Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, or omitted for a vegan option)
1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
8–10 halal pepperoni slices (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large oven-safe baking sheet or skillet with parchment paper.
Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and basil.
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over each chicken thigh, leaving a small border for the cheese.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Top with diced bell peppers, pepperoni slices (if using), and a light dusting of Parmesan if desired.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, the cheese is melted and golden, and the edges are slightly crisp.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a low-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and marinara sauce.
Can be made with bone-in thighs for more flavor—add 5–7 additional minutes to the baking time.
For a vegan option, skip cheese and use vegan marinara and mock pepperoni.
Leftovers can be cooled, tightly wrapped, and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Cozy Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Kosher, halal-friendly, vegetarian-friendly (if cheese and toppings omitted)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 70mg