Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/cheesy-mozzarella-chicken-bake-recipe/
