Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a simple and delicious recipe that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this baked chicken dish is easy to prepare and delivers bold flavors that the whole family will love. With a golden, crispy cheese crust and flavorful marinara topping, this recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a smaller meal, this cheesy chicken bake is sure to impress. Try this easy chicken bake tonight for a comforting, flavorful meal!

Ingredients:

4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1.5 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the middle.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and place it in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. For smaller chicken breasts, check at 15 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
To add a golden touch, broil the chicken for a few minutes until the cheese is lightly browned. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to maintain juiciness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for safe consumption.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a quick and easy dinner option that delivers big flavor. With a perfect balance of savory chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a dish the entire family will love. The searing step locks in moisture, while the baking process makes the chicken tender and juicy, topped with a crispy cheese crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ready in less than an hour.

Tips

Searing the Chicken: Be sure to sear the chicken on both sides to lock in flavor and juices. This step is key to preventing dry chicken.
Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are very thick, you might need to extend the cooking time by a few minutes. You can also pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly.
Cheese Options: Feel free to add more cheeses, like provolone or cheddar, for a different flavor profile. Mixing mozzarella with other cheeses can elevate the dish.
Marinara Sauce: Using homemade marinara sauce will enhance the flavor, but store-bought options work well for convenience.

Variations and Substitutions

Herbs: Add some Italian seasoning or fresh basil on top of the sauce for extra flavor.
Vegetables: Layer sliced mushrooms or spinach under the chicken before baking for added nutrition.
Pasta: Serve this dish over pasta for a more filling meal, or pair it with a side of roasted vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work well for this recipe. They tend to be juicier, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can prepare this dish up to the point of baking, then store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Can I freeze this? Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as directed.

Serving

This cheesy chicken bake pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it over pasta or with mashed potatoes.

Suggestions

For a crunchy topping, add some panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter to the top of the cheese before baking.
If you love extra cheese, try adding more mozzarella halfway through the baking time to create an even cheesier crust.