Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken breasts, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is both comforting and packed with flavor. It’s quick to prepare, taking only 35 minutes from start to finish, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a cheesy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella makes for a rich, flavorful dish. It’s simple to make with just a few ingredients, and the result is an irresistible baked meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit with both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and top with marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken breasts.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Add vegetables: You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini on top of the chicken before adding the cheese for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use different cheeses: Swap the mozzarella for provolone or add a bit of cheddar cheese for a different twist on this dish.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a touch of heat, or use a spicy marinara sauce to bring some spice to the dish.
- Make it low-carb: Skip the marinara sauce and serve the chicken with a creamy pesto sauce or cauliflower rice to make this dish lower in carbs.
- Herb variations: If you want to switch up the flavor, try adding fresh thyme or oregano to the chicken before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They will add more moisture and flavor to the dish.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can swap mozzarella for other cheeses like provolone or gouda. For extra flavor, try mixing in some cheddar or Monterey Jack.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and bake when ready.
4. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to perfection.
5. Can I add more sauce to the dish?
Yes, feel free to add more marinara sauce if you like a saucier dish. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.
6. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works great in this recipe. You can also use homemade marinara sauce if you prefer.
7. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives.
8. Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken tenders for a quicker cooking time. Just be sure to adjust the baking time to prevent overcooking.
9. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook this dish in a slow cooker. Layer the chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
10. How can I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicier version, you can add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle them over the top before baking. Alternatively, use a spicy marinara sauce for added heat.
Conclusion
Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a cheesy, comforting meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its layers of tender chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or anytime you crave something comforting and satisfying. Simple, savory, and cheesy—this recipe has it all!
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Chicken Mozzarella Bake
Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a cheesy, savory, and easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals. Tender chicken breasts are topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to perfection. This dish is a comforting favorite that’s quick to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a casual get-together, this baked chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and top each with marinara sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken breasts.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini on top of the chicken before adding the cheese for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the marinara sauce for a spicy twist.
- Herb Variations: Fresh thyme or oregano can be added for a different herbal flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food, Chicken Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
