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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the middle for even baking.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
