Welcome to the ultimate comfort food mashup! Imagine the rich, savory flavors of classic chicken parmesan combined with the cheesy, satisfying goodness of a perfect pizza. The beloved chicken parmesan, a staple in Italian-American cuisine, has an interesting origin story. Chicken parmesan as we know it today was developed in the United States by Italian immigrants. This incredible chicken parm pizza is the best of both worlds, bringing together crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and melted cheese on a delicious crust. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that feels special enough for a celebration but is simple enough for a busy weeknight. Get ready to create a meal your whole family will ask for again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parm Pizza
This recipe is destined to become a new favorite in your home cooking rotation. It’s a creative twist that delivers on flavor without complicated steps, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- The Best of Both Worlds: It perfectly fuses two iconic Italian-American dishes, chicken parmesan and pizza, into one unforgettable meal. You no longer have to choose between your favorites!
- Quick & Easy: Using pre-cooked chicken cutlets and store-bought dough makes this a fantastic option for a stress-free weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: The familiar, comforting flavors are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
- Endlessly Customizable: You can easily adapt this chicken parm pizza recipe to suit your tastes by adding your favorite veggies, trying different cheeses, or adjusting the spice level.
- Impressive Yet Simple: It looks and tastes like a gourmet pizzeria creation but requires minimal effort, allowing you to serve a show-stopping meal with total confidence.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating this amazing dish. For the best chicken parm pizza, using quality components makes all the difference, but we’ve included plenty of simple swaps to help you use what you have on hand.
- 1 lb. Pizza Dough, store-bought or homemade
- ⅓ cup Pizza Sauce or Marinara
- ⅓ cup Ricotta Cheese
- 7 oz. Breaded Chicken Cutlets, cooked and diced
- 1 cup Grated Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- ½ tsp. Dried Oregano
- ½ tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup Fresh Basil Leaves, hand-torn
- Olive oil, for the baking sheet
Notes & Substitutions
- Pizza Dough: A store-bought fresh dough ball from the refrigerated section of your grocery store is a great time-saver. You can also use a frozen one; just be sure to thaw it completely first. If you have a favorite homemade pizza dough recipe, that will work beautifully too.
- Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite jarred pizza sauce or a high-quality marinara. Look for one with simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and basil for the most authentic flavor.
- Chicken Cutlets: To keep this recipe quick, we use pre-cooked breaded chicken cutlets or even crispy chicken tenders. Simply dice them into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can easily make your own by breading and pan-frying or baking thin chicken breast cutlets until golden and cooked through.
- Cheeses: We highly recommend using fresh, low-moisture mozzarella that you grate yourself. It melts much better than pre-shredded varieties. For the ricotta, whole milk will give you a creamier texture, but part-skim works well too. Parmesan adds a wonderful salty, nutty finish.
- Fresh Basil: Don’t skip the fresh basil! It adds a bright, aromatic flavor that truly elevates the dish. Add it after baking to preserve its fresh taste.
Chicken Parm Pizza Equipment
You don’t need any fancy professional tools to make a fantastic homemade chicken parm pizza. Here are the basic kitchen essentials that will help you achieve a perfect, crispy crust and beautifully melted cheese.
- Pizza Stone or a large, heavy-duty Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
- Pizza Peel (helpful if using a pizza stone)
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
- Spoon or Offset Spatula
- Pizza Cutter or a large knife
How to Make the Perfect Chicken Parm Pizza
Follow these simple steps to bring your delicious pizza creation to life. We’ll guide you through each stage, from preparing the dough to adding the final touches. This process is designed to be straightforward and fun, helping you build a beautiful and tasty meal with confidence.
1. Preheat Your Oven
First, position a rack in the center of your oven. Place your pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet on the rack. Preheat the oven to the temperature recommended on your pizza dough package, typically around 450°F (232°C). Letting the stone or sheet get screaming hot is the key to a crispy crust.
2. Prepare the Pizza Dough
Lightly flour a clean work surface. Place your pizza dough in the center and gently press it down and outward with your fingertips. Create a slightly thicker border for the crust by pressing into the dough about one inch from the edge. Once it’s about 7 inches wide, carefully pick it up and drape it over your knuckles. Rotate the dough, allowing gravity to gently stretch it into a 12 to 14-inch circle with a thinner center.
3. Assemble Your Pizza
Using oven mitts, carefully remove the hot pizza stone or baking sheet from the oven. If using a baking sheet, lightly grease it with olive oil. Gently lay the stretched pizza dough onto the hot surface. Don’t worry if the shape isn’t perfect; you can adjust it right on the pan. Now it’s time to build your masterpiece chicken parm pizza.
4. Add the Toppings
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Use a spoon to dollop small mounds of creamy ricotta cheese across the sauce. Next, evenly distribute the diced breaded chicken pieces. Sprinkle the dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the top. Finally, generously cover everything with the grated mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. This layering technique ensures every bite of your chicken parm pizza is packed with flavor.
