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    Home » Recipes » Ingredient » Chicken

    Chicken Pizzaiola

    [published_or_updated] · by Angela Paris · Leave a Comment[affiliate_disclosure]

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    With seared chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce loaded with garlic, capers, and fresh herbs, this easy recipe is great for busy weeknights.
    Total Time 45 minutes minutes
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    Chicken pizzaiola is your ticket to a fun, Italian-inspired dinner. Enjoy tender chicken simmered in a zesty tomato sauce loaded with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice - all topped with gooey mozzarella cheese.

    Close up of Chicken Pizzaiola.

    You're going to want to add this yummy pasta recipe to your meal plan!

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Ang's Recipe Tips
    • Storage
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Similar Recipes
    • Chicken Pizzaiola
    • Meal Planning
    • Find More Recipes
    • 💬 Comments

    If you're up for a cozy, Italian-inspired dinner without dealing with takeout, you've got to try Chicken Pizzaiola. Juicy, tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce that’s bursting with garlic, fresh herbs, and just a little kick from olives or capers. It's like your favorite pizza got a comforting, home-cooked makeover!

    Ingredients

    This is meant to be a brief overview of this yummy Chicken Pizzaiola recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below.

    • Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thighs. Using boneless means the chicken will cook more quickly.
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and garlic.
    • Onions: Sautéed onions deepen the flavor of the overall dish. I like to use sweet onions, but white or yellow onions will also work.
    • Garlic: Fresh or minced garlic provides a savory, aromatic foundation.
    • Crushed Tomatoes: These are the tangy base of the pizzaiola sauce.
    • Capers: A briny addition that adds an extra burst of umami.
    • Seasonings: Dried oregano and basil are used for that distinct Italian aromatic flavor. Kosher salt and black pepper round out the flavors.
    • Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a slight kick of heat, if desired.
    • Mozzarella Cheese: For melting on top of the chicken to add a creamy richness. I recommend shredding if possible since pre-shredded cheeses have an anti-caking agent that keeps them from melting as smoothly.
    • Parmesan Cheese: Using pre-grated is fine, although freshly grated parmesan will add a richer flavor.

    Out of something you need? Check out our free ingredient substitutions printable!

    Variations

    • If you're not a fan of capers, you can omit these or replace them with olives.
    • For a heartier sauce, use diced tomatoes instead of crushed.
    • Add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream to the tomato sauce for a richer flavor and creamy texture.
    • Sliced white button or crimini mushrooms add a subtle earthy flavor to the meal.
    • Some chicken pizziola recipes also call for sliced bell peppers. You can add one large pepper, cut into thin strips, while sautéing the onions.
    How to Make Chicken Pizzaiola collage image.

    Ang's Recipe Tips

    • Make sure you give your chicken a nice, golden brown sear. It locks in the flavor and adds a little caramelization that makes a big difference.
    • For a bit of freshness, finish the dish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
    Chicken Pizzaiola with spaghetti.

    Storage

    To Store: Leftover Chicken Pizzaiola can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I recommend glass containers since the tomato sauce will stain plastic containers. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)

    To Reheat: Microwave individual portions in 30 second intervals until heated throughout.

    To Freeze: Once the food is completely cooled to room temperature, package it into a freezer container (I love these freezer molds to keep them fresh. They're great for portioning out meals, too.)

    To Thaw: Transfer the food from the freezer to the fridge and allow it to thaw overnight.

    You can then place it into the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, reheat it in a large skillet over medium heat, or microwave it.

    Serving Suggestions

    Toss it with some pasta, serve it over zucchini noodles or creamy risotto, or grab a slice of Dutch oven cheese bread to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.

    • Side Dishes
    • Salads
    • Bread, Rolls and Biscuits
    • Veggies

    Similar Recipes

    Love Italian flavors? Next time, try one of these delicious recipes:

    • eggplant parmesan bake
    • Italian sausage pasta
    • angel chicken and pasta
    • homemade spinach pasta
    • Italian meatballs
    • Slow Cooker Angel Chicken Pasta being scooped from a slow cooker.
    • Chicken Caesar Pasta on a white plate.
    • Close up of Steakhouse Pasta Dish with serving spoon.
    • Close up of Lasgana Soup in a bowl.

    Related: chicken parmesan fettuccine alfredo

    Not ready to make this Chicken Pizzaiola recipe yet?

    When you do make it, please come back and comment and leave me a 5-star rating below!

    Close up of Chicken Pizzaiola.

    Chicken Pizzaiola

    With seared chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce loaded with garlic, capers, and fresh herbs, this easy recipe is great for busy weeknights.
    Add to Your Recipe BoxGo to Collections
    No ratings yet
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    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian-American
    Keyword: Chicken Pizzaiola
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 267kcal
    Author: Ang Paris

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Ingredients

    • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 4 pieces
    • kosher salt to taste
    • black pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 large sweet onion thinly sliced
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
    • 2 tablespoons capers drained
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
    • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • fresh basil for garnish
    • grated Parmesan cheese for serving
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions

    • Season your chicken breasts with a spinkle of salt and pepper on both sides.
      1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, kosher salt, black pepper
    • Heat up the olive oil in a big, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the chicken and let it get a nice golden-brown color—about 4-5 minutes on each side.
      2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • Reduce the heat to medium. Push the chicken out toward the edges of the pan and toss in your sliced onions. Cook until they're soft, which should take around 5 minutes. Next, throw in your minced garlic and cook it for about a minute more.
      1 large sweet onion, 3 cloves garlic
    • Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the capers and seasonings. Let the sauce come to a simmer.
      1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons capers, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • Cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
    • Before serving, preheat your broiler. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast, then pop the skillet under the broiler just long enough for the cheese to melt and turn a light golden brown.
      ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley and some grated Parmesan cheese, and you're ready to dig in!
      fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese

    Equipment

    • Large Skillet oven safe

    Nutrition

    Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 342mg | Potassium: 558mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 1mg
    Please Note: I am not a registered dietician. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
    Tried this recipe? Pin It for Later!Mention @jugglingactmama or tag #jugglingactmama!
    Chicken Pizzaiola in a baking dish.

    Meal Planning

    Want to add this recipe to your meal plan? Download our free printable meal plan here.

    Meal Plan 7 square collage image.

    This recipe is included in Meal Plan 7 along with:

    • ham pot pie
    • taco stuffed shells
    • chicken broccoli pasta
    • Salisbury steak
    • crockpot potato soup
    • cowboy burgers with breaded onion rings

    ... and more!

    Be sure to check out all our meal plan ideas here.

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    Welcome! I'm Ang'e - the Juggling Act Mama! I love sharing quick and easy recipes, creative DIY projects, and fun family travel with you. Like many of you, I am a multi-tasking mama juggling priorities which is why here I offer solutions to tame your hectic lifestyle.

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