Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food with tender, juicy chicken covered in marinara sauce and topped with golden, melty mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Generously season both sides of your chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear each chicken breast for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step ensures the chicken develops a beautiful golden crust and stays juicy.
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your greased baking dish. Pour marinara sauce generously over each piece, ensuring they’re well-coated. Top the marinara with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella. The duo of cheeses creates a richly flavorful crust that’s irresistible.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reads 165°F internally on a thermometer and the cheese is melted and bubbling. For that restaurant-style touch, broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the cheese. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. This step locks in the juices, making every bite tender and flavorful. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant finish, and serve immediately!
Notes
- Don’t Skip Searing: Searing locks in the flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and grated Parmesan elevate the flavor.
- Pick a Quality Marinara Sauce: A good sauce makes a huge difference—use homemade or high-quality jarred.
- Check Chicken Temp: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure perfect chicken.
- Don’t Over-Broil: Broil just long enough for golden cheese without burning.