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Million Dollar Pizza Chicken - Cheesy, Saucy, Weeknight Winner

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup pizza sauce (or thick marinara)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 20–24 slices pepperoni (optional but classic)
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment for easier cleanup.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Rub both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Arrange in the baking dish without overlapping.
  3. Make the “million dollar” layer: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, ricotta, and Parmesan until smooth. This creamy layer keeps the chicken juicy and adds that rich, pizzeria-style decadence.
  4. Spread the sauce: Spoon the pizza sauce evenly over the seasoned chicken. Don’t drown it—just a generous, even layer so it doesn’t get watery.
  5. Add the creamy layer: Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the sauced chicken and gently spread to cover. It doesn’t need to be perfect—some swirls are fine.
  6. Top with cheese and toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella over the top. Add pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, and red onion. Press toppings lightly into the cheese so they stick.
  7. Bake until bubbly: Bake uncovered for 22–28 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be fully melted and lightly golden around the edges.
  8. Broil for color (optional): If you want that pizza-parlor look, broil on high for 1–2 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
  9. Rest and garnish: Let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat.
  10. Serve: Pair with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted veggies. Spoon some of the saucy, cheesy goodness over each piece.