Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a simple, comforting dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with rich marinara sauce and melty cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner when you want something flavorful yet easy to prepare.

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. Once hot, sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
4. Step 4: Transfer the seared chicken to a greased baking dish (a 9×13-inch dish works well).
5. Step 5: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over and around the chicken breasts.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly on top of the chicken, then follow with the shredded mozzarella.
7. Step 7: Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes (reduce to 15 minutes for smaller chicken breasts).
8. Step 8: Broil the chicken for a few minutes until the cheese is lightly browned—watch carefully to prevent burning.
9. Step 9: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a creamier texture and milder flavor.
• Try adding fresh basil or oregano on top before baking for an extra burst of herb flavor.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
• For a lower-calorie option, swap the full-fat cheeses for part-skim varieties.

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 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 fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper browning during searing. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven texture.

What can I substitute for marinara sauce?

You can use your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce or a homemade blend of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Avoid sauces with added cream or vegetables to maintain the dish’s balance.

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 82 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken breasts seared and baked with marinara sauce, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. This savory dish combines rich flavors with a crispy, golden cheese topping, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for balanced flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 5 minutes on each side to lock in juices and develop a golden crust. Transfer the seared chicken to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce evenly over and around the chicken pieces to infuse flavor and moisture.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and then top with shredded mozzarella for a rich cheesy layer.
6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. If using smaller chicken breasts, check after 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
7. Broil the Cheese: Switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for a few minutes until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
8. Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish. Chicken is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature for best results.
• To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce before baking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
• For a lower-fat version, reduce the amount of cheese or use part-skim mozzarella.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake, baked chicken, mozzarella chicken, parmesan chicken, Italian chicken dinner