Chicken Pepperoni Pizza Melts
Oven-baked chicken melts topped with pepperoni, mozzarella, and pizza sauce for a cheesy, flavorful dish perfect for quick dinners or casual gatherings.
Equipment
- 1 oven preheated to 400°F
- 1 baking sheet or baking dish
- 1 meat mallet optional, for flattening chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (~1 lb)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1½ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15 –20 slices pepperoni
- Optional: Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Optional: sliced onions bell peppers, or mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Flatten chicken breasts to even thickness using a meat mallet if desired.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet or greased baking dish and bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from oven and spread a layer of pizza sauce on each piece.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Top with pepperoni slices and optional vegetables.
- Return to oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden and pepperoni is crisp.
- Remove from oven, let rest 2–3 minutes, then serve hot.
Notes
- Use a cheese blend or add cheddar for sharper flavor.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce for spice.
- Serve over salad greens or veggies to lighten the dish.
- Substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage, ham, or vegetarian options.