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Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.3 from 53 reviews

This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is an easy, savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and topped with a cheesy blend of parmesan and mozzarella. Perfectly seared and baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting meal that’s simple to make any weeknight.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Sauce and Cheese

  • 1.5 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
  2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken breast evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear each chicken breast for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step helps lock in juices and adds flavor. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
  4. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour marinara sauce evenly over and around the chicken breasts. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top, followed by shredded mozzarella, covering the chicken completely.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. If your chicken breasts are smaller, reduce baking time to about 15 minutes to avoid drying out.
  6. Broil for a Golden Finish: Turn on the broiler and broil the chicken for a few minutes until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
  7. Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to ensure it remains juicy. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.

Notes

  • You may skip searing and place raw seasoned chicken breasts directly into the baking dish if you prefer. In that case, bake for a longer time of at least 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken.
  • Cooking time will greatly depend on the size of your chicken breasts, so having an instant-read thermometer is highly recommended to avoid over or undercooking.
  • If you have a large oven-safe skillet, you can use it to sear and bake the chicken, eliminating the need for a separate baking dish.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/cheesy-mozzarella-chicken-bake-recipe/