Everyone at home was a fan of this dish, so I’m thinking of making twice as much next time
Indulge in the savory delight of Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake, a mouthwatering dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a truly comforting meal. This recipe combines simple ingredients with flavorful seasonings to create a dish that’s both easy to make and satisfying to enjoy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 |
| Marinara sauce | 1 cup |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.
- Prepare Chicken: Season each of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds flavor to the chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the seasoned chicken breasts until they turn golden, about 3 minutes on each side. This step locks in the juices and adds a nice color.
- Layer Marinara Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. This provides a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts evenly in the baking dish over the marinara sauce.
- Add Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken breasts. This ensures each bite is infused with delicious sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken breasts. Then, evenly distribute the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
- Serve: Serve the Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake hot, either as is or with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the cheesy goodness and savor each bite!
