Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection, this comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and drizzle olive oil over them. Season both sides of each chicken breast with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coverage for flavor.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts to cover them completely. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese generously on top of the sauce.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; you can pound them if necessary.
- Use homemade marinara sauce for a fresher taste, or choose a high-quality store-bought version.
- Optional: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: cheesy chicken bake, mozzarella chicken, baked chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, Italian chicken bake, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, gluten free chicken dish
