Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken breasts with rich marinara sauce and ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, providing a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. With minimal effort, you can create a comforting meal that your family and friends will love, all baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Place seasoned chicken in the baking dish, pour marinara sauce over each piece, then top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving; garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, include veggies like bell peppers or spinach. If preparing ahead, cover the assembled dish and refrigerate for up to one day before baking.