Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! Imagine the savory, saucy goodness of classic chicken parmesan combined with the cheesy, crispy perfection of a fresh-baked pizza. This ultimate chicken parm pizza is the comfort food fusion you never knew you needed. It’s incredibly easy to make, using simple store-bought shortcuts that save you time without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Get ready to impress your family and yourself with a meal that feels special but comes together in a snap.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parm Pizza
This amazing chicken parmesan pizza recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner when you’re craving something comforting and delicious.
- The Best of Both Worlds: It flawlessly combines two beloved Italian-American classics, chicken parmesan and pizza, into one unforgettable dish.
- Quick & Easy: Using pre-cooked chicken cutlets and store-bought dough makes this a super-fast meal, perfect for busy schedules.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: The familiar, savory flavors are a hit with both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner.
- Incredible Flavor & Texture: You get it all: a crispy crust, gooey melted cheese, savory chicken, and creamy ricotta in every single bite.
- Perfectly Versatile: It’s wonderful for a casual Friday night in, but impressive enough to serve at a small get-together with friends.
Ingredients
Here is everything you’ll need to assemble this incredible chicken parm pizza. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of convenient, high-quality ingredients that deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
- 1 lb. Pizza Dough
- ⅓ cup Pizza Sauce
- ⅓ cup Ricotta Cheese
- 7 oz. Breaded Chicken Cutlets (cooked and diced)
- ½ tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- ½ tsp. Dried Oregano
- 1 cup Grated Mozzarella Cheese
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- ¼ cup Fresh Basil Leaves (hand-torn)
Notes & Substitutions
- Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough is a fantastic time-saver! You can find it in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores. If you have a favorite homemade recipe, feel free to use that instead.
- Chicken: Pre-cooked breaded chicken cutlets or even crispy chicken tenders from the frozen aisle work perfectly. You can also use leftover grilled chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheese: Don’t be afraid to mix it up! A blend of mozzarella and provolone would be delicious, or try a pre-shredded Italian cheese mix.
- Herbs: While fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried basil if that’s what you have on hand.
- Sauce: A quality store-bought pizza or marinara sauce is perfect. For a richer flavor, try a vodka sauce.
Equipment
You don’t need any fancy gadgets to create this masterpiece. Just a few basic kitchen tools will get the job done.
- Oven
- Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet
- Pizza Cutter or Large Knife
- Oven Mitts
- Spoon and Measuring Spoons
How to Make Chicken Parm Pizza
Follow these simple steps to build your delicious chicken parm pizza. Remember to read the baking instructions on your pizza dough package, as times and temperatures can vary slightly. You’ve got this!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- First, preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on your pizza dough packaging. If you are using a pizza stone, place it on a middle rack inside the oven now so it gets scorching hot. A hot surface is the key to a crispy crust! If you’re using a baking sheet, you can place it in the oven to preheat as well.
Step 2: Stretch the Dough
- While the oven heats up, prepare your dough. Lightly flour your work surface and your hands to prevent sticking. Gently press and stretch the pizza dough into a circle. To create a defined crust, use your fingertips to press dimples into the dough about one inch from the edge. When the circle is about 7 inches wide, carefully pick it up and hold it near the edge. Rotate the dough, letting gravity help stretch it into a 12 to 14-inch circle with a thinner center.
Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Surface
- Using oven mitts, carefully remove the hot pizza stone or baking sheet from the oven and set it on a heat-safe surface like a trivet or stovetop. If you are using a baking sheet, flip it upside down and lightly grease the surface with oil. Carefully lay your stretched dough onto the hot surface. Don’t worry if it’s not a perfect circle; you can gently reshape it now.
Step 4: Add the Toppings
- Now for the fun part! Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the 1-inch border bare for the crust. Use a spoon to dollop small mounds of ricotta cheese across the sauce. Next, evenly distribute the diced breaded chicken pieces. Sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes and dried oregano over the top. Finally, cover your amazing chicken parm pizza generously with the grated mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
Step 5: Bake and Garnish
- Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. Bake according to the time listed on your pizza dough package, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once it’s cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven. Tear the fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the hot pizza. The heat will release their incredible aroma. Let it rest for a minute, then slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Want to take your homemade pizza to the next level? Here are a few tips to ensure your chicken parm pizza recipe comes out perfect every time.
