Easy cheesy chicken dinner

This cheesy mozzarella chicken bake transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, restaurant-worthy dinner with minimal effort. Juicy chicken breasts are quickly seared for extra flavor, then smothered in rich marinara sauce and a generous layer of melty cheese before being baked to golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of prep work.

I make this dish regularly when I need a reliable dinner that pleases everyone. Recently, I served it to guests who thought it must have taken hours to prepare - they were shocked when I revealed how simple it actually is!

Essential Ingredients

• For the Chicken Base:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose breasts of similar thickness for even cooking
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing and adding flavor
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with savory notes
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all other flavors
• For the Topping:
• 1½ cups marinara sauce: Use high-quality sauce for best flavor
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Creates that perfect melty, stretchy topping
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds depth and savory notes

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This direct seasoning of the meat creates the first layer of flavor that permeates the entire dish.

Step 2: Sear for Maximum Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor through the Maillard reaction, even though the chicken won't be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 3: Arrange for Baking

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish large enough to hold the pieces in a single layer with a little space between them. If you used an oven-safe skillet for searing, you can simply continue with the same pan to minimize dishes.

Step 4: Add the Sauce Layer

Pour marinara sauce evenly over the seared chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well covered. The sauce not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist during baking. Use the back of a spoon to ensure even coverage.

Step 5: Create the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the parmesan cheese evenly over the sauced chicken, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella. The parmesan provides a salty, nutty base while the mozzarella creates that irresistible melty texture.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For a beautiful golden finish, switch the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This creates a slightly browned, bubbly cheese topping.

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I've found that ensuring the skillet is properly preheated before adding the chicken prevents sticking and creates that perfect golden sear. If the chicken sticks, it likely needs a bit more time - it will release naturally when properly seared.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many sides. Serve it over pasta tossed with a bit of olive oil and garlic for a complete meal. For a lower-carb option, roasted vegetables or a simple green salad work perfectly. Garlic bread is always a welcome addition for soaking up the extra sauce.

After making this dish countless times, I've discovered that the key to its success lies in the balance between the savory chicken, tangy sauce, and rich cheese. The layering technique ensures that each element shines while complementing the others, creating a harmonious dish that tastes like it took much more effort than it actually did.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They might need slightly less cooking time as they're usually smaller and stay juicier than breasts.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can sear the chicken and assemble the dish up to a day ahead, then refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

→ What sides go well with this chicken bake?

This pairs perfectly with pasta, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

→ Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

Absolutely! Any store-bought marinara or pasta sauce works great in this recipe as a time-saving option.

→ How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the chicken - it should be white throughout with no pink.