Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a simple yet delicious meal that combines tender chicken breasts with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1.5 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the middle.
2. Step 2: Season both sides of each chicken breast with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a greased 9×13 baking dish once seared.
4. Step 4: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over and around the chicken breasts using a spoon.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the chicken, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. If your chicken breasts are smaller, consider baking for 15 minutes instead.
7. Step 7: Broil the chicken for a few minutes until the cheese is lightly browned—watch closely to avoid burning. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture and milder flavor.
• Swap marinara sauce for a spicy arrabbiata sauce to add a kick.
• Add Italian herbs like basil or oregano to the seasoning for more depth.
• If you prefer, substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.

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 to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before searing and baking.

What can I serve with this cheesy chicken bake?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 96 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A flavorful and comforting Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake featuring tender seared chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce, topped with parmesan and melted mozzarella cheese, then baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that brings Italian-inspired flavors to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Sauce and Cheese

• 1.5 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the middle for even baking.
2. Season Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.
3. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, sear the chicken breasts for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This locks in juices and adds depth of flavor. Transfer the seared chicken to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Add Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken breasts, spreading it evenly with a spoon so each piece is coated and some sauce pools around the chicken.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese to create a delicious cheesy crust after baking.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or for smaller chicken breasts, around 15 minutes to prevent overcooking.
7. Broil Cheese: Switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for a few minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned to achieve a perfect golden top.
8. Rest Chicken: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken. Confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce before baking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, you can broil the chicken for a longer time but watch closely to avoid burning.
• This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, pasta, or a fresh side salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake, baked chicken, mozzarella chicken, chicken parmesan style, easy chicken bake, Italian chicken recipe