, and color that will make your Pizza Chicken Meal Prep Recipe shine. From tender chicken breasts to fresh broccoli, this list keeps it straightforward without sacrificing deliciousness.
- Chicken Breast: Use a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean protein and a tender base.
- Pizza Sauce: Half a cup of sauce brings that classic tomato flavor and aromatic herbs straight to your chicken.
- Pizza Seasoning: One and a half tablespoons infuse the dish with bold Italian spice notes.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Four ounces ensure a rich, gooey topping that melts absolutely perfectly.
- Pepperoni: Two ounces add that iconic savory pop and a hint of spice.
- Broccoli: Two cups, steamed, for a vibrant, tender green side that balances the meal and boosts nutrition.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Pizza Chicken Meal Prep Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your chicken will cook evenly and the cheese will melt to perfection. Preparing the baking sheet is a good time to gather all your ingredients so everything is within reach.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on your baking sheet and spoon half a cup of pizza sauce evenly over each piece. Sprinkle the pizza seasoning generously on top to heighten the flavor profile, turning simple chicken into something truly special.
Step 3: Initial Baking
Pop the chicken in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This partial baking cooks the chicken just enough to stay juicy while allowing the sauce and seasoning to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Final Seasoning
Remove the chicken from the oven and layer four ounces of mozzarella cheese on top. If you love extra seasoning, now is the moment to add a sprinkle before returning it to the oven. The cheese will start melting and fusing with the topping.
Step 5: Bake to Melt Cheese
Bake for another 6 minutes, giving the cheese enough time to become irresistibly gooey and golden around the edges.
Step 6: Top with Pepperoni
Take the chicken out once more and arrange the pepperoni slices over the melted cheese. This classic pizza touch brings a hit of savory, spicy goodness with each bite.
Step 7: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Return the dish to the oven until the chicken is fully cooked through, tender, and the pepperoni edges are slightly crisped. This final step ties everything together, locking in flavors.
Step 8: Serve with Steamed Broccoli
To balance the richness of the cheese and pepperoni, serve your pizza chicken with two cups of lightly steamed broccoli. This adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color that brightens the whole plate.
How to Serve Pizza Chicken Meal Prep Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes elevate this Pizza Chicken Meal Prep Recipe to the next level. Basil adds a fragrant, fresh note that complements the tomato and cheese perfectly, while red pepper flakes bring subtle heat.
Side Dishes
While steamed broccoli is the classic choice, try pairing this dish with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or even a quinoa pilaf for a bit of grain. Each option adds a unique texture and flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your pizza chicken on a rustic wooden board or colorful ceramic plate to make it visually inviting. Arrange the broccoli next to the chicken rather than on top to keep the melty cheese intact. You can also add a small ramekin of extra pizza sauce for dipping, making the meal interactive and even more fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe is perfect for meal prep because the cooked chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Just make sure to separate the broccoli if you want to keep it from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the Chicken Meal Prep portion with toppings but without broccoli to maintain the best texture. Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes to get that cheese bubbly again. Microwave reheating is faster but may affect the texture slightly, so cover the dish and heat in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and flavor, but remember they may take slightly longer to cook. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative. There are several great melting vegan cheeses on the market that will work wonderfully here.
Can I prep this recipe entirely in advance?
You can assemble the chicken with sauce and seasoning, then refrigerate it uncovered for a few hours before baking. Avoid adding cheese and pepperoni until just before baking to keep them fresh.
What if I don’t have pizza seasoning on hand?
No worries! You can mix your own using dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a pinch of crushed red pepper. It’s easy and lets you control the flavor even more.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping lunches?
Definitely! This Pizza Chicken Meal Prep Recipe is designed for portioning ahead and reheating easily, making it an ideal option for packing lunches with plenty of flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Chicken Meal Prep Recipe is an absolute winner when you want something that feels like a treat but stays practical and healthy. With just a few key ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a vibrant meal full of cheesy, saucy goodness that’s ready whenever you are. I hope you love it as much as I do — happy cooking and happy eating!
PrintPizza Chicken Meal Prep Recipe
This Pizza Chicken Meal Prep is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender baked chicken breasts topped with flavorful pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. Paired with steamed broccoli, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound Chicken Breast
- 1/2 cup Pizza Sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp Pizza Seasoning
- 4 oz Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 oz Pepperoni
Side
- 2 cups Broccoli, steamed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and spread the pizza sauce evenly over each piece. Sprinkle the pizza seasoning on top for added flavor.
- Bake Initial: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes to start cooking the chicken through.
- Add Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven and top each breast with mozzarella cheese and extra seasoning if desired.
- Bake with Cheese: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 6 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Add Pepperoni: Take the chicken out again and arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the melted cheese.
- Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven and bake until the chicken is fully cooked, approximately another 4-6 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the pizza chicken alongside steamed broccoli for a nutritious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey pepperoni for a leaner option.
- Make sure to steam the broccoli just until tender to retain nutrients and crispness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internally.
- This dish can be meal prepped ahead and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the pizza sauce and seasoning do not contain gluten ingredients.