Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a simple, comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with gooey mozzarella and savory marinara sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked.
- Step 4: Place the seared chicken in the prepared baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, covering it evenly.
- Step 5: Sprinkle parmesan cheese evenly over the sauced chicken, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or fresh basil before baking.
- Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for a richer cheese topping.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or a side salad to complete the meal.
- To reduce calories, substitute part of the cheese with a lower-fat option or use skinless chicken thighs for more juiciness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, covering to keep the chicken moist. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight before reheating.
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. If using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before preparing.
What can I substitute if I don’t have marinara sauce?
You can use pizza sauce, a simple tomato sauce, or even diced canned tomatoes seasoned with Italian herbs as a substitute for marinara.
PrintCheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe
This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked with a rich marinara sauce and topped with a gooey blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a family meal, this recipe combines Italian-inspired ingredients for a satisfying and delicious dinner option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauces and Cheese
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season each side with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a flavorful base.
- Sear the chicken (optional but recommended): In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side just until lightly browned. This step locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Arrange in baking dish: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the chicken to coat.
- Add cheese toppings: Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the sauced chicken, then add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before serving. This will keep the chicken moist and tender.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the marinara sauce before baking.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Serve with a side of pasta, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To reduce fat, use part-skim mozzarella and low-fat parmesan cheese.
Keywords: cheesy chicken bake, mozzarella chicken, baked chicken recipe, Italian chicken bake, easy chicken dinner
