Easy Chicken Pizzaiolo
Easy Chicken Pizzaiolo is a straightforward recipe that captures your favorite flavors of Chicken Parmesan and pizza, minus the pizza crust. It presents an amazing combination of fresh flavors and textures. And, we’ll show you how our mom made it and how you can make it with substitutions.

What is Chicken Pizzaiolo?
Chicken Pizzaiolo (also known as chicken alla pizzaiolo) is a Neapolitan dish that combines the flavors of pizza and chicken to create this delicious meal. And, without a lot of fuss!
This recipe showcases crispy chicken resting on a spoonful of tasty pizza sauce. It’s then garnished with slices of fresh, creamy mozzarella and a sprinkle of oregano. YUM!
Chicken pizzaiolo is a simple and easy recipe for the whole family to enjoy! And it’s all about layering with flavors and it’s beautiful! Delicious.
For more Italian chicken recipes, be sure to try our Crispy Stuffed Chicken Breasts, and Chicken Rollantini with Prosciutto. And for a spicy chicken recipe, don’t miss our Chicken Puttanesca. ๐

Quick Notes and Tips:
- This dish will make a lovely presentation without a fuss. And, no mess too!
- We recommend making a fresh pizza sauce! It only takes a few minutes and with only 4 ingredients, plus salt. …and the flavor is undoubtedly the best and fresh-tasting!
- Be sure to take out the mozzarella slices and allow them to warm up to room temperature. This way they can soften and even melt a little when they are placed on top of the warm chicken cutlet.
Main Ingredients with Substitutions:
For this easy chicken pizzaiolo recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- CANNED TOMATOES – we recommend using the San Marzano brand of canned tomatoes, crushed or pureed, for the best flavor. And, you will only need 1 can (28 ounces) for this recipe.
- CHICKEN BREASTS – you can purchase a package of organic chicken breasts and slice them in half. Or, buy about 6 chicken cutlets at your local butcher, or more if needed.
- OLIVE OIL – we prefer extra virgin olive oil when making fresh pizza tomato sauce. And, a plain olive oil to fry the chicken cutlets.
- BREAD CRUMBS – to make the chicken crispy, we used a breadcrumb mixture made from semolina loaves. These packages of Italian bread crumbs can be found in gourmet markets and Italian bakeries. Plus, you can use your favorite gluten-free or cornbread crumbs.
- EGG – an egg is needed to coat each chicken cutlet before coating it with breadcrumbs. You will need one large egg, or two small ones, lightly beaten.
- SEASONINGS – you will need some salt, black pepper, and dried oregano for this recipe.
- MOZZARELLA CHEESE – we prefer to use the log of mozzarella cheese that has been already sliced. It makes this dish simple, and easier to plate and serve. You can use shredded mozzarella if you prefer.
- FRESH BASIL – we prefer to use fresh basil, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can use dried.

How to Make Chicken Pizzaiolo Dish?
For this recipe, there are a few steps. First, make the fresh tomato pizza sauce. This will take about 5 minutes, and about 20 minutes to simmer. While the pizza sauce is simmering, you can get started on the chicken. Prepare the chicken, which is the same recipe as our parmesan-crusted chicken cutlets. Once the chicken cutlets are ready, you can plate all the ingredients together and serve.
Ok, Let’s Make It!
Directions to Make this Easy Chicken Pizzaiolo:
Our full printable recipe card is located at the bottom. But first, let’s go through the steps to show you how to make it before you begin.
- FIRST STEP: MAKE THE PIZZA SAUCE! In a medium-sized saucepan, toss in the sliced garlic and pour in the extra virgin olive oil. On moderate heat, sautรฉ the garlic for about one minute. Open the can of tomatoes and add them to the pot. Toss in some fresh basil, some salt, fresh cracked black pepper and dried oregano. Cover and simmer on low heat.

2. Next, PREPARE THE CHICKEN BREASTS: First, rinse and drain them. Then slice them horizontally (on a cutting board) in halves. Prepare the egg (lightly beaten) in a small bowl or bread pan. And, then prepare the breadcrumb mixture (full recipe card with ingredients is located at the bottom) in a second bowl or bread pan.

3. DIP and COAT CHICKEN CUTLETS: Then take one chicken cutlet at a time, dip it into the egg, and coat both sides. Allow the extra egg to drip back into its bowl. Next, place it onto the breadcrumb mixture and pat it firmly to coat on both sides. Transfer to a plate. Continue with all 6 pieces.
4. FRY THE CUTLETS: Heat (about 1/4-inch) some oil in a frying pan and on moderate heat. When oil is ready, add the cutlets, and do not overcrowd the skillet. Sautรฉ for about 4 minutes per side or more, depending on thickness. Remove and drain on paper towels. NOTE: if you need to add additional oil to the skillet, you may do so, as needed.

5. FINALLY, PLATE YOUR DISHES: Spoon some pizza sauce in the center of the dinner plate. Top with one chicken cutlet. Top with 2 or 3 slices of mozzarella. Sprinkle with some oregano, and some cracked black pepper. Optional: drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over it. And serve!

