Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy & Comforting Dish

I can’t wait to share this Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake with you! Last night, I whipped up this easy yet incredibly satisfying dish, and wow, it was a total home run. The tender, juicy chicken smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with golden, bubbly cheese felt like a hug on a plate.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. After just one bite, everyone at the table was asking for seconds. Trust me, this is going to be your new favorite go-to comfort meal!

Ingredients

These simple, flavorful ingredients come together to make a dish that tastes like it was made in your favorite Italian restaurant.

4 medium chicken breasts: Choose fresh, evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing and locking in flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to complement the marinara.
1 ½ cups marinara sauce: Use a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade for the best taste.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Be sure to use fresh mozzarella for that gooey, melty topping.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that balances the dish.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the final presentation.

Note: Serves 4, making it a great choice for family dinners or leftovers.

Variation

Switch things up with these variations to make the recipe uniquely yours!

Cheese Swap: Try pecorino romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
Bring the Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a spicy kick.
Fresh Mozzarella Option: Use slices of fresh mozzarella for an extra creamy texture.
Herbal Boost: Sprinkle in dried oregano or thyme for a flavorful twist.

Cooking Time

You’ll love how quickly this chicken bake comes together!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipments You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make the cooking process seamless.

Large skillet: Great for searing the chicken to lock in flavor and cook evenly.
9×13 baking dish: The ideal size for layering and baking everything thoroughly.
Instant-read thermometer: Ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked.
Microplane grater: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference in taste.

How to Make the Best Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake?

From prepping the chicken to achieving that golden, cheesy perfection, follow these steps and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser in no time.

Step 1: Prep and Sear Your Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Generously season both sides of your chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear each chicken breast for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step ensures the chicken develops a beautiful golden crust and stays juicy.

Step 2: Layer the Marinara and Cheese

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your greased baking dish. Pour marinara sauce generously over each piece, ensuring they’re well-coated. Top the marinara with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella. The duo of cheeses creates a richly flavorful crust that’s irresistible.

Step 3: Cook or Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reads 165°F internally on a thermometer and the cheese is melted and bubbling. For that restaurant-style touch, broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the cheese. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!

Step 4: Rest and Serve Right Away

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. This step locks in the juices, making every bite tender and flavorful. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant finish, and serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Chicken Bake Success

Learn from my experience to make this dish even better!

Don’t Skip Searing: This quick step adds deep flavor and a great texture to the chicken.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and grated Parmesan elevate the dish to restaurant-quality.
Pick a Quality Marinara: A good sauce makes all the difference, so choose wisely or make your own!
Check the Internal Temp: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but not overdone.
Don’t Over-Broil: Keep a close eye during broiling to achieve golden cheese without burning it.

How to Serve Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake?

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to suit your occasion. For a hearty meal, serve it with spaghetti or penne to soak up the extra marinara sauce. Prefer lighter options?

Go with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus. For an indulgent touch, garlic bread or creamy mashed potatoes make excellent companions. Whatever you choose, garnish liberally with fresh herbs for the perfect finish!

Nutritional Information

Here’s an overview of the nutrition per serving to keep you informed.

Calories: ~480
Protein: ~60g
Carbohydrates: ~6g
Fat: ~23g

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is easy to prep in advance or save for later.

Make Ahead: You can sear the chicken and assemble it in the baking dish earlier in the day. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Bake as directed when it’s time to serve.
Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or over low heat in a saucepan to keep the chicken moist.
Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cheese, but the sauce and chicken can be frozen separately if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish has all the makings of a family-favorite recipe. Here’s why it’s so special.

Simple Yet Flavorful: With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a meal packed with comfort and flavor.
Customizable: Adapt the recipe to fit your taste or dietary preferences easily.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Works equally well for casual dinners or special gatherings.
Less Work, More Reward: Minimal prep and clean-up for maximum flavor pay-off.
Crowd-Pleasing Ingredients: Marinara, mozzarella, and chicken are a trio everyone loves.

Once you try this Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake, I can almost guarantee you’ll keep coming back to it. It’s quick, versatile, and packed with flavor for a dish you’ll want to make on repeat. Enjoy!

Ash Tyrrell