Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe: Savory, Cheesy & Comforting Dish

I just made this cheesy mozzarella chicken bake for dinner, and my kitchen still smells amazing. It’s one of those recipes I turn to on busy weeknights because it delivers so much comforting flavor with minimal effort.

The chicken comes out perfectly tender, smothered in a rich marinara and topped with that irresistible layer of bubbly, golden-brown cheese.

This dish is pure comfort food, and I love how simple it is to bring together. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that feels like a warm hug in a casserole dish.

Ingredients

This recipe relies on a few simple, high-quality ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Using fresh ingredients will give you the best results.

4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Using fresh, not frozen, chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.
2 tablespoons olive oil – A good quality olive oil is perfect for searing the chicken, creating a beautiful golden crust and adding flavor.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – This adds a savory, aromatic base to the chicken without the risk of burning fresh garlic.
Salt & pepper to taste – Seasoning is key; be generous to bring out all the flavors in the dish.
1.5 cups marinara sauce – Use your favorite jarred sauce or a homemade version. A high-quality sauce makes a huge difference since it’s a core component.
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese – I always recommend grating your own parmesan. It melts much better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
1 cup shredded mozzarella – For that classic cheesy pull, shred a block of low-moisture mozzarella yourself. It will melt into a perfectly gooey layer.

Note: The ingredient quantities listed above will yield approximately 4 servings.

Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, you can easily customize it to fit your tastes or dietary needs.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat. You could also mix in some Italian seasoning with the garlic powder for more herbal notes.
Different Cheeses: Feel free to swap the mozzarella and parmesan with other great melting cheeses. Provolone, fontina, or a cheddar blend would all be delicious alternatives.
Add Vegetables: To boost the nutritional value, you can layer sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers over the chicken before adding the sauce and cheese. Just be sure to cook them down first to remove excess moisture.

Cooking Time

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

Equipment You Need

Large Skillet: Used to sear the chicken breasts, locking in flavor and creating a golden-brown crust.
9×13 Baking Dish: The perfect size for arranging the chicken in a single layer for even baking.
Meat Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking it.
Cheese Grater: For grating fresh parmesan and mozzarella, which provides the best texture and melting quality.

How to Make Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

This straightforward process comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for any night of the week. Searing the chicken first is a crucial step for developing deep flavor.

Prepare the Oven and Chicken

First, preheat your oven to 375°F and ensure the rack is in the middle position. While the oven heats up, season both sides of each chicken breast generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This step ensures the chicken itself is flavorful, not just the toppings.

Sear the Chicken

Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken in the pan and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the seared chicken to a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Assemble the Dish

Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the seared chicken, using a spoon to spread it around. Sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese over the sauce-covered chicken. Finally, top everything with the shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure each piece is well covered.

Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for about 20 minutes. For a beautifully browned and bubbly top, switch the oven to broil for the last few minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Over the years, I’ve found a few little tricks that take this simple dish from good to great.

I always make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning. This not only helps them cook more uniformly but also makes them extra tender.
Don’t skip the searing step! I know it’s an extra pan to clean, but creating that golden crust adds a massive amount of flavor that you just don’t get from baking alone.
I sometimes add a splash of white wine to the skillet after searing the chicken to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits, and then pour that liquid over the chicken in the baking dish for even more flavor.
Letting the chicken rest for at least five minutes after it comes out of the oven is crucial. It gives the juices time to settle back into the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and delicious.

How to Serve Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic Italian-American meal, serve it over a bed of pasta like spaghetti or penne to soak up the extra marinara sauce. It’s also excellent with creamy garlic mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a zesty Italian vinaigrette and a slice of crusty garlic bread make for a perfect pairing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, which can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
Protein: Around 50-60g
Carbohydrates: Roughly 5-10g
Fat: Approximately 20-30g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is great for meal prep and stores beautifully, making it a convenient option for leftovers.

Storing

To store leftovers, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it just as delicious the next day.

Reheating

You can reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For best results, reheat the chicken in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until the cheese is bubbly again.

Freezing

I generally don’t recommend freezing this dish after it’s been fully cooked, as the texture of the cheese can change upon thawing. However, you can assemble the dish without baking and freeze it for later.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this cheesy mozzarella chicken bake is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Quick and Easy: With just a handful of common ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a comforting, home-cooked meal on the table in under an hour. It’s the perfect solution for a hectic weeknight.
Family-Friendly: The combination of tender chicken, savory marinara, and melted cheese is a classic that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to satisfy.
Highly Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. You can easily add vegetables, switch up the cheeses, or adjust the seasonings to make it your own.
Great for Leftovers: The flavors get even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. It reheats beautifully for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe