Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

Name: Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Marinara sauce; Shredded mozzarella cheese; Grated Parmesan cheese; Italian seasoning; Olive oil; Salt and pepper

By Sophie Hart – Recipes and Home Inspiration

March 23, 2025

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The aroma wafting from the oven as the Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake bubbles away is enough to make anyone weak at the knees. Picture this: tender chicken bathing in a sea of gooey cheese and zesty marinara sauce—it’s like a warm hug from your favorite Italian restaurant without needing to change out of your pajamas.

I can’t help but smile when I think of the last time I made this dish for my family. My kids were practically dancing around the kitchen, eagerly anticipating what was about to come out of that oven. Spoiler alert: it was a hit! This dish is not just for special occasions; it’s perfect for those weeknight dinners when you want something effortless yet flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is quick to prepare and requires minimal cleanup
Its rich flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds
The comforting layers of cheese and sauce make it visually stunning on any dinner table
Enjoy it with pasta or a fresh salad for a versatile meal that pleases everyone

When I whipped this up last week, my husband’s reaction was priceless; he actually cried tears of joy—okay, maybe more like happy grunts—but still, I’ll take it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on your crowd size and appetite.
Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella if possible; it melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan gives an extra punch of flavor; don’t skimp on this one!
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds warmth and depth—feel free to mix up your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for marinating the chicken; it enhances flavor while keeping everything juicy.
Salt & Pepper: Essential staples that transform bland into grand—don’t forget these!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat and Prepare

First things first: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and lightly coat it with nonstick spray. This step helps prevent those dreaded sticky situations!

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning generously over them. Let those flavors mingle while you tackle the next steps.

Layer with Marinara

Place the seasoned chicken in your prepared baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over each breast until they are generously coated—don’t be shy! You want that saucy goodness all around.

Cheese It Up

Now comes the best part: sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese all over each piece of chicken. Follow up by adding grated parmesan on top—it’s like giving your dish a cozy blanket of cheesy goodness!

Bake Away

Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbling cheese and that golden brown color—your kitchen will smell divine!

Serve and Enjoy

Once done, pull it out of the oven and let it rest for about five minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute—trust me; you want juicy bites! Serve hot with pasta or garlic bread for an unforgettable meal.

The Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is sure to become a staple in your home kitchen—a delightful twist on classic comfort food that will leave everyone asking for more!

You Must Know

This cheesy mozzarella chicken bake combines gooey cheese and tender chicken for a delightful dish
The aroma fills your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table, eager for a taste of comfort
Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, sear the chicken first until golden brown, then layer with sauce and cheese before baking to perfection.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap mozzarella for cheddar or add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always pat the chicken dry before searing; this helps achieve that lovely golden crust
Use fresh herbs for added flavor, and make sure your cheese is at room temperature before baking for a smoother melt

It was one of those rainy afternoons when I decided to whip up this cheesy mozzarella chicken bake. My friends couldn’t get enough of it, and now it’s a go-to dish for gatherings.

FAQs

FAQ

What can I use instead of mozzarella in this recipe?

You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or even a blend of Italian cheeses.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and refrigerate it before baking for convenient meal prep.

How long does it take to bake the cheesy mozzarella chicken bake?

Bake it at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

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