Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

A Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is an effortless, comforting dish packed with tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and topped with loads of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a dinner party hit, delivering rich flavors and gooey cheese in every bite. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup time so you can focus on enjoying your meal.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps the cheese melt perfectly and gives the chicken a golden, bubbly finish.
2. Season the Chicken Breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to help the seasonings adhere. Then, season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. The seasoning mixture brings a classic Italian flavor that complements the marinara and cheese beautifully.
3. Sear the Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they have a nice golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices, making the chicken tender and flavorful. Once seared, remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 2: Assemble the Bake

1. Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure each piece is well-coated to absorb the tomato flavors.
2. Add Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast, followed by a layer of Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella provides that gooey, stretchy melt, while the Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

1. Bake in the Oven: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. If you like extra browning, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.
2. Rest the Chicken: Once done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it extra juicy.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil over the top for a burst of color and a fresh, aromatic touch. The basil pairs beautifully with the marinara sauce, adding an authentic Italian flair.
2. Serve: Use a spatula to transfer each cheesy chicken breast onto a plate. Spoon some extra marinara sauce and melted cheese from the skillet over each piece for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various sides. Here are some ideas to create a complete meal:

1. Pasta: Serve the chicken over spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice. The marinara sauce from the bake makes an excellent sauce for pasta, enhancing the flavors even further.
2. Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty slice of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any extra marinara and cheese.
3. Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheesy chicken.
4. Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or zucchini to add a healthy touch.

Tips for the Best Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

1. Use Fresh Mozzarella: For an even meltier, gooier topping, consider using fresh mozzarella slices instead of shredded mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella has a creamier texture and melts beautifully.
2. Homemade Marinara: If you have time, making your own marinara sauce can enhance the dish’s flavor. A homemade sauce with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs adds freshness and depth.
3. Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the chicken as it bakes to prevent it from becoming dry. Checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is key to maintaining juicy chicken.
4. Add Extra Toppings: For added flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the cheese for a bit of heat or add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the skillet before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They are juicier and will add more flavor but may require slightly longer cooking time to ensure they reach the correct internal temperature.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free, as some store-bought sauces may contain gluten additives.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the chicken and sauce in the skillet, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the cheese and cook as directed.

4. How can I make this recipe healthier?
For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cheese, use part-skim mozzarella, and choose a no-sugar-added marinara sauce.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a simple yet impressive recipe that combines tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese for a comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is easy to prepare, and the whole family will love it. With minimal ingredients and one-pan convenience, it’s bound to become a regular part of your meal rotation. Enjoy each cheesy, saucy bite and don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil for that final, flavorful touch!

Yield: 4

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

Print

A Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is an effortless, comforting dish packed with tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and topped with loads of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a dinner party hit, delivering rich flavors and gooey cheese in every bite. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup time so you can focus on enjoying your meal.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   
2. Season and Sear Chicken:
   Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove from heat.
   
3. Add Sauce and Cheese:
   Pour the marinara sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
   
4. Bake:
   Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm with pasta, garlic bread, or a simple salad.

Notes

Add Veggies: Layer sliced bell peppers or mushrooms under the sauce for extra flavor.

Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a bit of heat.