Chicken Pizzaiola (Easy One Pan Recipe)

There's nothing like a bubbling pan of tender chicken breast with gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce to make any evening feel a little more special. Our Chicken Pizzaiola recipe is a quick twist on an Italian American classic - steak pizzaiola. Chicken is simmered alla pizzaiola - a simple yet flavour-packed sauce that wins over the whole family. Whether it's a busy weeknight or one of those special occasions where comfort food is the only answer, this weeknight meal delivers every time.

Jump to:

• But What's Pizzaiola?
• Ingredients and Substitutes
• Step-By-Step Method
• Serving Suggestions
• More Italian Chicken Recipes
• Chicken Pizzaiola

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But What's Pizzaiola?

Pizzaiola (or alla pizzaiola) is an American Italian chicken recipe where meat is cooked in a tomato-based sauce that's seasoned in the style of pizza-think garlic, herbs, and a bit of gooey cheese.

The name itself comes from pizzaiolo, meaning pizza maker, and it's all about bringing those classic pizza style flavours to whatever's in the pan.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Here are all the simple ingredients you will need to make Chicken Pizzaiola: 

• chicken breast: you will need a large (approximately 300-350g) one to serve two. 
• flour: for dusting the chicken. 
• extra virgin olive oil. 
• garlic clove: or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, but fresh garlic always wins!
• tinned chopped tomatoes: or tomato passata. For extra rich tomato sauce, add 1-2 tablespoon of concentrated tomato paste (tomato puree). 
• dried herbs: like dried oregano, parsley and basil. You may simply use Italian seasoning (US)/ Italian herb blend or mixed dried herbs (UK). 
• fresh basil leaves. 
• mozzarella ball. 

Find the ingredient quantities, detailed instructions and nutritional values in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. 

EXTRAS: I love adding sautéed bell peppers and/ or mushrooms to this chicken recipe whenever I have some in the fridge. You may also stir in some red pepper flakes (chilli flakes) for a little kick.   

Step-By-Step Method

1. Cut the chicken breast into 2-4 thin pieces using a sharp knife. Flatten them further with the smooth side of a meat tenderiser.

2. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper, then roll each piece of chicken in flour. Dust off the excess.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

4. Once hot, add the chicken and pan fry for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. 

5. Take the chicken cutlets out of the pan, cover with foil. Reserve the pan.

6. To the reserved pan, add the garlic and stir over low-medium heat for 30-60 seconds.

7. Tip in the chopped tomatoes, dried herbs, add a pinch of salt and black pepper, stir and leave the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, or until reduced by about ⅓. If your tinned crushed tomatoes are very thick, add a splash of dry white wine, chicken broth or water.

8. Then stir in the basil leaves.

9. Add the chicken pieces to the tomato sauce, cover the pan with the lid, and continue cooking over low heat for 5 minutes.

10. Finally, scatter the torn-up or sliced mozzarella cheese on top, and cover with the lid for a few minutes until the cheese melts.

Serving Suggestions

This classic dish is traditionally served over a tangle of spaghetti, but it's just as perfect spooned onto creamy polenta, fluffy white rice, or buttery mashed potatoes. Don't forget a slice of crusty bread-it's ideal for mopping up that rich tomato sauce.

To round out this delicious dinner, add a side of garlicky green bean salad, sautéed spinach, or a crisp courgette ribbon salad for a fresh contrast to this delicious meal. 

More Italian Chicken Recipes

Love this dish? Next time, try one of our other easy recipes from the Italian kitchen that bring big flavour with minimal fuss (HINT: you must try our super easy but impressive Parma Ham Wrapped Chicken Stuffed With Cream Cheese).