Chicken pizzaiola is a super quick, easy, and healthy Italian dish made with only chicken breasts, tomatoes, mozzarella and a few other simple pantry ingredients. Best of all, you can cook it all in one pan in less than 30 minutes. It’s a perfect go-to midweek dinner that the whole family will love!
What’s chicken pizzaiola?
This tasty italian chicken, tomatoes and mozzarella dish is believed to have originated in sunny southern Italy, where they call it “pollo alla pizzaiola.” But now, chicken pizzaiola is a popular Italian-American dish that you can find in many restaurants and pizzerias around the world.
Originally, the dish was made with beef or veal and served as a hearty main course for family meals and special occasions. Over time, more affordable chicken was substituted and the pizzaiola sauce was simplified to be made with simple pantry ingredients such as canned tomatoes.
which makes it a perfect easy midweek meal for the whole family!
Why you’ll love it
✔ A quick and super easy recipe ready in under 30 minutes and using only 6 simple pantry ingredients (plus a little oil and salt and pepper!). A great dinner option for busy weeknights!
✔ Crowd pleasing ‘pizza flavors’ make it a family friendly dinner. Who doesn’t love chicken, rich tomato sauce and oozy mozzarella cheese?
✔ Make it on the stovetop in just one pan. No need to turn on the oven!
✔ A nutritious and satisfying dinner, and relatively economical, too!
Fun fact: No, it’s not your imagination – chicken pizzaiola is quite similar to chicken parmigiana! In both dishes chicken breasts are topped with oozy mozzarella. The difference is that chicken parmesan is breaded chicken breasts whereas chicken pizzaiola is chicken simmered in the marinara style sauce.
About the ingredients
Olive oil: For any dish where a homemade pizza sauce is included, I like to start with plenty of good quality extra virgin olive oil.
Chicken breasts: Try to choose small to medium if available. The recipe below is for 2 people, but you can easily add more breasts to the pan as long as it is large enough (and of course you would then double the sauce as well).
Garlic: I prefer to slice it finely for this recipe. Choose 4 fresh large cloves for the best results.
Canned cherry tomatoes: These are usually available alongside regular canned tomatoes at the supermarket. If you can’t find them, try a European style deli. I feel like canned cherry tomatoes offer a sweeter flavor, firmer texture, and vibrant appearance compared to canned chopped tomatoes. But of course, it’s absolutely fine to use good quality canned regular chopped tomatoes instead if you’re struggling to find cherry tomatoes.
Balsamic vinegar: Just a drizzle (around a tablespoon) to add depth to the flavor of the pizzaiola sauce.
Honey: This is entirely optional, but I like to add just a little honey to any homemade tomato sauce to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. Alternatively add a small teaspoon of sugar.
Fresh basil: I usually add most of a bunch of basil to the sauce. Since there are so few ingredients in this recipe, it’s essential to the flavor. It’s fine to use dried basil instead (or another herb such as dried oregano) if you don’t have fresh.
Salt and pepper: Add this to the sauce to taste. Taste at the end and add more if you like.
Mozzarella cheese: You can either use fresh sliced mozzarella, or grated mozzarella is fine, too.
And that’s it – see, so simple! If you like, however, you can add an extra ingredient or two to the sauce to make it your own. See below for ideas!
How to make it
The step-by-step guide below should help you make the recipe perfectly first time. Scroll down to the end for the full recipe including ingredient amounts.
What I really love about this meal (apart from how truly simple and tasty it is!) is that you only need to use one pan – and on the stovetop, so it’s perfect for those days when you don’t really want to turn on the oven.
And there are only a few very simple steps! Here’s what you need to know.
Firstly, add plenty of olive oil to a large skillet/heavy pan (at least a tablespoon or two). Then pan-fry the chicken breasts on a medium high heat for a couple of minutes on each side.
Then add the garlic to the pan and let it cook for just a minute or two (you don’t want it to burn).
Then pour the canned cherry tomatoes into the pan, all around the chicken. Add the balsamic vinegar, honey (if using) and basil and plenty of salt and pepper too.
Let the sauce and chicken simmer for around 5 minutes. Then turn the chicken over with chicken tongs and let simmer for another 5 minutes on the other side.
Now here’s where the magic happens! Top each chicken breast with a slice or sprinkle or two of mozzarella cheese and… broil/grill until bubbling and oozy!
Serve the chicken breast pizzaiola with crusty bread or any of the suggestions below. How easy is that?
Helen’s top tips
Check the chicken is done by testing it with a meat thermometer. It should be at least 165F/74C in the thickest part.
Don’t be shy with the olive oil since it will add flavor to the sauce, especially if you use a good quality brand. Add a very large drizzle to pan-fry the chicken in.
Be careful not to burn the garlic. Cook for just a minute or two before adding the rest of the sauce ingredients.
How to serve
My favorite way to serve this pizzaiola chicken is with these 10-minute frozen green beans (or any fresh or frozen vegetables) and either crusty fresh bread, these 2-minute olive oil toasts or (my top choice if you have time!) this no-knead Italian focaccia bread.
Another easy side dish option is a green salad such as this easy Greek lettuce salad.
