Easy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

Quick & Juicy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe You’ll Love Today

Crafting a delightful mozzarella chicken recipe brings joy to home cooking adventures.

Melted cheese and tender meat create a mouthwatering combination that sparks instant hunger.

Our simple approach transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Weeknight dinners become exciting with this quick and satisfying meal.

Crispy edges and gooey cheese promise pure culinary happiness.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor, making you the kitchen hero.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible dish.

Why Easy Mozzarella Chicken Is Weeknight Magic

  • Boost Weeknight Dinners: Elevate your meal routine with this crowd-pleasing chicken recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the seasoning blend to match your family's taste preferences, swapping herbs or adding extra spices for a personalized touch.
  • Perfect Family Meal: Designed to satisfy both kids and adults, this mozzarella chicken offers a delicious protein option that pairs beautifully with various side dishes like roasted vegetables or salad.
  • Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Straightforward preparation means even novice cooks can confidently create a delectable meal with simple step-by-step instructions and basic kitchen tools.

What You Need For Easy Mozzarella Chicken

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Fresh and lean protein that serves as the main component of the dish.
Binding Mixture:
  • Eggs, Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth coating that helps seasonings adhere to the chicken and adds richness to the recipe.
Seasoning and Cheese Coating:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty and nutty flavor to the chicken's exterior.
  • Dried Basil, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Blend of herbs and spices that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
Cheese Topping:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken, creating a creamy and golden-brown surface.
Additional Components:
  • Olive Oil: Used for lightly greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking.
  • Fresh Herbs (Optional): Adds a bright, fresh garnish to the finished dish.

Step-By-Step For Easy Mozzarella Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Egg Wash

In a shallow bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Heavy cream

Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Seasoned Coating

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Dried basil
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful seasoning blend.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts completely dry. This helps the coating adhere better and creates a crispier exterior.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Dunk each chicken breast into the egg wash, ensuring every surface gets a generous coating. Allow excess mixture to drip off.

Step 6: Add the Seasoned Coating

Roll the egg-coated chicken in the cheese and spice mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick evenly and create a delicious crust.

Step 7: Arrange in Baking Dish

Place the coated chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish. Keep some space between each piece to ensure even cooking.

Step 8: Add Mozzarella Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. The cheese will melt and create a golden, gooey top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 10: Rest and Set

Remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to set and the juices to redistribute.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken while it’s hot. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top to add color and flavor.

Quick Tips For Cheesy Easy Mozzarella Chicken

  • Seal in Moisture: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before coating to help seasonings adhere and prevent soggy breading.
  • Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly grated parmesan for better flavor and melting consistency compared to pre-packaged options.
  • Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption and perfect doneness.
  • Prevent Burning: Cover with aluminum foil halfway through baking if cheese starts browning too quickly, ensuring even cooking.
  • Resting Time is Crucial: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking so juices redistribute, keeping meat tender and preventing dryness.

Flavor Boosts For Easy Mozzarella Chicken

  • Spicy Southwestern Chicken: Replace dried basil with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper for a bold, zesty flavor profile. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with salsa.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap parmesan for crumbled feta cheese, add dried oregano and thyme. Sprinkle with chopped kalamata olives before serving for an authentic Greek touch.
  • Pesto Mozzarella Chicken: Mix prepared basil pesto into the egg mixture for an herbal infusion. Use romano cheese in the coating and add sun-dried tomato pieces on top before baking.
  • Crispy Panko Chicken: Incorporate panko breadcrumbs into the cheese coating for extra crunchiness. Add dried parsley and paprika for enhanced texture and color.

What To Serve With Easy Mozzarella Chicken

  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy mozzarella and delicate chicken flavors, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.
  • Create Mediterranean Salad Side: Combine arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and light lemon vinaigrette to balance the cheesy chicken with fresh, zesty notes.
  • Serve Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus roasted with olive oil and herbs to provide a healthy, colorful accompaniment that echoes the dish's Italian-inspired profile.
  • Match Crusty Bread: Offer warm, rustic Italian bread to soak up the melted cheese and chicken juices, adding textural contrast and extra comfort to the meal.

How To Keep Easy Mozzarella Chicken Fresh

  • Store leftover mozzarella chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken whole or sliced to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking to prevent overheating and dryness.

Easy Mozzarella Chicken FAQ Guide

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well. Adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature, which might be slightly longer than chicken breasts.

  • How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply replace the parmesan cheese mixture with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs mixed with seasonings.

  • Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the egg mixture?

No, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. The goal is to create a moist binding for the coating.

  • What if I don't have dried basil?

You can substitute dried basil with Italian seasoning, oregano, or fresh chopped basil. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.

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Easy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

Easy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

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

Description

Savory mozzarella chicken brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table. Melted cheese blankets tender chicken, creating a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Wet Ingredients and Binders:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing with olive oil.
  2. Whisk eggs, milk, and heavy cream together in a shallow bowl to create a smooth binding mixture.
  3. Mix parmesan cheese, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl to form a seasoned coating.
  4. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence.
  5. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, thoroughly coating all surfaces.
  6. Roll the egg-coated chicken in the seasoned cheese mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick evenly.
  7. Transfer the prepared chicken to the greased baking dish, arranging pieces without overcrowding.
  8. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese generously over each chicken breast.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow cheese to set and juices to redistribute.
  11. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Moisture Matters: Pat chicken breasts completely dry to help the seasoned coating adhere perfectly and create a crispy exterior.
  • Cheese Protection: Cover chicken with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent cheese from burning while ensuring the chicken stays juicy.
  • Customization Hack: Swap parmesan for gluten-free nutritional yeast to make the recipe suitable for those with dairy restrictions or following a plant-based diet.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing overcooking and maintaining tender texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 742 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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