Name: Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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Introduction

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with rich marinara sauce and melted cheeses. This easy-to-make recipe brings Italian flavors to your table with minimal effort, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

This image shows a white baking dish filled with several pieces of baked chicken covered with melted golden cheese that bubbles on top. Underneath the cheese, there is a bright red chunky tomato sauce that spreads evenly around and beneath each piece of chicken. The chicken itself is partly visible under the cheese and sauce layers, giving a textured look of crispy browned edges. The dish is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, adding a fresh color contrast. On top, there is a small bright green basil sprig placed in the center. The baking dish sits on a clean white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Step 2: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 5: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each chicken breast.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden.
Step 8: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option with a richer flavor.
Try adding sliced mushrooms or black olives to the marinara sauce for extra texture and taste.
For a spicy twist, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking.
Make sure to sear the chicken well to lock in juices and add a nice golden crust.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until heated through, or microwave on medium power in short intervals to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve

A white plate with three sections of food on a white marbled surface. On the left side, there is a neat pile of bright green, shiny green beans with smooth texture. In the middle and right part of the plate, there is a large serving of creamy mashed potatoes that are white with a slightly fluffy texture, topped with a layer of chunky red tomato sauce containing bits of herbs and spices. On top of the mashed potatoes, there is a large piece of chicken breast covered by a thick, golden-brown, melted cheese layer with some browned spots and sprinkled with herbs and black pepper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 for even cooking and better searing. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely in the refrigerator before preparing the dish.

What can I serve with Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake?

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