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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for balanced flavor.
- 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.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour marinara sauce evenly over and around the chicken pieces to infuse flavor and moisture.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and then top with shredded mozzarella for a rich cheesy layer.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. If using smaller chicken breasts, check after 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- 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.
- 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
