Description
Easy and delicious Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake! Tender chicken breasts seared and baked in marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. A simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (freshly shredded is best!)
- 2 cups marinara sauce, your favorite brand or homemade
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is perfect!) over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the skillet. Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top of the marinara sauce. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.
- Broil (Optional): If you want the cheese to be extra bubbly and browned, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch it very carefully, as it can burn quickly!
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped basil (optional). Serve with your favorite sides, such as pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Work in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Adjust baking time as needed, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the skillet before baking for extra flavor.
- Try different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinara sauce.
- Make it creamy by stirring in a dollop of ricotta cheese into the marinara sauce.
- Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more flavorful and moist option.
- Assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes