This Pepperoni Chicken is a quick and comforting dish that brings together the best of chicken parmesan and classic pepperoni pizza. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, this one-skillet wonder comes together in just 16 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
The golden seared chicken is smothered in warm marinara sauce, topped with crispy pepperoni and bubbling mozzarella, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s indulgent without being fussy, rich in flavor, and perfectly satisfying served over pasta or alongside a crisp salad.
Full Recipe:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups good-quality marinara sauce
One 3.5-ounce package of pepperoni slices
One 8-ounce ball mozzarella cheese, cubed
Minced fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional: cooked pasta or salad, for serving
Directions:
Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add chicken and cook about 2½ minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir until heated through.
Nestle the chicken back into the skillet, spoon sauce over each cutlet, and top with pepperoni slices.
Sprinkle cubed mozzarella evenly over each piece. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with minced parsley and serve immediately with a fresh salad or over a bed of pasta.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 11 minutes | Total Time: 16 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 430 kcal per serving | Servings: 2–4 servings
What is Pepperoni Chicken?
Pepperoni Chicken is a delightful twist on traditional chicken parmesan and pizza, combining the succulent taste of pan-seared chicken cutlets with the bold, zesty flavors of pepperoni and marinara sauce. It’s a comfort food classic that merges Italian-American flavor profiles into one satisfying skillet meal. Popularized by Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, this dish is proof that simple ingredients can yield gourmet-level results with minimal effort.
The magic of Pepperoni Chicken lies in its ability to bridge two iconic dishes—pizza and chicken parm—without being overly complicated or time-consuming. Instead of breading or frying, the chicken is cooked quickly in a skillet, then topped with marinara, pepperoni slices, and cubes of fresh mozzarella. As the cheese melts into gooey perfection and the pepperoni crisps around the edges, it creates a mouthwatering topping that makes this dish feel indulgent yet approachable for any home cook.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The brilliance of this dish is in its balance. Every component plays a distinct role in making the meal come together in a harmonious way. The chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets, cook quickly and stay juicy. The marinara provides a rich, tangy base that enhances the savoriness of the meat. Pepperoni introduces a smoky, spicy kick, and the mozzarella delivers the creamy, melty element that makes each bite irresistible.
Cooking the chicken and sauce in the same skillet also means fewer dishes and a concentrated flavor that develops quickly. The oils from the pepperoni blend with the marinara to create a rich, complex sauce that coats the chicken beautifully. When you cover the skillet and allow the mozzarella to melt over the top, it mimics the bubbly cheese on a pepperoni pizza—only with a protein-packed twist.
A Great Weeknight Dinner Option
One of the best things about Pepperoni Chicken is its convenience. From start to finish, this dish can be made in just about 15–20 minutes. There’s no need to turn on the oven, bread the chicken, or use multiple pans. Whether you’re coming home from work or trying to get dinner on the table between after-school activities, this recipe is a time-saver that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Despite how easy it is, it still feels like a special, satisfying meal. That’s part of its charm—it’s fast and fuss-free, but you wouldn’t guess that by the way it looks or tastes. It also reheats well, making it a solid choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Customizing Pepperoni Chicken to Suit Your Preferences
Like many great recipes, Pepperoni Chicken is highly customizable. The core flavors can be modified to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to tailor the recipe:
Spice Level: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinara or use a spicier variety of pepperoni.
Cheese Variations: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, fontina, or even pepper jack could offer interesting alternatives.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the pasta and serve the chicken with a simple green salad or sautéed vegetables.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.
Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as the marinara sauce and pepperoni are certified gluten-free.
This flexibility makes it a family-friendly favorite that can evolve based on what’s available in your fridge or what your taste buds are craving.
Serving Suggestions for Pepperoni Chicken
Pepperoni Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. It works wonderfully as a main dish, but can also be presented in creative ways depending on the occasion.
For a traditional Italian-style meal, serve it over spaghetti or linguine, with a generous ladle of marinara and melted cheese cascading over the pasta. For a lighter take, try it with spiralized zucchini noodles or a cauliflower mash. A crisp Caesar salad or a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken beautifully.
Garlic bread, focaccia, or even a side of roasted potatoes are all excellent pairings. The dish is filling, so even a small portion with a side of greens can make for a satisfying meal.
Why It Appeals to So Many Palates
Pepperoni Chicken resonates with food lovers for a few reasons. First, it’s a dish that evokes familiarity. Most people love pizza and chicken parmesan, so when those elements come together in a single recipe, it’s a guaranteed hit. Second, the texture and flavor contrast—tender chicken, crispy pepperoni, melty cheese, and bold marinara—create a dynamic eating experience.
It also caters to both kids and adults alike. Children are likely to be drawn to the pizza-like flavor, while adults appreciate its heartiness and elevated feel. It’s one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent but isn’t difficult to make at home.
The Appeal of Ree Drummond’s Cooking Philosophy
This recipe is a prime example of Ree Drummond’s accessible and homey cooking style. Known for her down-to-earth approach, Drummond focuses on meals that are comforting, satisfying, and easy enough for everyday cooks. Pepperoni Chicken embodies that ethos. It doesn’t rely on complicated techniques or obscure ingredients—it’s real food for real people, made with care and simplicity.
What makes Drummond’s take on this dish particularly inviting is how she layers the flavor in a short amount of time. There’s nothing pretentious about it, yet it delivers a big payoff. That’s a hallmark of her cooking and a big reason why her recipes resonate with such a broad audience.
Perfect for Meal Prep or Entertaining
While this recipe shines as a quick family dinner, it’s also a smart option for entertaining. You can easily double or triple the recipe and cook everything in batches. Arrange the cooked cutlets in a baking dish, layer with sauce, pepperoni, and cheese, then finish it all in the oven to melt the cheese. It’s low-effort but feels festive and hearty—perfect for feeding a crowd.
And if you’re into meal prepping, this recipe is a winner. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. You can pack it with a portion of pasta or a side of roasted veggies for a complete, ready-to-go lunch.
Kid-Friendly and Picky-Eater Approved
Another major advantage of this dish? Kids love it. The familiar flavors of marinara, cheese, and pepperoni mimic their favorite pizza, but with a more nutritious protein base. Even picky eaters who usually turn their noses up at plain chicken are more likely to dig in when there’s a topping of pepperoni and gooey cheese involved.
It’s also a great way to sneak in vegetables if you add them subtly to the sauce. Blend in some spinach or finely grated carrots and no one will be the wiser.
Conclusion: A Comforting Classic with a Twist
Pepperoni Chicken is the kind of dish that satisfies on all levels. It’s easy, quick, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. With just a few ingredients and a single skillet, you can bring together the flavors of pizza and chicken parm in one unforgettable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, a casual weekend get-together, or prepping for the week ahead, this dish delivers.
It reminds us that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It just needs to hit the right notes—and Pepperoni Chicken hits them all: savory, cheesy, comforting, and familiar. It’s destined to become a regular in your rotation, not just because it’s easy, but because everyone at the table will ask for seconds.