Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

Ben Carraoli

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe

I recently made this Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake, and wow — it turned out even better than I hoped. The combination of tender chicken, rich marinara, and stretchy, melty cheese creates the kind of comfort meal that feels like a warm hug.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Servings: 4

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts — lean and tender, perfect for baking evenly.
2 tablespoons olive oil — helps sear the chicken and lock in juices.
½ teaspoon garlic powder — adds a subtle savory layer without overpowering.
Salt and pepper to taste — essential for balancing flavors.
1.5 cups marinara sauce — adds moisture acidity, and a rich tomato flavor.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese — fresh-grated melts better and gives a deeper sharper taste.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese — the star of the show; freshly shredded melts more smoothly.

Method

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and setting the rack in the middle. Season both sides of each chicken breast with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to build a flavorful base.
Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about five minutes per side until golden. This step locks in moisture and enhances the taste, then transfer the chicken to your baking dish.
Pour marinara evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan first, followed by a generous layer of mozzarella.
Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes (slightly less if using small chicken breasts). Once done, broil for a few minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and lightly golden. Let the dish rest for five minutes before serving.

Notes

I lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness so it cooks uniformly.
If I skip searing on busy days, I simply increase the baking time slightly, and it still turns out tasty.
Grating Parmesan myself has made a huge difference in meltiness and flavor.
I always check the temperature to avoid overbaking — 165°F is my sweet spot for perfectly juicy chicken.