Name: Chicken Mozzarella Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

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This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that’s incredibly simple to prepare. Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in marinara sauce and topped with gooey, melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, all baked to perfection in one dish. It’s my go-to comfort meal when I want something satisfying without too much fuss. Chicken Mozzarella Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings together all the classic Italian-American flavors without needing tons of ingredients or time. It’s a great option for busy weeknights, and it feels fancy enough to serve for a casual dinner with guests. Since everything bakes in one dish, cleanup is a breeze. Plus, it pairs perfectly with pasta, salad, or a crusty piece of bread.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Garlic cloves, minced
Marinara sauce
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
Italian seasoning
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
I season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden.
I transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish and spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
Then, I sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the chicken.
I add a pinch of Italian seasoning on top for an extra burst of flavor.
I bake the dish uncovered for about 25–30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
After removing it from the oven, I let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making the total time around 40 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
For a spicy twist, I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.
When I’m short on time, I skip searing the chicken and bake it directly in the sauce, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
To make it low-carb, I serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
I’ve also layered in slices of tomato or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and taste.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, I prefer using the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes. The microwave works too, but I cover the dish with a damp paper towel to keep the cheese from drying out. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer. The juices should also run clear when I slice into the thickest part.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, I often use my favorite jarred marinara for convenience. I just make sure it’s a brand I like, as the sauce flavor is a big part of the dish.

What side dishes go well with Chicken Mozzarella Bake?

I usually serve it with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. Roasted vegetables work great too.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, I assemble everything up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. When I’m ready to cook, I let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

I’ve used both fresh and pre-shredded cheese. While fresh gives a slightly better melt and flavor, pre-shredded works fine and saves time.

Conclusion

This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a dependable and delicious meal I keep coming back to. It’s simple, satisfying, and adaptable for whatever I have on hand. Whether I’m cooking for my family or having guests over, this cheesy, saucy chicken dish always hits the spot.