Description
This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts, a rich and creamy sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Place the browned chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.
- Top each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a juicier result.
- For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for large portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices.
- Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or gouda.
- For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- If you’re following a low-carb diet, use pesto sauce instead of marinara.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
