This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food—juicy chicken breasts topped with a rich, flavorful marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s baked to perfection, creating a mouthwatering, cheesy crust that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken. Whether you serve it with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or some garlic bread, this dish is sure to impress.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm, satisfying, and delicious. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with almost anything, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. It’s a dish the whole family will love, and it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner menu!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup marinara sauce
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
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Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place them in the prepared baking dish.
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Pour marinara sauce over each chicken breast, making sure they’re all coated.
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Top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe was inspired by the classic Chicken Parmesan, but with a simpler approach to save you time. If you’re someone who loves the rich flavors of marinara sauce and melted cheese but doesn’t want to deal with all the breading and frying, this recipe is perfect for you. It combines juicy chicken breasts, a savory marinara sauce, and the rich flavors of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, resulting in a baked dish that’s packed with flavor.
One of the reasons this dish works so well is its balance of ingredients—tender chicken, vibrant marinara, and two different cheeses that melt beautifully. It’s also incredibly versatile, meaning you can easily swap in different cheeses or even change up the marinara sauce depending on what you have available. The ease of preparation and the mouthwatering result make it an excellent choice for family meals.
What You’ll Need
For this Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake, you’ll only need a handful of basic ingredients, which is part of what makes it so appealing. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show, providing lean protein and a tender base for the other ingredients. Olive oil is used to pan-sear the chicken, adding a little extra flavor to the base. Garlic powder, salt, and pepper are the simple seasonings that will infuse the chicken with savory goodness.
The marinara sauce is the next key element, contributing both flavor and moisture to the dish. While you can use store-bought marinara, opting for a high-quality jarred sauce will elevate the dish. Alternatively, homemade marinara is always an option for those looking to add an extra touch of homemade goodness.
The cheeses used in this dish are mozzarella and parmesan. Shredded mozzarella is the key to that gooey, melty texture, while freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty, savory note. Together, these cheeses create the perfect cheesy topping that browns beautifully in the oven.
How to Make the Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
Making this Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is incredibly easy. Start by preheating the oven and seasoning the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then, pan-sear the chicken breasts until they’re golden brown on both sides. This step adds flavor and ensures the chicken is crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside.
Next, place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish and cover them with marinara sauce. Top them with a generous amount of parmesan cheese followed by mozzarella. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven until it’s cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you want a little extra color on top, broil the chicken for a few minutes, being sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Helpful Tips for Success
To make the process even simpler, consider using a large oven-safe skillet instead of a baking dish. This way, you can skip the transfer step and bake everything in one pan. It also allows you to avoid any extra cleanup!
If you’re having trouble with the chicken sticking to the pan during searing, be sure to cook it a bit longer until it releases naturally from the pan. A hot skillet will help prevent this issue and ensure the chicken sears properly.
While the recipe works perfectly as written, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese if mozzarella and parmesan aren’t your favorites. You can try using cheddar, a Mexican cheese blend, or any other melty cheese you prefer. If you want to spice things up, go for a cheese blend with a little heat.
Substitutions and Variations
This dish is versatile, and you can make it your own in many ways. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the searing step and place the raw chicken directly into the baking dish. Season the chicken, top with marinara and cheese, and bake it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
For those looking to add extra flavor, you could sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top or add fresh basil for a burst of freshness. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—it’s the perfect base to build upon with your favorite flavors.
Leftovers and Storage
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores well for several days. Simply place any remaining chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When it’s time to reheat, do so slowly over low heat in a saucepan or the microwave. However, I don’t recommend freezing this dish due to the cheese—reheating from frozen can cause the cheese to become a bit rubbery.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is an incredibly easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s made with simple ingredients that come together to create a comforting, savory meal your whole family will enjoy. With minimal prep and cooking time, this dish is the epitome of convenience without compromising on taste.
This recipe is also quite customizable, allowing you to adjust the flavors to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Whether you’re looking to keep it classic with mozzarella and parmesan or experiment with different cheese blends, this recipe offers endless possibilities for creativity. Plus, it’s a great meal to serve alongside your favorite side dishes, making it a complete and satisfying dinner.
For those days when you’re short on time but still crave a delicious, comforting meal, this Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is the answer. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to leave you and your family full and satisfied. Enjoy!