That’s all it needs! So delicious!
Alternatively, you can serve with your favorite pasta. Of course, spaghetti is always a great choice! I’d stir a little of the serve through the cooked pasta first, then top with the chicken and the rest of the sauce.
Sprinkle over a little parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil if you like to serve.
Variations
If you travelled to different regions in Italy you may come across different variations and adaptations of a chicken pizzaiola recipe.
Which means it’s very easy to adapt and make your very own! Here are some suggestions.
- Add a small handful of capers, chopped olives, jarred roasted red peppers or anchovies to the chicken pizzaiola sauce.
- Add extra fresh or dried herbs. I’m thinking oregano, thyme, parsley or mixed dried Italian herbs.
- Add a little chopped bacon or chorizo to the pan while you’re pan-frying the chicken – for lots of extra yummy flavor!
- Similar to the above, top the chicken with pepperoni slices as well as the mozzarella… for extra pizza-y vibes!
- Be brave and switch out the chicken for steak. Remember that traditionally pizzaiola was made with steak!
- Swap the mozzarella for a different cheese. How about gruyère, feta or a strong cheddar? Or simply add a sprinkle of parmesan to the mozzarella.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can. Simply let cool a little then keep covered in the fridge until ready to serve. To reheat, simply place the chicken and sauce in a pan and heat on medium-low heat until heated through. Alternatively you can cover and microwave individual portions for around 3 minutes on 80% power until piping hot again.
Leftover chicken pizzaiola can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Then reheat as described above.
Yes you can. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat as described above.
More easy stovetop dinners
- This pan-fried gnocchi with cherry tomato sauce is a quick vegetarian dinner that’s so easy and delicious you’ll make it again and again.
- No explanation needed for this 12-minute casarecce pasta with blistered tomatoes. Another veggie option.
- Check out this incredibly tasty and comforting but simple stovetop chicken and rice.
- This Mediterranean stovetop chicken casserole is packed with flavor!
- Another chicken breast recipe for you. You’ll adore this creamy pesto chicken that’s ready in just 15 minutes!
OR check out all my easy midweek meals!
IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, LET ME KNOW HOW YOU GET ON BY LEAVING A COMMENT AND RATING BELOW… AND DON’T FORGET TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE ALL MY NEW RECIPES BY EMAIL!
One Pan Chicken Pizzaiola (25-Minute Meal)
Equipment (affiliate links)
Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves chopped finely
- 2 chicken breasts
- 28 ounces cherry tomatoes (two cans) or use canned chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional) or sugar
- 1 bunch fresh basil chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ball fresh mozzarella sliced (or use grated mozzarella)
Instructions
- Drizzle the oil into a large frying pan/skillet, then heat it up (on a medium heat). Cook the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side, adding the garlic for the last minute.2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 4 garlic cloves, 2 chicken breasts
- Pour the cherry tomatoes into the pan with the balsamic vinegar, the honey, most of the basil, and plenty of salt and pepper. Let simmer for about 5 minutes, then turn the chicken over and simmer for another 5 minutes.28 ounces cherry tomatoes, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 bunch fresh basil, salt and pepper
- Check that the chicken is cooked all the way through (use a meat thermometer if you have one to check it's 165F/74C in the thickest part). Then top each piece with the mozzarella slices.1 ball fresh mozzarella
- Put the pan under the broiler/grill for a minute or two until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Divide the sauce between the plates, then top with the chicken and garnish with the rest of the basil.
- Serve with crusty bread, 2-minute toasts with olive oil and salt or easy focaccia bread, and/or a simple vegetable or green salad side.
Bam's Kitchen says
So glad you were able to get away! I hope it did not rain and you had some sunny days. Your delicious one pan cherry tomato mozzarella chicken is gorgeous. Loving your photos! I see you have been responding to post lately so I take that as good news that cooking acids in a iron skillet did not become your last supper. Thanks for your dry humor, it made my day. Take care Helen!
Helen says
Hahahahaha … thank you for the lovely compliments, Bam … on the dish and the photos. I did indeed manage to stay alive after the iron skillet fiasco. And I have now seasoned the pan properly, so next time I use it we should be fine 😉
Maggie says
The Wales trip sounds lovely! Me too, sometimes I find hearing people talking in foreign language amusing.
This is such an easy, comforting and beautiful dish. Just like the other recipes you shared, it’s something I’d definitely feel like doing during the busy week. Pinning of course!
Helen says
Thank you so much for the compliments, Maggie … I’m really happy that you like this recipe. And of course, thanks for pinning!
marcie says
How nice your surprise trip sounded! And this meal looks heavenly. That cherry tomato sauce and melty mozzarella over juicy chicken would be the ultimate dinner. Pinned!
Helen says
Thank you so much for pinning this, Marcie … I’m so glad you like it!
Eva says
Quelle aventure Helen! J’adore les surprises surtout quand c’est pour finir dans un B&B dans un beau endroit. Ta recette donne vraiment envie, elle a l’air vraiment savoureuse et réconfortante ! J’aimerais beaucoup connaître ce région!
Helen says
Tu l’aimerais beaucoup, Eva! (Je sais comme tu aimes voyager!) 🙂
Dini @ The Flavor Bender says
I did not know that about cast iron pans!! That is good for me to know for the future 🙂
But man oh man! This looks so delicious!! This is definitely the kind of meal my husband and I would LOVE to eat and crave for too!
We’ve had that experience of going somewhere beautiful but being stuck with fast food (Pizza in our case) until we get back home. I would be very happy with this!
Helen says
Thank you, Dini! This was definitely a winner … one to go on the regular mid-week meal rotation! 🙂
Cheyanne | No Spoon Necessary says
I’ve never been to Wales, but obviously I would LOVE to go! I’ve heard nothing but great things! So glad you and the Mr had a fabulous time on your vacay! Love this chicken dish, my dear! The cherry tomato sauce and that melted mozzarella have me seriously drooling! This looks a billion times better than chicken parm! Can’t wait to try it! Cheers! 😉
Helen says
I hope you get to visit Wales some day, Cheyanne. And I really hope you do give this a go some time soon! 🙂
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I’m glad you had a nice time in Wales, although what a shame about the food. I hate disappointing food!
I love one pot dishes like this, especially when they have so few ingredients too.
Helen says
Yeah … disappointing food on trips is no good at all for us foodies! 😉
THE HUNGRY MUM says
Love a one pan meal! This looks fancy enough to serve up for when mum-in-law comes over for dinner.And yes to mozzarella!
Helen says
Thanks, Hungry Mum! I agree that this is a great meal to cook for guests. Easy … but quite impressive!
Laura ~ Raise Your Garden says
Ok, it’s official. I’m getting on a plane and crossing the pond to eat this at your place! Oh my. Swooning with delight. This is my kind of meal and I have no words. Just starving tonight and obviously ate too much of my kids candy and not enough real food. The cheese swirling in that sauce. Oh yum.
Helen says
OK, Laura, I’m waiting for you! 🙂
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
What a cute sounding weekend! But it’s a bit of a shame when the food disappoints. Luckily you had this to come home to! 😀
Helen says
Yeah. Must have been a REALLY good trip, because otherwise I would have been very depressed by the lack of good food!
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom says
Oh my gosh, what a wonderful getaway! Mr. Scrummy gets big bonus points in the romance department 😉 This dish looks amazing. Helen! This is my idea of amazing comfort food. And I agree with Marissa, this would be great as leftovers over pasta…. if there are any leftovers 🙂
Helen says
Yup, he sure did get those brownie points! So glad you like this, Kathleen … I agree that it’s comfort food, but healthier than the norm, thank goodness!
Fareeha says
wow, this is just so incredible.. love it.. the pictures are just so amazing and out of the world..
Helen says
Thank you so much, Fareeha! Really appreciate your lovely compliment!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
How sweet of Mr. Scrummy to plan a surprise getaway! And this chicken looks amazing – love that it’s made in one pan too!
Helen says
Yes, I’m a very lucky girl! Thank you, Amanda!
mira says
Glad you guys had a great time!This dish is perfect for me- one pan, right now, when I can only use my right hand. Love the flavors! I recently saw a similar dish on the menu at a restaurant and I regret not ordering it. Will try this one!
Helen says
Awww, Mira! I feel terrible for you right now! Glad you like the meal, though, and hope you give it a go!
Marissa | Pinch and Swirl says
You’re so funny, Helen – “If I don’t post recipes anymore, you’ll know what happened.” 🙂 So romantic of Mr. Scrummy to plan a surprise getaway…
I love this kind of one-pot meal that simple, but also so flavorful. I bet the leftovers would be great tossed with pasta or served over rice the next day too. Definitely bookmarking this one to try.
Helen says
It was, wasn’t it? I got thoroughly spoilt, that’s for sure.
That’s a great idea to toss leftovers over pasta. I actually do have a bit (just a bit!) of leftover sauce and you’ve reminded me to do something with it soon! (I might spread it in a grilled cheese sandwich … mmm!)
cheri says
Hi Helen, I heard the same thing about cast-iron, looks delicious though, I love one pan meals. Sounds like you an Mr Scrummy have a great time traveling.
Helen says
Thanks, Cheri! I have now ‘seasoned’ my cast-iron, so hopefully I won’t poison us next time!
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
This chicken looks fantastic and so cheesy! Love that its made in one pan too!
Helen says
Hi Kelley! Thanks so much for popping by and saying nice things about this meal! 🙂
[email protected] says
There is nothing I don’t love about this dish. Pass the crusty bread I want to mop up that sauce.
Helen says
Oooh, now you are making me hungry, Janette. Could just eat this again right now with loads of that crusty bread. 🙂
ann says
a definite goer, thank you.
And YES, c’mon Aussie c’mon c’mon
Helen says
Thanks Ann! Hope you give this a go. I’m watching the match right now … boo hooo, Aussies losing! 🙁
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
OMG I am watching that mozzarella melt in your recipe and thinking what would I not do to have a bite.
Helen says
Ha! I know … I’m feeling hungry again now just thinking about it! 🙂