5. Bake to Perfection
Carefully slide the pizza back into the preheated oven. Bake according to your dough’s package instructions, usually for about 12-15 minutes. The pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned in spots.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once baked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it rest for a minute or two before the final step. Tear the fresh basil leaves into pieces and scatter them over the hot pizza; the heat will release their incredible aroma. Slice your beautiful chicken parm pizza and serve it immediately while it’s hot and cheesy.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your pizza-making experience is a success every time.
- Achieve a Crispy Crust: The secret to avoiding a soft or soggy bottom is preheating your pizza stone or baking sheet thoroughly. A hot surface immediately starts cooking the dough, creating a perfectly crisp base for your delicious chicken parm pizza.
- Prevent a Soggy Pizza: Be mindful not to overload your pizza with too much sauce or toppings. A thin, even layer of sauce is all you need. Also, using low-moisture mozzarella helps reduce excess water. For more detailed advice on how to prevent a soggy pizza crust, various culinary resources offer helpful techniques.
- Handle Dough with Care: Let your dough come to room temperature before stretching it, as cold dough is less pliable. If it keeps springing back, let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
- Ensure Even Cooking: Ovens can have hot spots. For a uniformly cooked pizza, rotate it 180 degrees about halfway through the baking time.
- Add Basil Last: Fresh basil will wilt and lose its vibrant flavor if baked. Always add it after the pizza comes out of the oven for the best taste and aroma.
For more insight into choosing cooking methods that boost flavor and support better nutrition, check out Healthline’s guide on nutrient-preserving cooking techniques.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken parm pizza is delightful on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Here are some ideas for serving, storing, and customizing your creation.
Chicken Parm Pizza Serving Suggestions
For a balanced meal, serve slices of your pizza with a fresh, crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Garlic knots or warm breadsticks are also a fantastic addition for dipping into any extra marinara sauce.
Chicken Parm Pizza Storage
Allow any leftover pizza to cool completely to room temperature. Store slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil and place them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Chicken Parm Pizza Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven texture, reheat slices on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven or in an air fryer for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp. We recommend avoiding the microwave, as it can make the crust rubbery.
Chicken Parm Pizza Variations
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add a pinch of extra red pepper flakes or even a few slices of fresh jalapeño.
- Veggie Boost: Add more nutrients and flavor by topping the pizza with sautéed mushrooms, onions, or roasted red bell peppers.
- Different Cheeses: Swap the mozzarella for provolone for a sharper flavor, or add a little smoked mozzarella for a deliciously smoky twist.
- Gourmet Touch: After baking, drizzle the finished pizza with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze for an elegant finish.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided below is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. This calculation is for one serving, assuming the pizza is divided into eight slices. This homemade chicken parm pizza is a great source of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Calories: 380-450 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 415 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Chicken Parm Pizza – Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of chicken cutlets are best?
For convenience, pre-cooked breaded chicken cutlets or crispy chicken tenders work wonderfully. If you have extra time, you can make your own by breading and cooking thin chicken breasts. - Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade pizza dough recipe, feel free to use it. Just be sure to follow your recipe’s instructions for baking temperature and time. - How do I prevent the crust of my chicken parm pizza from getting soggy?
The best ways to prevent a soggy crust are to preheat your baking surface thoroughly and avoid using too much sauce. A thin layer is all that’s needed for great flavor. - Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead, like dicing the chicken and grating the cheese. However, it’s best to assemble and bake the pizza just before you plan to serve it for the best texture.
Conclusion
This chicken parm pizza recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, comfort, and the joy of creating something truly delicious in your own kitchen. By combining two beloved classics, you get an unforgettable dish that is both satisfyingly rich and surprisingly easy to make. It’s a perfect example of how a little creativity can transform simple ingredients into a memorable dinner for your family and friends. We hope you love making this recipe as much as we do. Share your creations with us and leave a comment below
Ultimate Chicken Parm Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- Pizza Stone
- baking sheet
- Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. Pizza Dough
- ⅓ cup Pizza Sauce
- ⅓ cup Ricotta
- 7 oz. Breaded Chicken Cutlets cooked and diced into pieces
- ½ tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- ½ tsp. Dried Oregano
- 1 cup Grated Mozzarella
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup Hand-torn Basil Leaves
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to the temperature listed on the pizza dough package instructions, placing a pizza stone or baking sheet inside if available.
- Press and stretch the pizza dough into a 7-inch circle, creating dimples an inch from the edge for a thicker crust border. Continuously rotate the dough to stretch it to 12-14 inches in diameter, achieving a thinner center crust.
- Carefully transfer the dough to the preheated, greased pizza stone or inverted baking sheet, then adjust its shape as needed.
- Spread pizza sauce, dollop ricotta, distribute diced chicken, then sprinkle red pepper flakes, oregano, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Bake the pizza in the oven following the cooking instructions listed on the pizza dough package.
- Once baked, remove from the oven, sprinkle with torn basil leaves, then slice and enjoy.
