The Best Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe For Family Dinner

Nestled between layers of golden cheese, this mozzarella chicken bake promises a comforting culinary adventure that speaks directly to your hunger.

Melted strings of cheese create a tantalizing blanket over tender chicken pieces.

Every bite promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, turning an ordinary meal into something memorable.

Home cooks will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal preparation.

Warm, gooey, and packed with savory goodness, you won’t be able to resist diving fork-first into this irresistible creation.

Why Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Is The Ultimate Comfort Dish

• Savor Cheesy Goodness: Dive into a mouthwatering dish packed with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a gooey, irresistible topping that'll make everyone at the table excited.
• Master Simple Cooking: Follow straightforward steps that transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want to impress without stress.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap marinara for alternative sauces like alfredo or pesto, adjust cheese quantities, or add herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the core deliciousness intact.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a nutritious and flavorful chicken dinner in under an hour, making it ideal for busy families seeking a satisfying meal without complicated preparation.

What You’ll Need For Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this delicious baked dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich and melty cheeses that add a creamy and flavorful layer to the chicken.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that provides moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden sear on the chicken and adds a subtle richness to the dish.

Steps To Bake Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Slide the oven rack to the middle position and fire up the temperature to 375°F. Get your baking dish ready by giving it a quick spray of cooking oil.

Step 2: Spice Up The Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure both sides are generously coated with the seasoning mix.

Step 3: Sear The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the pan is sizzling hot, place the chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Transfer And Sauce

Move the seared chicken into the prepared baking dish.

Drizzle marinara sauce over the top, using a spoon to spread it evenly across the chicken.

Step 5: Add The Cheesy Goodness

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Cover the chicken completely with the cheesy blanket.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. For smaller chicken breasts, reduce cooking time to 15 minutes.

Step 7: Create The Golden Finish

Switch the oven to broil and let the cheese turn a delightful light brown color. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and delicious meal.

Tips For Gooey Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

• Opt for thick chicken breasts to ensure juicy, tender results without drying out during baking.
• Choose a high-quality marinara sauce for richer, more authentic flavor that complements the chicken.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for maximum melting and superior taste compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Fun Ways To Switch Up Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace marinara sauce with a blend of chopped basil, oregano, and thyme. Add crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Salsa Chicken: Swap marinara sauce with chunky salsa. Top with pepper jack cheese and sprinkle with chopped jalapeños for a zesty Mexican-style chicken bake.
• Pesto Caprese Chicken: Cover chicken with basil pesto sauce. Layer with fresh sliced tomatoes and top with fresh mozzarella balls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves after baking.
• Ranch Bacon Chicken: Drizzle ranch dressing over chicken before adding sauce. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and cheddar cheese on top for a hearty southern-style variation.

Tasty Sides For Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the rich, cheesy chicken by cutting through the heaviness and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus roasted with garlic enhance the dish's Italian-inspired flavors and add nutritious side options.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Warm, rustic Italian bread helps soak up the delicious marinara sauce and melted cheese, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.
• Recommend Fresh Herb Salad: A light mixed green salad with basil, parsley, and a simple lemon vinaigrette balances the rich chicken and provides a bright, fresh element to the plate.

How To Store Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving the cheesy goodness for later enjoyment.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Microwave Option: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals.

FAQs For Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Fans

• Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking, making it convenient for busy weeknights.

• How can I ensure the chicken stays moist during baking?

Searing the chicken before baking and not overcooking helps retain moisture. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• What side dishes pair well with this chicken bake?

Roasted vegetables, pasta, or a light salad complement this dish perfectly and balance the cheesy, savory flavors.

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mozzarella chicken bake brings Italian comfort straight to your dinner table with melted cheese and savory herbs. Creamy, golden layers promise a delightful meal that satisfies hearty appetites and creates memorable moments you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Cheese and Sauce:

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

Seasonings and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and positioning the rack in the center for even cooking.
2. Generously coat chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both surfaces.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling environment for searing.
4. Cook chicken for 5 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior and locking in moisture.
5. Carefully transfer seared chicken to a greased baking dish, arranging pieces without overlapping.
6. Evenly distribute marinara sauce across the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Create a cheese layer by first sprinkling Parmesan, then topping with shredded mozzarella.
8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, depending on chicken breast size.
9. Activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping.
10. Remove from oven and allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, helping juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
11. Serve immediately while cheese is still melted and chicken remains warm and juicy.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and enhance flavor absorption.
• For a lighter version, swap regular mozzarella with part-skim or low-fat cheese and use homemade marinara sauce to control sodium and calories.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano before baking to elevate the dish’s aroma and create a restaurant-quality presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg