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Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and topped with a blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a golden cheesy crust, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal ready in just 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Chicken:

  • 4 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Cheese:

  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.
  2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This seals in juices and adds flavor.
  4. Arrange in Baking Dish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spacing them evenly.
  5. Add Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over and around the chicken, spreading it evenly to cover the pieces completely.
  6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over each chicken piece followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. For smaller chicken breasts, reduce baking time to about 15 minutes to prevent drying out.
  8. Broil for Browning: Switch the oven to broil and cook for a few minutes until the cheese turns lightly browned and bubbly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
  9. Rest the Chicken: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and tender. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Notes

  • If chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider gently pounding them to even thickness for more uniform cooking.
  • Use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce based on preference, ensuring it’s not too watery to avoid soggy chicken.
  • For extra flavor, add fresh basil or oregano into the marinara sauce before baking.
  • Watch the chicken closely while broiling as cheese browns quickly and can burn within minutes.
  • This recipe pairs well with garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/cheesy-mozzarella-chicken-bake-recipe/