- Sticky Dough: If your pizza dough is too sticky to handle, dust your hands and work surface with a little extra flour.
- Avoid a Soggy Crust: Don’t go overboard with the sauce. A thin, even layer is all you need to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Preheat Your Stone: A properly preheated pizza stone absorbs moisture and cooks the dough from the bottom up, creating a wonderfully crisp crust.
- Achieve Crispy Perfection: For an extra-crispy crust on your chicken parmesan pizza, brush the 1-inch border with a little olive oil before baking.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving your homemade chicken parm pizza is just as fun as making it. Enjoy it hot from the oven for the best experience!
Chicken Parm Pizza Serving Suggestions
This pizza is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad. For dipping, offer some extra marinara sauce or a side of creamy ranch dressing.
Chicken Parm Pizza Storage
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Chicken Parm Pizza Reheating
To bring back that crispy crust, reheat slices in a 375°F oven or an air fryer for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the crust soft and chewy.
Chicken Parm Pizza Variations:
- Make it Spicy: Double the crushed red pepper flakes or add some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers would be delicious additions.
- Lighter Version: Use grilled, unbreaded chicken breast and a whole wheat pizza crust for a healthier take on this chicken parmesan pizza.
Nutrition
This chicken parm pizza is a hearty and satisfying meal, offering a good balance of protein from the chicken and cheese, carbohydrates from the crust, and fats. Because it’s homemade, you have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to make adjustments to fit your dietary needs. Use whole wheat dough for more fiber, or opt for part-skim cheeses to reduce fat content. The nutritional information below is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
| Nutrition | Amount Per Serving (1 slice of an 8-slice pizza) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Total Fat | 13g |
| Sodium | 640mg |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 18g |
If you’re looking to make this meal part of a healthier weekly rotation, understanding the basics of a balanced diet can help you adjust ingredients and portions in smart ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to a few common questions you might have about making this easy chicken parm pizza recipe.
Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade pizza dough recipe, it will work beautifully here. Just be sure to follow its specific instructions for baking temperature and time.
How do I prevent my pizza from getting soggy?
The keys to preventing a soggy pizza are not to use too much sauce and to bake it on a very hot surface. Preheating your pizza stone or baking sheet is essential for a crisp crust.
Can I freeze leftover chicken parm pizza?
Yes, you can! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven for the best results.
What kind of chicken cutlets are best?
Any pre-cooked breaded chicken cutlet works well. You can use ones from your grocer’s deli, the frozen section, or even leftover chicken parmesan from another meal.
Can I add other toppings?
Of course! Feel free to customize your chicken parmesan pizza with toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives to make it your own.
Conclusion
This chicken parm pizza recipe is truly a game-changer for easy, delicious weeknight meals. By combining two iconic comfort foods, you get a uniquely satisfying dinner that the whole family will adore. The recipe is straightforward, relies on simple ingredients, and delivers that wonderful homemade pizza experience without all the fuss. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a fun, creative way to bring joy and confidence into your kitchen. I hope you love making and sharing this incredible pizza fusion
Ultimate Chicken Parm Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Pizza stone (optional) or Baking sheet
- Heat-safe work surface
- 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
Main Instructions
- Preheat your oven with a pizza stone or baking sheet to the temperature specified on your pizza dough package instructions.
- Press and stretch the pizza dough into a 12-14 inch circle, creating a thicker crust border by pressing about 1 inch from the edge and rotating the dough to thin the center.
- Carefully remove the hot pizza stone or baking sheet from the oven, grease it if using a baking sheet, and lay the pizza dough onto it.
- Spread pizza sauce, dollop ricotta, and evenly distribute the diced chicken. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, mozzarella, and parmesan, then bake according to pizza dough package instructions.
- Once the pizza is cooked, remove it from the oven, sprinkle with hand-torn basil leaves, then slice and enjoy.