Chicken Pizzaiola
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.
You’re going to want to add this yummy pasta recipe to your meal plan!
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.
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.
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.
Similar Recipes
Love Italian flavors? Next time, try one of these delicious recipes:
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!
Chicken Pizzaiola
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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
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- fresh basil for garnish
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving
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, 1/2 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
Meal Planning
Want to add this recipe to your meal plan? Download our free printable meal plan here.
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.
