Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare. Tender chicken breasts are seared to a golden crust, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage.
3. Step 3: If your skillet is oven-safe, leave the chicken in it. Otherwise, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over and around the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each piece, then top with the grated Parmesan.
4. Step 4: Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
5. Step 5: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce before baking.
• You can substitute the mozzarella with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different twist.
• If you prefer a lighter dish, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over cooked pasta or rice for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery. Avoid microwaving for long periods to maintain texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and proper seasoning. If using frozen, thaw completely before proceeding with the recipe.

What can I use if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

You can sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a baking dish for the sauce and cheese before baking.

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 272 reviews

A delicious and easy Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake featuring tender seared chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple seasoning and a golden cheesy crust baked to perfection.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Cheese

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to ensure flavorful meat.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Note that the chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
3. Assemble the Bake: If using an oven-safe skillet, keep the chicken in it; otherwise, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over and around each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each piece, followed by a topping of grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake to Perfection: Place the skillet or baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving hot for a flavorful finish.

Notes

• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to a safe temperature.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend.
• You can substitute marinara sauce with your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce for different flavor profiles.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.

Keywords: Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake, baked chicken breast recipe, Italian chicken bake, easy dinner recipes, mozzarella chicken, marinara chicken bake