A simple yet flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken breasts with tangy marinara sauce and melty cheese for a comforting dinner option that’s ready in just 35 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is the perfect weeknight dinner solution when you’re craving something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese creates a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. It’s naturally low-carb while still being incredibly filling, and the simple ingredient list means you likely already have everything you need. Plus, it’s versatile enough to please both picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts serve as the protein-packed foundation of this dish. They become tender and juicy when baked under the sauce and cheese, absorbing all the delicious flavors. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs for a more budget-friendly option with even more moisture.
Marinara sauce adds tangy tomato flavor and moisture to the dish. Use your favorite jarred variety for convenience, or homemade for an extra special touch. The acidity in the tomatoes helps tenderize the chicken while adding rich Italian flavor.
Mozzarella cheese creates that irresistible melty, stretchy texture that makes this dish so satisfying. Fresh mozzarella can be used for a more authentic taste, but pre-shredded works perfectly for convenience.
Parmesan cheese brings a sharp, salty element that balances the mild mozzarella. Its nutty flavor adds depth to the dish and creates a beautiful golden crust when baked.
Olive oil helps brown the chicken and adds a subtle fruity flavor. It also prevents sticking and helps the herbs adhere to the chicken.
Dried oregano provides classic Italian herbaceous notes that complement the tomato sauce perfectly. It’s an aromatic herb that stands up well to the baking process.
Salt enhances all the other flavors in the dish and helps tenderize the chicken. It’s especially important for properly seasoning the chicken before browning.
Black pepper adds a mild spiciness and depth of flavor that works well with the other Italian-inspired ingredients.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and place in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with a side of vegetables or pasta.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4 servings at approximately 350 calories per serving. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, making it a quick 35-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Variations
Spicy Chicken Mozzarella Bake: Add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix or use spicy marinara sauce for a kick.
Veggie-Loaded Version: Layer sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach between the chicken and sauce for added nutrition.
Pesto Twist: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto on the chicken before adding the marinara for an herbaceous dimension.
Italian Herb Upgrade: Add Italian seasoning, fresh basil, or rosemary to enhance the herb profile.
Stuffed Chicken Mozzarella: Butterfly the chicken breasts and stuff with spinach and extra cheese before cooking.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often develop and improve after a day in the fridge.
Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for quick meals later. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating in Oven: For best results, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain the texture and prevents the chicken from drying out.
Microwave Reheating: For a quicker option, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through. Consider covering with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicier than breasts. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may cook faster depending on their size.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the meat is white throughout with no pink remaining.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can brown the chicken and assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What sides go well with Chicken Mozzarella Bake?
This versatile main dish pairs beautifully with pasta, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, a simple green salad, or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella provides the classic melty texture, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or an Italian cheese blend. Each will bring its own flavor profile to the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients. Always check labels if cooking for someone with celiac disease.
How can I make this dish lower in calories?
Use part-skim mozzarella, reduce the overall cheese amount, and opt for a lower-calorie marinara sauce. You can also use cooking spray instead of olive oil for browning the chicken.
Can I skip the stovetop browning step?
While browning adds flavor, you can skip this step if short on time. Place the seasoned raw chicken in the baking dish, increase oven time to about 30-35 minutes, then add the toppings and continue baking until cheese is melted.
My cheese isn’t getting golden and bubbly. What can I do?
For a beautiful golden top, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?
Avoid overcooking the chicken during the initial browning stage. Using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness, and the marinara sauce helps keep the chicken moist during baking.
Conclusion
This Chicken Mozzarella Bake beautifully combines simplicity with impressive flavor, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. The combination of tender chicken, tangy marinara, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that feels indulgent while remaining wholesome. Whether served over pasta, alongside vegetables, or on its own, this versatile dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s a recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss – proving that delicious home-cooked meals don’t need to be complicated to be extraordinary.
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Chicken Mozzarella Bake
A delicious and easy Chicken Mozzarella Bake recipe featuring tender chicken, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, perfect as a comforting meal.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and place in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve with a side of vegetables or pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute marinara sauce with any preferred tomato-based sauce.
- For extra flavor, add fresh basil or parsley as a garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
