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