This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is your answer to a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner with very little effort. Juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in marinara, then blanketed with gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan that melt into a golden, bubbly crust like a fuss-free, skillet chicken Parm without the breading.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Olive oil, for searing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown (they do not need to be cooked through yet).
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over and around the chicken breasts, coating them well.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the chicken, followed by the grated Parmesan, covering as evenly as possible.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle. Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving.
Variation
- Chicken Parmesan-Style: Before searing, lightly coat the chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs and a bit of grated Parmesan, then brown in the skillet for a more classic chicken Parm feel.
- Spicy Arrabbiata Chicken Bake: Swap the marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce or add red pepper flakes to the marinara for a gentle kick.
- Veggie-Loaded Bake: Scatter a layer of sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers in the skillet under and around the chicken before adding the sauce and cheese.
Cooking Notes
- Searing the chicken first builds flavor and helps lock in juices; don’t skip this step if you want maximum taste and texture.
- Oven times can vary depending on thickness of the chicken; start checking for doneness around 20–25 minutes.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, loosely tent the skillet with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over cooked spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta to soak up the extra marinara and melted cheese.
- Pair with a simple side salad and garlicky bread or focaccia for a full Italian-inspired meal.
- For a lighter, low-carb option, serve with zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables, or a bed of sautéed spinach.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown nicely rather than steam in the pan.
- Shred your own mozzarella from a block for the best melt and stretch pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking so the juices redistribute and the cheese sets slightly for cleaner slices.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 46 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well. Sear as directed, then bake until they reach 165°F (75°C), which may take a few extra minutes. - Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold. - What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
Sear the chicken in a regular pan, then transfer the chicken, sauce, and cheese to a baking dish before baking. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
Conclusion
Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is everything you love about classic Italian comfort food in one easy skillet tender, saucy chicken under a blanket of melty mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, yet satisfying and cozy enough for guests. Serve it with pasta, salad, or veggies, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.
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Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free (if marinara is gluten-free)
Description
This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is your answer to a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner with very little effort. Juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts are smothered in marinara, then blanketed with gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan that melt into a golden, bubbly crust like a fuss-free, skillet chicken Parm without the breading.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Olive oil, for searing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown (they do not need to be cooked through yet).
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over and around the chicken breasts, coating them well.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the chicken, followed by the grated Parmesan, covering as evenly as possible.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle. Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving.
Notes
- Use a flavorful marinara you love the sauce is a big part of the dish, so its quality really shows.
- If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider slicing them horizontally into cutlets so they cook more evenly and quickly.
- The cheese will continue to set slightly as the dish rests, making it easier to serve neat portions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal (approx.)
- Sugar: 5 g (approx., from marinara)
- Sodium: 880 mg (approx., varies with marinara and cheese)
- Fat: 26 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 12 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 13–14 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 1 g (approx.)
- Protein: 46 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 150 mg (approx.)
Keywords: cheesy mozzarella chicken bake, marinara chicken, skillet chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, low-carb chicken, Italian chicken recipe