Coastal Mains
Chicken Pepperoni
The Strategy:
We are elevating the beloved, nostalgic flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza by layering them over perfectly pan-fried, breaded chicken cutlets. By pounding the chicken incredibly thin and giving it a quick, high-heat sear, we ensure a crispy crust that stands up to the rich, bubbling blanket of pizza sauce, spicy pepperoni, and melted mozzarella during its final bake.
Ingredients
- 3 (6- to 8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 to 3 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 cups prepared pizza sauce
- 4 to 6 ounces sliced pepperoni, about ½ to ¾ cup
- 4 to 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded, about 1 ½ cups
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°.
- Place the chicken breasts onto your work surface between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound each piece to about ½-inch thickness.
- Season each side with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Put the breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pushing them in slightly. Because the chicken has been pounded, the crumbs will stick!
- Put 1 piece of chicken into the oil. Don’t touch it! Add one more piece if it fits, but don’t over-crowd the pan. Gently shake the skillet to stop the chicken from sticking. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes before checking to see if the bottom is golden brown. When it is, use a spatula to flip. Cook on the second side until golden, another 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through here—baking it will let it finish.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining pieces.
- Lay the pepperoni slices on top of the chicken. Pour pizza sauce over the pepperoni. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the chicken is completely cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°, about 25 to 30 minutes.
The full recipe lives in the Vault
Ingredients, step-by-step method, and every chef-tested detail are reserved for members of the Estate Registry.
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The Heart of the Table
Chicken Pepperoni is pure, unadulterated comfort. Bringing a massive baking dish of bubbling, cheese-pull-ready chicken to the table instantly disarms your guests, signaling that tonight is about generosity, indulgence, and the simple joy of gathering.
Neighborly Grace
- THE PRESENTATION: Serve this directly from a beautiful ceramic or enameled cast-iron baking dish, letting the golden, bubbling cheese be the star. Provide a simple, brightly dressed arugula salad on the side to cut through the extreme richness of the dish.
- THE POUR: The acidity of the pizza sauce and the fatty, spicy kick of the pepperoni demand a robust, fruit-forward red wine. A classic Italian Chianti Classico or an earthy Sangiovese will stand up beautifully to the bold flavors.
- THE VIBE: Relaxed, incredibly joyful, and meant for sharing. This is a Friday night feast disguised as a proper coastal estate dinner.
