Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a comforting and delicious dish that features juicy chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Timing
Making Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season Chicken: In a baking dish, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts. Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well covered.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the sauce.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake (per serving, based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 40g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 4g |
Tips for Customization
- Vegetable Additions: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach on top of the chicken before adding the sauce for extra nutrition.
- Spice Level: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Try using a mix of cheeses like provolone or cheddar for different flavors.
Conclusion
Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is an easy and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- • 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- • 2 tablespoons olive oil
- • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- • Salt and pepper (to taste)
- • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts.
- Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well covered.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the sauce.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve hot.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese
Step 4: Bake
Step 5: Serve
