Welcome back to The Italian Series! Today, Iβm sharing a recipe that I love so much Pollo alla Pizzaiola. It’s a chicken dish that tastes just like pizza! This recipe is easy, full of flavor, and comes all the way from Naples, Italy. The best part? You only need one pan! Letβs get started!
π©βπ³ Method
Cook the Chicken:
Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half to make them thinner. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the pan and cook it for about 4β5 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden brown and the inside is fully cooked. When done, carefully remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. This will be added back later once the sauce is ready.
Make the Sauce:
In the same pan, add another small drizzle of oil. Toss in the finely chopped garlic and stir it gently. Be careful not to burn it cook it just until it turns a light golden color. Then, pour in the can of chopped tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let the tomato sauce cook for a few minutes so it can start to thicken.
Add Flavor:
Now itβs time to add the tasty extras! Sprinkle in the oregano and stir in the capers and olives. These give the dish its classic pizzaiola flavor. Let the sauce continue to simmer over low to medium heat. If it starts getting too thick or begins to stick to the bottom, just add a little bit of water to loosen it up. The longer the sauce cooks, the better it tastes so give it some time to get rich and flavorful.
Finish It Up:
Once the sauce is ready, gently place the cooked chicken pieces back into the pan. Use your spoon to cover the chicken with the tomato sauce, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Let it heat up for another minute or two so the flavors mix well.
Top It Off:
Now for the fun part cheese! Place slices or shreds of mozzarella right on top of each piece of chicken. Then tear some fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the top. Finally, cover the pan with a lid and cook for just one more minute. The steam will melt the cheese and warm the basil without making it soggy.
π§ Necessary Tools
- 1 large non-stick pan with a lid
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
π Pollo alla Pizzaiola β A Tasty One-Pan Chicken Pizza Dish!
Cuisine: Italian, AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
2 chicken breasts, sliced in half
1 can (400g) of chopped tomatoes
1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
80g olives
2 tablespoons capers
1 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Olive oil (a drizzle)
150β200g mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves
Directions
- Cook the chicken:
Drizzle some oil into your pan. Add the sliced chicken and cook both sides until golden and done. Take the chicken out and set it aside. - Make the sauce:
In the same pan, drizzle a little more oil and add the garlic. Stir until it turns golden (but not burnt!). Add the chopped tomatoes. - Add flavor:
Mix in the oregano, capers, and olives. Let it cook and bubble. If it gets too thick, add a bit of water. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor! - Finish it up:
Place the cooked chicken back into the sauce. Cover it well with the tomato mix. - Top it off:
Add mozzarella over each piece of chicken. Place fresh basil on top. Cover the pan with the lid and cook for one more minute just enough to melt the cheese.
Notes
- Donβt overcook the garlic or it will turn bitter.
- Let the tomato sauce cook down so it gets rich and thick.
- Add water slowly if the sauce gets too dry.Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding cheese.





π΄ Serving Suggestions
- Serve it with roasted veggies or a fresh green salad.
- It also tastes great with crusty bread to soak up the sauce!
- Want more carbs? Pair it with pasta or rice for a full meal.
π§ Fun Fact
The word βpizzaiolaβ comes from βpizzaβ! It means the chicken is cooked with pizza-style toppings. Thatβs why it smells and tastes like your favorite slice!
β Conclusion
Pollo alla Pizzaiola is a fun, healthy meal that feels like youβre eating pizza without the dough! Itβs high in protein, packed with flavor, and super easy to make. One pan, simple ingredients, and lots of taste. Give it a try this week youβll love it!



