Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
04 -
Salt & pepper to taste
05 -
1.5 cups marinara sauce
06 -
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
07 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat your oven to 375°F and position the rack right in the middle.
02 -
Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
03 -
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the seared chicken to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
04 -
Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese first, then layer the mozzarella on top of each chicken breast.
05 -
Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. If you're using smaller chicken breasts, reduce the time to 15 minutes.
06 -
Switch to broil for a few minutes until the cheese gets slightly browned and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
07 -
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy. Chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
# Notes:
01 -
For a shortcut, you can skip searing the chicken. Just place raw chicken in the baking dish, season, add sauce and cheese, then bake for at least 30 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F.
02 -
Cooking time varies depending on chicken breast size. Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to ensure perfect doneness.
03 -
If you have a large oven-safe skillet, you can use it for the entire recipe and skip the baking dish for easier cleanup.