Description

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy chicken breasts baked in rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. An easy, gluten-free recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

Meat
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Produce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Condiments
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Dairy
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Oils & Vinegars
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Baking & Spices
- Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Sear Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Bake

Add Marinara Sauce
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake

Bake in Oven
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Garnish and Enjoy
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad.

Notes

Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella for provolone or add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.