Irresistible Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast: The Ultimate Healthy & Quick Dinner Recipe
Imagine your favorite pizza flavors, but in a wholesome, protein-packed chicken breast! This incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe brings that dream to life. It’s a fantastic way to transform a simple chicken breast into an exciting, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, you can enjoy all the cheesy, pepperoni goodness without the guilt. Plus, it’s designed to be light on points for those following specific dietary plans, making it a truly smart and delicious choice.
Stuffed chicken breasts are a culinary canvas, offering endless possibilities to infuse your favorite flavors into a lean protein. This particular rendition elevates the humble chicken breast by marrying it with the universally loved taste of pizza. It’s a delightful surprise for your taste buds, turning a regular dinner into a fun and flavorful experience that the whole family will adore. Forget boring chicken; get ready for a dish that packs a punch of flavor and keeps you full and satisfied!
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity and speed. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can prepare this impressive dish. With just a few staple ingredients and a little oven time, you can have a gourmet-level meal on your table in under 40 minutes. It’s an ideal solution for busy evenings when you crave something comforting and hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and guarantees a delicious outcome every time.
Beyond its incredible taste and ease, this Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast is also a smart choice for a balanced diet. By using lean chicken breast, light mozzarella, and customizable fillings, you can control the nutritional profile to fit your needs. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to enjoy hearty, flavorful meals while managing their calorie or point intake. Get ready to dive into this cheesy, savory sensation that proves healthy eating can be utterly delightful!
Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4-5 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- Pepperoni slices, about 7 per chicken breast
- 1 cup light mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced black olives
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 2/3 cup panko crumbs
- 2 egg whites
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly ready for baking when your chicken is prepped.
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Carefully slice open each chicken breast about 3/4 of the way through, creating a pocket for the filling. Then, dip each butterflied chicken breast into the egg whites, ensuring a light coating for the panko crumbs to adhere to.
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Into the pocket of each chicken breast, spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce. Follow this with your pepperoni slices (about 7 per breast), 1/4 cup of light mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of sliced black olives.
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Lightly sprinkle a little Italian seasoning over the filling in each chicken breast. Carefully fold the chicken breast over to enclose the filling and secure the edges with toothpicks to prevent the stuffing from leaking out during cooking.
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Generously coat the exterior of each stuffed chicken breast with panko crumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even layer that covers both the top and bottom. This will create a wonderfully crispy crust.
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Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly mist with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and cook in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The crust should be golden brown and crispy.
Notes
Weight Watchers SmartPoints:
- SP Freestyle (Blue & Purple Plans): Approximately 4 SmartPoints per serving, calculated using the Weight Watchers recipe builder for a 5oz chicken breast.
- SmartPoints (Green Plan): Approximately 7 SmartPoints per serving, calculated using the Weight Watchers recipe builder.
- PointsPlus: Approximately 9 PointsPlus per serving, using a standard PP calculator.
Nutritional Information (per chicken breast serving):
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Fat: 10.7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12.4g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugars: 1.6g
- Protein: 49.5g
These values are approximate, calculated using My Fitness Pal, and may vary slightly based on specific brands and ingredient measurements.
Customization Tips:
Feel free to swap out or add your favorite pizza toppings! Instead of black olives, consider using finely diced onions, sliced mushrooms, colorful bell peppers, or even a handful of fresh spinach. Just be mindful not to overstuff the chicken breasts, as this can make it difficult to seal them properly and may lead to the filling escaping during baking. Experiment with different types of cheese or a mix of cheeses for an extra layer of flavor. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce. You can also explore different lean meats or plant-based pepperoni alternatives.
Achieving the Perfect Crust:
For an extra crispy panko crust, you can lightly spray the outside of the coated chicken breasts with cooking spray before baking. This helps the panko toast beautifully in the oven, giving you that satisfying crunch.
Storage & Reheating:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for quick results, but for best texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through, ensuring the crust regains some crispiness.
Additional Info
Expert Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Chicken
Creating a truly magnificent pizza stuffed chicken breast involves a few key techniques. When butterflying your chicken, ensure you don’t cut all the way through; you want to create a deep pocket without splitting the breast into two halves. This helps keep all that delicious filling locked inside. Don’t be shy with the egg white and panko coating; a good, even layer will result in a beautifully golden and crispy exterior that perfectly complements the soft, juicy chicken and gooey cheese within.
Another tip for success is not to overfill your chicken. While it might be tempting to pack in as many toppings as possible, this can make it difficult to seal the chicken, leading to a messy bake. Using toothpicks is crucial for keeping everything intact. You can remove them before serving, but they are your best friend during the cooking process. Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your chicken breasts, so using a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is always recommended for food safety and optimal tenderness.
Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal
This pizza stuffed chicken breast is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to round out your dinner. For a light and healthy option, consider a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also make excellent companions, adding extra nutrients and color to your plate. If you’re looking for something more substantial, a side of whole wheat pasta with a light marinara sauce or a baked sweet potato would be delicious.
Consider serving these with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of freshness and an aromatic finish. A side of garlic bread or a simple focaccia could also elevate the “pizza” experience. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this versatile dish allows for easy pairing, ensuring a satisfying and memorable culinary experience.
Make Ahead & Meal Prep Friendly
This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to the point of coating them with panko crumbs, then store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes getting dinner on the table even quicker on busy nights. For longer storage, you can even freeze the uncooked, panko-coated chicken breasts. Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, or add extra baking time if cooking from frozen.
Having a batch of these ready-to-bake in your freezer means you’re always just minutes away from a wholesome, flavorful meal. It’s a fantastic strategy for healthy eating, ensuring you always have a delicious option at hand that prevents resorting to less nutritious alternatives. Enjoy the convenience and the incredible taste!