Pros Tips To Make This Dinner Easier!
- Try baking the chicken in the oven, at 400 degrees, turning them over once, and until crispy-golden brown.
- You can use your favorite jarred pizza sauce if you prefer.
- Then plate your dishes with a spoonful of pizza sauce, topped with baked chicken and slices of creamy mozzarella on top.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil over the dish (this is optional). Garnish with a sprinkle of dried oregano and fresh cracked black pepper over the mozzarella and serve.
- Also, if your family prefers the mozzarella slightly melted on top? You can bake the chicken until fully cooked and golden. Then open the oven, place the slices of mozzarella on top, and continue to bake for an additional minute or so. Then plate the pizza sauce onto each plate, and top with the baked chicken cutlet.

Easy Chicken Pizzaiolo Dinner
Easy chicken pizzaiolo will make a delicious dinner. It’s another Italian way to make a quick dinner combining two favorites – chicken parm and pizza. It’s very flavorful and fresh tasting in every bite. Serve it with a side of crisp green salad and dinner is done. We hope you’ll like this recipe!
ENJOY!
Italian Chicken Dinner Recipes
- Mom’s Best Chicken Piccata
- Skillet Chicken Mushroom Dinner
- Chicken Cacciatore Recipe
- Marry Me Chicken & Orzo (one-skillet)
Your comments help us! If you make our easy chicken pizzaiolo, let us know and leave a comment below! Don’t forget to give us some of the stars as well. We love hearing from you!

Easy Chicken Pizzaiolo
Easy Chicken Pizzaiolo is an easy recipe for chicken meets pizza. Crispy chicken atop a layer of fresh tomato pizza sauce with creamy mozzarella presents an amazing combination of flavors and textures. Makes dinner a snap!
Ingredients
For the Pizza Sauce:
- 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves - sliced
- 28 ounce (794g) can of crushed Italian tomatoes (San Marzano)
- 1/2 tsp. of dried oregano, and extra to taste
- 1 tsp. salt, and extra to taste
- a few fresh basil leaves
For the Chicken Cutlets:
- 3 skinless chicken breasts - sliced in half
- 1 large egg (or 2 small ones) - lightly beaten
- 1 cup of bread crumbs
- 2 Tbsp. of grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley (for the breadcrumb mixture)
- oil for frying
Topping:
- 16 ounces a log of fresh mozzarella cheese (pre-sliced)
Instructions
- First, Make the Pizza Sauce: In a medium-sized pot, pour the olive oil, toss in the sliced garlic, and turn on the heat to moderate. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until golden, ( do not burn the garlic).
- Open the can of crushed tomatoes. Slowly pour the entire can of crushed tomatoes into the oil with garlic. Add some salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and dried oregano. (Optional: Toss a few basil leaves.) Lower the heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook the sauce for about 20 minutes. NOTE: if the sauce is too thick, you can stir in some water, about 1/4 cup. Taste the sauce , and adjust for salt to your preference.
- Next prep the chicken cutlets. In a breading pan, place the eggs and lightly beat them. Then in a second breading pan, stir the breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and fresh parsley.
- Take each chicken cutlet, one at a time. Dip the chicken into the eggs to coat both sides. Allow the excess eggs to drip back into the bowl. Then transfer the chicken to coat it with the breadcrumbs, patting it firmly on both sides. Remove and transfer it on a plate.
- Grab a medium-sized skillet. Pour about 1/4-inch of oil for frying. Heat on moderate-low heat. Toss in some breadcrumbs to see if the oil is hot and ready, ( the breadcrumbs should sizzle). When the oil is ready, gently place the chicken cutlets into the skillet, and do not overcrowd. Fry them for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. When the chicken cutlets are done, transfer them to a plate covered with paper towels, to drain excess oil. When all the chicken cutlets are done. Turn off the heat under the skillet.
- Finally, you are ready to plate the food, one at a time. Grab a dinner plate, and spoon some pizza sauce in the center of the plate, ( and to your liking). Then place one chicken cutlet on top. Place 2 or 3 slices of mozzarella on top of the chicken. Then drizzle on top with some extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle some black pepper, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Add some fresh basil leaves on the side. And, serve immediately.
Notes
1. Keep an eye on the chicken while fryling. Some pieces may be thinner than others, and the thicker slices will need a few more minutes to fry them.
2. Also, keep the pizza sauce hot until served. A cold dinner plate will cool it down quickly while you are plating it.
3. You can make store left over pizza sauce in a sealed container, and use it during the week, to make additional pizza recipes. It will stay fresh, and for up to 4 days. Also, you can freeze it too.
4. Serve leftover pizza sauce on warm toasted bread, sprinkle with some pecorino or parmesan cheese on top and enjoy it as we snack.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 servings Serving Size: 1 servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 446Total Fat: 17.2gCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1.1gSugar: 1.6gProtein: 51.2g
Have a Delicious Day! ๐
thanks for stopping by…
xo anna and liz
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Weeknight Dinners Made Easy
Tips & recipes for delicious meals . . . no matter your skill level!
FREE EMAIL BONUS
Weeknight Dinners Made Easy
Tips & recipes for delicious meals . . . no matter your skill level!
Iโve made this before and your presentation is way better than mine!
Thank you so much! Have a great weekend and Happy Valentine’s Day.