Chicken Parmesan Pizza Recipe

Name: Chicken Parmesan Pizza
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 12 frozen chicken nuggets; 1 12-inch pre-made pizza crust; 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 2 button mushrooms, sliced; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 6 fresh basil leaves, cut into thin ribbons

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

12 frozen chicken nuggets
1 12-inch pre-baked pizza crust
1/2 cup marinara sauce
2 button mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
6 basil leaves, cut into thin ribbons

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Arrange the frozen chicken nuggets in a single layer on a pizza pan.

Step 2: Bake the chicken nuggets in the pre-heated oven for about 10 minutes, or according to the package directions. Once baked, transfer the nuggets to a cutting board and cut each nugget in half.

Step 3: Increase the oven temperature to 450F (230C). Place the pizza crust on the pizza pan. Spread the marinara sauce evenly across the surface of the crust.

Step 4: Evenly arrange the halved chicken nuggets and sliced mushrooms over the marinara sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.

Step 5: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and everything is heated through.

Step 6: Once baked, sprinkle the pizza with shredded Parmesan cheese and scatter the basil ribbons over the top. Bake for an additional 3 minutes to allow the basil to crisp up slightly.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (4 servings total):

Calories: 4455
Total Fat: 105g (135% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 17g (84% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 38mg (13% Daily Value)
Sodium: 7719mg (336% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 746g (271% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 31g (112% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 17g
Protein: 117g (234% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 1mg (2% Daily Value)
Calcium: 328mg (25% Daily Value)
Iron: 45mg (252% Daily Value)
Potassium: 1457mg (31% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Chicken Parmesan Pizza Recipe

The Story Behind Chicken Parmesan Pizza

Chicken Parmesan Pizza is a modern twist on two classic Italian-American favorites: chicken Parmesan and pizza. While traditional chicken Parmesan has roots in Italian-American communities of the early 20th century, combining it with pizza emerged as a creative comfort food innovation in the United States during the late 20th century. Home cooks and pizzerias alike sought ways to merge the cheesy, tomato-rich appeal of chicken Parmesan with the universally loved pizza, creating a dish that instantly satisfies cravings for both flavors.

Regional Variations and Preferences

This pizza is particularly popular in the northeastern United States, where Italian-American culinary traditions are strong. In New York and New Jersey, for example, it is common to see versions topped with breaded chicken cutlets rather than nuggets, while in more casual settings or family-style pizzerias, frozen nuggets are often used for convenience. Some regional variations include adding roasted peppers, caramelized onions, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze to enhance the flavor profile. Despite these small tweaks, the core combination of chicken, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan remains consistent.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional chicken Parmesan served as a plated entre, the pizza version transforms the dish into a shareable, handheld meal. While both dishes feature breaded chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese, the pizza base introduces a crisp or chewy crust that distinguishes it from the usual pasta accompaniment. It also differs from other specialty pizzas, such as BBQ chicken pizza, by focusing on Italian-seasoned tomato sauce and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, rather than tangy or smoky flavors.

Typical Serving Occasions

Chicken Parmesan Pizza is often served in casual dining settings, such as pizzerias, family restaurants, and at home gatherings. It is especially popular for parties, game nights, and informal dinners where sharing is encouraged. Its combination of familiar flavors appeals to both adults and children, making it a versatile option for various occasions. Many diners enjoy pairing it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

Interesting Facts

The dishs popularity surged as frozen chicken products became widely available, allowing for a quicker preparation method without compromising on flavor.
While mozzarella provides the gooey texture on top, the sprinkle of Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty finish that mirrors classic chicken Parmesan.
Some pizzerias have created "mini versions" of this pizza to appeal to lunch crowds or for childrens menus, showcasing the dishs adaptability.
Despite its American innovation, the pizza pays homage to Italian culinary roots, combining key elements from both pizza and chicken Parmesan traditions.
The use of fresh basil on top is more than decorative; it adds a subtle aromatic note that complements the richness of cheese and tomato sauce.

AI Audio version of the recipe is available!

You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!

FAQ about Chicken Parmesan Pizza Recipe

Leftover Chicken Parmesan Pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pizza in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

Yes, you can substitute the frozen chicken nuggets with any pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or homemade fried chicken pieces. If you prefer fresh chicken, make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the pizza.

Yes, you can freeze the pizza before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the pizza as directed, but don’t bake it. Wrap the pizza tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 450°F (230°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. If freezing after baking, allow the pizza to cool completely, then wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Yes, you can prepare the pizza ahead of time by assembling it up to the baking step. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, preheat the oven and bake as directed.

To make this recipe healthier, consider using a whole wheat or gluten-free pizza crust, low-fat mozzarella, and a reduced-sodium marinara sauce. You could also replace the chicken nuggets with grilled chicken or use a smaller amount of cheese.

Yes, if you don't like mushrooms, you can substitute them with other vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach. You can also skip the vegetables altogether if you prefer a simpler pizza.

The recipe uses a pre-made 12-inch pizza crust for convenience, but you can also use a homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Just make sure to pre-bake it for a few minutes to ensure it crisps up well when the toppings are added.

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as provolone, cheddar, or gouda. Parmesan is a key ingredient for flavor, so it’s best to keep that in the recipe, but feel free to swap mozzarella for your preferred cheese.

Comments

Nathan Gonzalez

07/26/2024 03:57:41 PM

This recipe is amazing, although I substituted fresh chicken for the frozen one.

Jacob Miller

12/14/2023 10:39:41 PM

This recipe is perfect for cooking with kids and offers a clever way to repurpose leftover chicken nuggets! Using nuggets as a pizza topping was a new idea for me, but it works wonderfully with the other ingredients. It adds a unique protein boost to the dish as well. The only modification I made was cutting the nuggets into quarters instead of halves. I find that this cutting method makes it easier to enjoy a delicious blend of flavors with each bite of the pizza.