Description
Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a flavorful, comforting dish where tender chicken breasts are baked with a creamy marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy, crowd-pleasing meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (or tomato sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point since it will continue baking in the oven. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir well to mix.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Place the browned chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad.
Notes
- Make It Creamy: Add a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese to the marinara sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
- Extra Veggies: You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini on top of the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven-baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American