Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 24 oz jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
For the Topping:
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the Chicken:
- If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking. This is a tip I always use!
- In a bowl, drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
Assemble and Bake:
- In a separate bowl, combine the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Arrange the mozzarella cheese slices on top of the sauce, covering the chicken. Don’t be shy with the cheese – that’s what makes this a true Mozzarella Chicken delight!
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the Chicken Mozzarella Bake rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Why This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a Winner
This recipe truly shines because it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness. As your best friend in the kitchen, I can tell you that weeknights can be hectic. That’s where this dish comes to the rescue. It requires minimal prep time, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a satisfying, flavorful meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s naturally a great option for High Protein Low Carb Recipes, making it a guilt-free indulgence.Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Mozzarella Bake
Okay, let’s talk about some ways to make this Chicken Mozzarella Bake even *more* amazing. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!Choosing the Right Chicken:
While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the standard for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs typically take a bit longer to cook.Selecting Your Sauce:
Don’t underestimate the power of a good marinara sauce! Choose a high-quality sauce that you enjoy the taste of. You can also customize the sauce by adding your own herbs, spices, or even a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.Mozzarella Matters:
Fresh mozzarella is the key to that gooey, melty perfection we’re after. While you can use pre-shredded mozzarella in a pinch, fresh mozzarella has a superior flavor and texture. If you’re feeling fancy, try using buffalo mozzarella for an even more decadent experience.Preventing Dry Chicken:
One of the biggest concerns with baked chicken is dryness. To combat this, make sure you don’t overbake the chicken. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. Also, slicing the chicken breasts horizontally helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from drying out.Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.Classic Sides:
A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus are all excellent choices.Low-Carb Options:
For a low-carb meal, try serving the Chicken Mozzarella Bake with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a side of sautéed spinach. The Chicken Zucchini Bake is another great option to alternate with.Comfort Food Pairings:
If you’re not watching your carbs, you can serve this dish with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.Variations to Keep Things Interesting
One of the best things about this Chicken Mozzarella Bake is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes.Spicy Chicken Mozzarella Bake:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick. You can also add sliced jalapeños to the topping for even more heat.Pesto Chicken Mozzarella Bake:
Spread a layer of pesto over the chicken breasts before adding the marinara sauce and mozzarella. This adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Mozzarella Bake:
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a tangy, Mediterranean twist.Roasted Red Pepper Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken:
If you enjoy the flavors of the bake, consider creating the stuffed version with roasted red pepper.Making it a High Protein Low Carb Recipes Dream
For those focusing on High Protein Low Carb Recipes, this Cheesy Chicken bake is a fantastic choice. Chicken is a lean protein source, and by skipping the traditional pasta side, you’re keeping the carbohydrate count low. The cheese adds healthy fats and extra flavor, making it a satisfying and nutritious Filling Dinner. You can even explore variations like the Keto Chicken Skewers for other easy low carb chicken options.Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers:
Store any leftover Chicken Mozzarella Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth to the dish before reheating can help prevent it from drying out.More Chicken Recipe Inspiration
If you love this Chicken Mozzarella Bake, you might also enjoy these other delicious chicken recipes:- Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Wraps – A quicker and easier way to enjoy similar flavors!
- Chicken Mozzarella Wraps – A great option for lunch or a light dinner.
- Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce – Another classic chicken dish that’s sure to please.
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Cheesy Chicken Dinner
This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy weeknights, a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, and a delicious way to enjoy a High Protein Low Carb Recipes friendly meal. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and customizable flavors, this cheesy chicken dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs typically take a bit longer to cook.
What kind of mozzarella cheese is best for this recipe?
Fresh mozzarella is recommended for the best gooey and melty results, offering superior flavor and texture compared to pre-shredded mozzarella. Buffalo mozzarella can be used for an even more decadent experience.
How can I prevent the chicken from drying out while baking?
To prevent dry chicken, avoid overbaking and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Slicing the chicken breasts horizontally also helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from drying out.
What are some variations I can try with this Chicken Mozzarella Bake?
You can try variations like Spicy Chicken Mozzarella Bake by adding red pepper flakes or spicy marinara sauce, Pesto Chicken Mozzarella Bake by spreading pesto over the chicken, or Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Mozzarella Bake by adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
EASY CHICKEN MOZZARELLA BAKE
This Chicken Mozzarella Bake recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Tender, juicy chicken is smothered in a rich tomato sauce and blanketed with bubbly, golden mozzarella. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Oven
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- If chicken breasts are very thick, slice them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.
- In a bowl, drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the marinara sauce, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Arrange the mozzarella cheese slices on top of the sauce, covering the chicken.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the Chicken Mozzarella Bake rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Notes
Store any leftover Chicken Mozzarella Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating can help prevent it from drying out. For variations, try adding red pepper flakes, pesto, or sun-dried tomatoes. Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
