Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! Sometimes, the best culinary creations happen when two beloved classics decide to team up. That’s exactly the case with Chicken Parmesan Pizza. Imagine all the crispy, cheesy, saucy goodness of a classic Chicken Parmesan, but reimagined on a delicious pizza crust. It’s a fun, family-friendly twist that brings a whole new level of excitement to your dinner table!

Why I Love This Recipe

This Chicken Parmesan Pizza is a total winner in my kitchen, and I know it will be in yours too. I love it because it takes a beloved Italian-American classic and makes it even more approachable and fun for a weeknight meal. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or customizing to individual tastes. The combination of tender chicken, savory marinara, and gooey melted cheese on a crispy crust is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken, making dinner even faster!

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Chicken Parmesan Pizza:

• 1 (12-inch) pre-baked pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional garnish: Fresh basil, chopped, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes

Swaps and Notes

• Pizza Crust: A pre-baked thin crust works great for crispiness and speed. You can also use a homemade pizza dough, a pre-made Boboli crust, or even a large flatbread.
• Chicken: Cooked chicken is essential for this quick recipe. Leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even quickly pan-fried or boiled chicken breast, seasoned and shredded/diced, works perfectly.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite good quality jarred marinara sauce for convenience.
• Cheese: Mozzarella is key for the melt, and Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth. You can also use a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Seasoning: Adjust garlic powder and oregano to your preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice subtle heat.
• Adding Crunch: For a true “Chicken Parm” experience, you could lightly bread and pan-fry small chicken pieces before putting them on the pizza. However, for ease, cooked unbreaded chicken is also delicious.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your pizza crust on a pizza pan or a baking sheet.
2. Prepare Chicken Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded or diced chicken with the olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Assemble Pizza Base: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. Layer Toppings: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Distribute the seasoned chicken evenly over the cheese.
5. Final Cheese Layer: Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and then sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. For extra browning on the cheese, you can briefly place it under the broiler for the last minute or two (watch very carefully to prevent burning).
7. Garnish & Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or red pepper flakes. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving immediately.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overload: While tempting, too many toppings can make the pizza soggy or prevent the crust from crisping.
• Hot Oven is Key: A hot oven ensures a crispy crust and properly melted cheese in a short time.
• Pre-Cooked Chicken: Using already cooked chicken is essential for the “easy” factor of this recipe.
• Adjust Cheese: If you love extra cheesy, you can add a bit more mozzarella, but ensure it still melts evenly.
• Broiler for Crispness: The broiler is your friend for achieving that perfect bubbly, slightly browned cheese crust, just like traditional Chicken Parm. Just don’t walk away!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Chicken Parmesan Pizza is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pizza.
• Garlic Knots: For an extra Italian touch, serve with warm garlic knots.
• Beverages: A light beer, a crisp red wine like a Sangiovese, or even a simple iced tea.
• Other Chicken Classics: If you’re a chicken fan, this pizza would be great alongside my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter for a fun party spread.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Chicken Parmesan Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, the best method for maintaining crispness is a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-12 minutes, or until cheese is re-melted and crust is crisp. A skillet on the stovetop with a lid also works well for the crust, then finish in the microwave briefly for the top.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the comfort and ease of this Chicken Parmesan Pizza, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other hearty and family-favorite recipes:

• For a truly classic and comforting meal, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a must-try.
• If you’re looking for ultimate comfort food made fast, don’t miss my Instant Pot Lasagna.
• For another fantastic one-pan dinner that’s incredibly convenient and always a hit, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
• And for another go-to chicken meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, these Chicken Enchiladas are simply irresistible!

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Final Thoughts

Chicken Parmesan Pizza is a fantastic example of culinary fusion done right – taking the best elements of two beloved dishes and combining them into something even more exciting. It’s easy, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at your table. Give it a try, and let this delicious pizza become a new family favorite!

What are your favorite creative pizza toppings? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.