Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a comforting and delicious dish that features tender chicken breasts baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and is sure to please the whole family!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (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 Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.
2. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese

1. Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well covered.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the sauce.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven 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

1. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve the cheesy mozzarella chicken bake with pasta, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal!

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	18g
Carbohydrates	8g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the sauce for added nutrition.
• Use Different Cheeses: Try using different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a unique flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a simple yet satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this delightful recipe!