Description
Mozzarella chicken bake brings Italian comfort right to home kitchens with its rich, melted cheese and golden-brown crust. Crispy edges, tender chicken, and gooey cheese create a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F and position the cooking rack in the center of the oven for even heating.
- Thoroughly season chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both surfaces, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high temperature until the surface shimmers with heat.
- Carefully sear each chicken piece for approximately 5 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
- Transfer seared chicken to a lightly greased rectangular baking dish, arranging the pieces with some space between them.
- Generously ladle marinara sauce over the chicken, using the back of a spoon to distribute the sauce evenly, completely covering the meat.
- Create a double-layer cheese topping by first sprinkling parmesan across the chicken, then generously covering with mozzarella cheese.
- Place the uncovered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Switch the oven to broil and carefully monitor the cheese as it turns golden and slightly crispy, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps retain internal juices and ensures the meat reaches a safe 165°F internal temperature.
Notes
- Sear chicken thoroughly to lock in moisture and create a golden, flavorful exterior that seals the juices inside the meat.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a more creamy and authentic texture, which melts beautifully and creates a luxurious cheese layer.
- Adjust baking time based on chicken breast thickness to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, succulent meat.
- For a low-carb option, swap marinara sauce with a homemade sugar-free tomato sauce or use diced fresh tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27-33 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 130mg