The Easiest Weeknight Chicken Pizzaiola Dish You’ll Ever Make

Do you ever find yourself staring into the fridge at 5 p.m., wondering what you can possibly make for dinner that’s both delicious and won’t take forever? We’ve all been there. It’s that moment when you need a superhero recipe one that swoops in with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, saving the day (and your sanity). This simple and flavorful Chicken Pizzaiola is exactly that recipe. It’s a dish I rely on time and time again for my family, and it never disappoints.

What makes this recipe a true game-changer is its simplicity. You’ll be amazed at the incredible depth of flavor you can get from just six ingredients. Juicy chicken cutlets are seared to a golden brown, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with melty cheese and fresh basil. It’s comfort food at its best quick, easy, and satisfying. Get ready to add this one to your weekly rotation; it’s a dish you’ll be proud to serve.

Quick Recipe

• Preparation Time: 10M
• Cooking Time: 20M
• Total Time: 30M
• Type of Dish: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian American
• Recipe Yield: 4 servings
• Calories: 350-400 calories per serving (estimate)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only Six Ingredients: No special trips to the grocery store needed. You likely have most of these ingredients already.
• Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
• Maximum Flavor: The simple ingredients work together to create a rich, savory, and irresistible sauce.
• Customizable: Easily add more veggies or different cheeses to make it your own.

What is Chicken Pizzaiola, anyway?

At its heart, Chicken Pizzaiola is an Italian American classic. The name “pizzaiola” literally translates to “in the style of the pizza maker.” While it’s not a pizza, the dish gets its name from its key ingredients tomato, garlic, oregano, and cheese which are the same foundational flavors you’d find on a classic Margherita pizza. My family’s version keeps it simple, focusing on quality ingredients to let those flavors shine.

This dish is all about layering flavor. We start by searing the chicken, a crucial step that creates a beautiful golden crust. This isn’t just for looks; it’s called the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that gives the chicken a deep, savory flavor. Next, we build the sauce right in the same pan, scraping up all those browned bits from the chicken. These bits are called the fond, and they’re pure flavor gold. By incorporating them into the sauce, you get an extra layer of richness that a separate sauce just can’t match.

Let’s Make Simple and Flavorful Chicken Pizzaiola

Ingredients: The Six Stars of the Show

This recipe’s genius lies in its simplicity. Here are the six essential ingredients you’ll need:

1. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: We’ll be slicing these into thin cutlets so they cook quickly and evenly.
2. Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Look for a good quality can. San Marzano tomatoes are my favorite for their sweet flavor and low acidity, but any good brand will work beautifully.
3. Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here. Mincing it yourself gives you the most potent flavor.
4. Dried Oregano: This herb is non-negotiable for a truly authentic pizzaiola flavor.
5. Fresh Mozzarella: The star of the topping! Fresh mozzarella melts into creamy, delicious pools.
6. Fresh Basil: Tearing fresh basil leaves and scattering them over the finished dish adds a pop of bright, peppery flavor and a beautiful aroma.

Don’t forget the pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and black pepper! I don’t count these in the six ingredients because they are kitchen essentials.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan (my favorite for its even heat distribution)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula or tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them horizontally to create two or three thinner cutlets. The goal is to get them to a uniform thickness, about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This is a small but mighty tip! A dry surface helps the chicken get a beautiful sear and a better crust. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the chicken cutlets in the pan. Don’t crowd the pan; if your skillet isn’t big enough, work in batches. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken won’t be cooked all the way through yet—that’s okay! We’re just building that incredible flavor. Once seared, remove the cutlets and set them aside on a plate.

3. Build the Sauce

• Reduce the heat to medium. If the pan looks dry, add another splash of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and a teaspoon of dried oregano to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn; burnt garlic can taste bitter.
• Next, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Give the sauce a good stir, using your spatula to scrape up all those wonderful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer.

4. Simmer and Finish

• Return the seared chicken cutlets to the pan, nestling them into the simmering sauce. Cover the pan and let the chicken cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and tender. You can check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of a piece; it should be opaque all the way through.

• Once the chicken is cooked, turn off the heat. Tear or slice your fresh mozzarella and arrange the pieces on top of the chicken. Cover the pan again for a few minutes, just until the cheese is beautifully melted and gooey.

5. Garnish and Serve

Finally, tear the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them generously over the top of the dish. A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add a nice finishing touch. Serve immediately, perhaps with some crusty bread to soak up all that incredible sauce.

A Delicious Meal Awaits

Learning to make a few quick, reliable dishes like this simple and flavorful Chicken Pizzaiola is a true gift you can give yourself and your family. It proves that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients or hours of time to create something truly memorable. This recipe is more than just food; it’s a way to bring a little bit of comfort and warmth to your dinner table, even on the busiest of days. I hope this recipe becomes a go-to for you, just as it has for me. Happy cooking!

The Ultimate Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole (From Scratch!)