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Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

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3.9 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a comforting and delicious meal featuring juicy, seared chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and topped with a generous layer of parmesan and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection and broiled for a golden cheese crust, this dish offers a perfect blend of Italian flavors and simple prep suitable for a hearty dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

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

Sauce & 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 and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
  2. Season the chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for balanced flavor.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in juices and enhances flavor. Transfer the seared chicken to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  4. Add marinara sauce: Pour marinara sauce over and around the chicken in the baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spoon to fully coat the breasts.
  5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken, then follow with the shredded mozzarella cheese to create a cheesy topping.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. If chicken breasts are smaller, reduce baking time to around 15 minutes to prevent drying.
  7. Broil for finish: Switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for a few minutes until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Rest before serving: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy chicken. Cooked chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • Smaller chicken breasts require less baking time—adjust accordingly.
  • Broil cheese topping just until golden—keep a close eye as it can burn quickly.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, verify your marinara sauce contains no gluten additives.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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