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Delightful Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Featured in Sophisticated Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less.

Juicy chicken breasts with marinara and cheesy toppings. Ready in around 45 minutes. An amazing dinner option with pasta or salad on the side.
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Sarah
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:28:58 GMT
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Mozzarella Chicken Bake Fresh From Oven | chefmiarecipes.com

This classic Italian-inspired Mozzarella Chicken Bake combines succulent chicken breasts with rich tomato sauce and melted fresh mozzarella. The simple ingredients come together to create an impressive main dish that tastes like it came from a neighborhood trattoria. Each bite offers the perfect balance of tender meat, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese.

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: Select evenly sized pieces around 6-8 oz each for consistent cooking
  • Fresh mozzarella: Use high-moisture cheese sliced 1/4 inch thick for optimal melting
  • Crushed tomatoes: Choose San Marzano variety for natural sweetness and bright acidity
  • Garlic: Fresh whole cloves, finely minced just before cooking
  • Italian herbs: A dried blend of basil, oregano, thyme and rosemary
  • Olive oil: Extra virgin variety for best flavor in the sauce

Preparation Method

Step 1: Chicken Prep
  • Thoroughly dry chicken with paper towels
  • Season both sides generously with salt and pepper
  • Rest at room temperature 15 minutes
Step 2: Make the Sauce
  • Heat oil over medium heat until shimmering
  • Cook minced garlic 30-60 seconds until fragrant
  • Add tomatoes carefully and simmer 10 minutes
  • Season with Italian herbs and salt
Step 3: Assembly
  • Spread sauce layer in baking dish
  • Place seasoned chicken with space between pieces
  • Pour remaining sauce around chicken
  • Top each piece with mozzarella slices
Step 4: Baking
  • Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes
  • Cheese should be golden and bubbly
  • Let rest 5-7 minutes before serving
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Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe | chefmiarecipes.com

Storage Information

Tomato sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. The assembled dish keeps well for 3-4 days when properly refrigerated in an airtight container.

Complete the Meal

Serve alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or over pasta. Crusty Italian bread makes the perfect accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce.

Wine Selection

A medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo pairs beautifully with the rich tomato sauce and melted cheese.

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Easy Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake | chefmiarecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can thighs be used instead of chicken breasts?
For sure! Thighs work really well, but they might take a bit longer. Make sure they cook to an internal temp of 165°F.
→ What should I serve with it?
This dish goes great with salad, garlic bread, roasted veggies, or even some pasta.
→ Can I make it in advance?
Definitely! Cook the chicken first and assemble the dish. Wrap it up and refrigerate. Add an extra 5-10 minutes when baking.
→ No marinara at home—what now?
Any tomato pasta sauce will work. Even plain canned tomatoes with Italian seasonings added are a good choice.
→ Can I freeze this recipe?
Yep, just freeze before cooking. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake and add 10-15 minutes to ensure it's fully cooked.

Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Tender chicken baked under marinara sauce and bubbly mozzarella for the easiest crowd-pleaser dinner.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Weeknight Elegance

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup grated parmesan, the fresh kind
02 2 tbsp olive oil
03 4 hefty, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts
04 A pinch or two of salt and pepper, add to your liking
05 1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce
06 1 tsp garlic powder
07 1 full cup of shredded mozzarella

Instructions

Step 01

Turn on your oven to 375°F and make sure the rack is centered.

Step 02

Grab the chicken and sprinkle the garlic powder over both sides, along with a good amount of salt and pepper.

Step 03

Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, cook the chicken for about five minutes on each side until they get a nice golden crust. Then shift the chicken into a 9x13 baking dish that’s been greased up.

Step 04

Take your marinara sauce and pour it all over the chicken, making sure to cover and spread it evenly.

Step 05

First sprinkle parmesan over the chicken, then follow it with an even layer of mozzarella.

Step 06

Pop the baking dish in the oven without covering it. Let it cook for about 20 minutes (or closer to 15 if the chicken pieces are smaller). Switch to broil at the end and broil for a couple of minutes until the cheese looks bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it, though!

Step 07

After taking it out of the oven, let the chicken sit for about five minutes to keep it juicy. Make sure the thickest part has an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Notes

  1. If you’re short on time, skip browning the chicken. Just season it and put it straight into the dish. Bake for at least 30 minutes or until the center hits 165°F.
  2. Chicken size matters for cooking time! A meat thermometer is your best bet.
  3. If you’ve got a big pan that can go in the oven, you can cook the whole thing there without transferring to a baking dish.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big oven-friendly skillet OR a 9x13 dish
  • Another skillet if your dish isn’t oven-safe
  • A meat thermometer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese)