Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
481 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
Description
This recipe starts with seasoning chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then searing both sides in olive oil for color and flavor. The seared chicken is placed in a baking dish and topped with marinara sauce, Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Baking at a moderate temperature melts the cheese and cooks the chicken through, while broiling at the end adds a lightly browned finish to the cheese.
The combination of marinara's acidity and the cheeses’ creaminess complements the mild chicken breast. Searing helps lock in juices and develop texture before baking. Resting the chicken after baking ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
This dish works well as a straightforward dinner with pasta, salad, or steamed vegetables. The layered cheese crust adds indulgence while maintaining easy preparation.
If preferred, the searing step can be skipped by baking raw seasoned chicken for longer time until fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature to ensure doneness. A large oven-safe skillet can be used instead of transferring to a baking dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breast boneless skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and move the rack to the middle position.
- Season both sides of each piece of chicken with the garlic powder and salt & pepper.
- Add the oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, sear the chicken for 5 minutes/side. Add the chicken to a greased baking dish (I used a 9x13) once both sides are seared.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and use a spoon to spread it evenly over and around the chicken.
- Sprinkle the parmesan over the chicken breasts, and then do the same with the mozzarella.
- Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. If your chicken breasts are on the smaller side, I suggest doing 15 minutes.
- Broil the chicken for a few minutes or so until the cheese is lightly browned (watch it closely). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes prior to serving (this will ensure it's juicy). Chicken is safe to eat at 165F.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before baking adds flavor but can be skipped; if skipped, bake raw chicken longer until it reaches 165°F.
- Using an instant-read thermometer is recommended to avoid undercooking or overcooking, as times depend on breast size.
- Cooking in a large oven-safe skillet lets you reduce dishes by skipping transfer to a separate baking pan.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 481 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 481kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 60g | 120% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 178mg | 59% |
| Sodium | 1111mg | 46% |
| Potassium | 1177mg | 25% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 763IU | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 303mg | 30% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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