Garlic Bread Chicken Parmesan Pizzas 🍕🍗🧄
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 mini pizzas
Introduction:
If you love garlic bread, chicken Parmesan, and pizza, this recipe is about to become your new favorite! Garlic Bread Chicken Parmesan Pizzas combine all the best parts of these comfort foods into one easy-to-make, mouthwatering meal. Crispy garlic bread as the base, tender chicken cutlets, tangy marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese on top—every bite is like a mini Italian feast.
This recipe is perfect for those nights when you want something indulgent but don’t have time to make a complicated meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or whipping this up for a casual dinner with friends, these mini pizzas will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to make some magic happen in the kitchen? Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 4 slices thick Texas toast-style garlic bread (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fusion at its Finest: This recipe combines the flavors of three beloved dishes into one, so every bite is packed with flavor.
- Quick and Easy: You can prepare and cook this in less than 40 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Customizable: Make it your own by adding extra toppings like mushrooms, pepperoni, or fresh spinach!
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Bread the Chicken
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the egg. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, dip it in the egg, and then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken cutlets for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Toast the Garlic Bread
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the garlic bread. If you’re using store-bought frozen garlic bread, bake it according to the package instructions. If making your own, brush thick slices of bread with garlic butter and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
5. Assemble the Pizzas
Once the garlic bread is toasted and the chicken is cooked, it’s time to assemble the pizzas! Place one chicken cutlet on each slice of garlic bread. Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake the Pizzas
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the assembled pizzas on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizzas from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil. For a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Salad: Pair these pizzas with a fresh Caesar salad or an arugula salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
- Marinara Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of warm marinara for dipping.
- Extra Toppings: Feel free to add toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor.
Pro Tips:
- Use Texas Toast for the Best Garlic Bread Base: Thick, hearty slices of garlic bread hold up better under the weight of the toppings and give that crispy bite you’ll love.
- Air Fry for Crispier Chicken: If you have an air fryer, you can cook the breaded chicken cutlets in there for an even crispier texture.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some over the cheese before broiling.
FAQs:
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Simply skip the breading and frying steps, and proceed to top the garlic bread with chicken and marinara.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free bread for the garlic base and gluten-free breadcrumbs to coat the chicken. Make sure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.
What other cheeses can I use?
While mozzarella is traditional, you could swap it for provolone, fontina, or even a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
Why This Recipe Works:
The magic of Garlic Bread Chicken Parmesan Pizzas lies in its simplicity and balance of flavors. The crispy garlic bread base provides the perfect crunch, while the tender chicken cutlets bring a hearty, savory element. Combined with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella, each bite is bursting with Italian goodness. Whether it’s a family dinner or an impromptu pizza night, this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.