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Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe
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4.7 from 5 reviews

A delicious and easy-to-make Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and topped with grated parmesan and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasoning

  • 4 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Sauce & Cheese

  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even cooking.
  2. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for flavor.
  3. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. This step locks in juices and enhances flavor.
  4. Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arranging them evenly spaced.
  5. Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over and around the chicken breasts, using a spoon to spread it well for full coverage.
  6. Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly on top of the sauced chicken breasts, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese to create a cheesy layer.
  7. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. If your chicken breasts are smaller, 15 minutes may suffice; ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Broil Cheese: To get a golden-brown cheese topping, switch to the broiler for a few minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken bake to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps retain juiciness and ensures tender bites. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can skip the searing step if you prefer; just place raw, seasoned chicken breasts directly into the baking dish. In this case, bake for at least 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Cooking times depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. Using an instant-read meat thermometer is highly recommended to avoid under or overcooking.
  • If you have a large oven-safe skillet, you can use it to sear and bake the chicken in one dish, reducing cleanup.
  • Do not over-broil the cheese topping; it can brown quickly and may burn if left unattended.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy mozzarella chicken bake, baked chicken recipe, mozzarella chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, chicken marinara bake

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/cheesy-mozzarella-chicken-bake-recipe/