IRRESISTIBLE MOZZARELLA CHICKEN RECIPE

Imagine the delightful stretch of melted mozzarella, the juicy tenderness of perfectly cooked chicken, and the bright, savory burst of tomato sauce all harmonizing on your plate; this easy Mozzarella Chicken recipe delivers that dream in under an hour. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors that will become your new weeknight go-to!

Ready to Gather Your Ingredients?

This *Mozzarella Chicken* recipe is all about simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Don’t worry, you probably have most of these in your pantry already!

Chicken Prep

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce & Toppings

• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (or your favorite homemade sauce)
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or *Chicken And Mozzarella Balls Recipes* work great too!
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• Red pepper flakes, for a touch of heat
• 1/2 cup chopped onion, sauteed
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, sauteed

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

I know, sometimes recipes look intimidating, but trust me, this Mozzarella Chicken is a breeze. I’ll guide you through each step so you can create a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen.

Prepping the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures they cook evenly. If you don’t have a meat mallet, a rolling pin will do the trick!
4. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated.

Building the Dish

1. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This prevents the chicken from sticking and adds flavor.
2. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish, overlapping slightly if needed.
3. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.

Baking to Perfection

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy – it’s a game-changer!
2. Remove the baking dish from the oven and top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks for Mozzarella Chicken Mastery

Okay, friend, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some insider tips that will take your Mozzarella Chicken from good to *amazing*.

Chicken Breast Wisdom

Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking. If they are too thick, the outside might get dry before the inside is cooked. If you’re short on time, you can also buy pre-cut chicken cutlets.

Sauce Selection

The quality of your marinara sauce will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. I personally love using a homemade sauce, but a good-quality store-bought sauce works just as well. Look for one with simple ingredients and no added sugar (unless you like a sweeter sauce, of course!).

Cheese Choices

Fresh mozzarella is the star of this dish, but you can also use other types of cheese. Provolone would be a good substitute. Experiment and see what you like! And remember, *Chicken And Mozzarella Balls Recipes* offer a fun, bite-sized alternative to sliced mozzarella.

Flavor Boosters

Want to kick up the flavor a notch? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. Sautéing some chopped onion and mushrooms and adding them to the sauce is another great way to add depth of flavor.

Perfecting the Bake

Keep a close eye on the chicken while it’s baking. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will prevent the cheese from burning while allowing the chicken to continue cooking.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

*Mozzarella Chicken* is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine.
• Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables, like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini, is a healthy and delicious option.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Chicken Recipes With Cream: Exploring Variations

If you’re a fan of creamy chicken dishes, you’re in for a treat. While this Mozzarella Chicken is tomato-based, there are countless variations of *Chicken Recipes With Cream* that are equally delicious. Consider exploring recipes like Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, which blends the bright acidity of tomatoes with the richness of cream for a truly decadent experience. You might also enjoy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, a truly comforting dish. For another take, you might want to consider Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce.

Making it Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead

You can assemble the Mozzarella Chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option for busy weeknights. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Storage

Leftover Mozzarella Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Weeknight Comfort Food: Why This Recipe Works

In the whirlwind of a busy week, we all crave dishes that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. This *Weeknight Comfort Food* champion fits the bill perfectly. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and comforting meal on the table in under an hour. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love.

More Chicken Delights

If you’re searching for more mouthwatering chicken recipes, let me share a few more of my favorites. Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a guaranteed hit, with its savory garlic and parmesan flavors. You could also try Creamy Chicken Florentine Perfection, a wonderfully rich and comforting dish. And if you are a fan of slow-cooking, then you will absolutely enjoy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes, an easy “dump and go” style dinner.

Final Thoughts: Your Mozzarella Chicken Adventure

There you have it, friend! Your guide to creating the most irresistible Mozzarella Chicken. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this recipe and make it your own. Now go forth and create some kitchen magic!

Irresistible Mozzarella Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Mozzarella Chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella and a bright tomato sauce in under an hour. It’s a symphony of flavors that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Small bowl
• Plastic Wrap
• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Meat thermometer

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 6-8 ounces each
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
• Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated.
• In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
• Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish, overlapping slightly if needed.
• Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the baking dish from the oven and top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking. Use a good-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. Fresh mozzarella is ideal, but provolone can be substituted. You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.