Get ready to enjoy a delicious and incredibly cheesy chicken dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal at home! This Chicken and Mozzarella Bake takes tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts and smothers them in savory marinara sauce, then blankets them with a generous topping of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple, comforting, and irresistibly flavorful meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family, without any fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Chicken and Mozzarella Bake is a true weeknight champion in my kitchen! What I love most is its sheer simplicity– it uses minimal ingredients and comes together in one baking dish for easy cleanup. The way the chicken breasts bake up incredibly tender under the rich marinara sauce, and then get crowned with that golden, bubbly blanket of melted mozzarella and salty Parmesan, is pure comfort food bliss. It’s essentially a deconstructed chicken Parmesan without the frying, making it a healthier and much easier option. It’s satisfying, hearty, and always brings smiles to the table!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious and cheesy chicken bake:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs total)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used; they tend to stay even juicier. Adjust baking time if using thicker cuts.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce for convenience. You can also use a homemade tomato sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Pre-shredded mozzarella is a time-saver. For an even gooier melt, you can grate a block of whole-milk mozzarella.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a stronger, saltier flavor than pre-grated.
- Seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano are classic Italian flavors. You can add a pinch of dried basil or a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Fresh Basil: This adds a beautiful, fresh aromatic finish. Don’t skip it if you can help it!
Directions
Let’s get this delicious and easy Chicken and Mozzarella Bake cooking!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere and promotes even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish (a 9×13-inch dish works well). Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese generously on top of the sauce and chicken.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial covered bake helps the chicken cook through and stay moist.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Return the uncovered baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C in the thickest part), and the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese and sauce to set slightly. Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil before serving hot. Enjoy the cheesy, flavorful chicken bake!
Tips for Success
- Pat Chicken Dry: This helps seasonings stick and prevents the chicken from steaming in the pan.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Bake until they reach 165°F (74°C) and no more.
- Cover Initially: Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking helps keep the chicken moist and ensures it cooks through before the cheese gets too brown.
- Generous Cheese: Don’t skimp on the cheese! It’s key to the “cheesy bake” experience.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the bake rest for a few minutes allows the cheese and sauce to set, making it easier to serve neatly.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Chicken and Mozzarella Bake is a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with classic Italian-inspired sides:
- Pasta: Serve over a bed of al dente spaghetti, linguine, or penne to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
- Garlic Bread: A must-have for soaking up any extra sauce!
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus or broccoli would complement the dish beautifully.
- For other incredibly popular chicken and cheese dishes, consider our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter for a fun, smaller bite.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This Chicken and Mozzarella Bake makes fantastic leftovers!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover chicken bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For best results (to re-crisp the cheese slightly), reheat in a preheated oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) until hot and bubbly.
- Freezing: This bake freezes well. Cook and cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, or wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven as above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this chicken bake, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free chicken recipes:
- For another fantastic one-pan chicken and rice meal, check out This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you’re a fan of easy and versatile chicken dishes for feeding a crowd, our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a lifesaver!
- And for another go-to cozy chicken dinner that’s always a hit, don’t miss These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
- Finally, for a delicious and easy make-ahead option, our Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll-Ups are perfect!
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Mozzarella Bake is a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with minimal effort, can create a deeply satisfying and incredibly flavorful meal. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you crave a hearty, home-cooked dinner without the fuss, promising a cheesy, delicious experience every time.
Give this recipe a try and let the comforting aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite cheesy baked chicken dish? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
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