Cheesy Italian Mozzarella Chicken Bake

$To make a tasty Mozzarella Chicken Bake, gather these simple items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When picking chicken, freshness is key. Look for chicken breasts that are pink and moist. Avoid any that have a dull color or smell. Choose organic or free-range chicken if you can. These options often taste better and are more humane. Also, check for a firm texture. This shows the chicken is fresh and not frozen too long. Choosing a good marinara sauce can elevate your dish. I like brands like Rao's, Classico, and Prego. Rao's has a rich flavor, while Classico offers a nice balance of herbs. Prego is budget-friendly and still tastes great. Always check the label for added sugars. You want a sauce with simple ingredients for the best taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven warms up, grab a baking dish. You want something large enough for your chicken. No need to grease the dish, as the chicken will release some juices. Now, let’s focus on the chicken. Take your four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. While it heats, sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides of the chicken. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until it turns golden brown. Remember, they don’t need to be fully cooked at this point. They will finish cooking in the oven. After searing, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it in your baking dish. Now, pour one cup of marinara sauce evenly over the chicken. Make sure every piece is covered. Next, add two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Sprinkle half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. This adds a nice, sharp flavor. Finally, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, let the dish cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. To cook chicken well, start by using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side in a hot skillet. This step gives a nice brown color. It adds flavor, too. Remember, they don’t need to be done yet. They will finish cooking in the oven. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. To melt cheese perfectly, use the right heat. After baking, remove the foil to let the cheese brown. The oven should be at 375°F (190°C). This heat helps the cheese melt and bubble nicely. Use fresh mozzarella for the best taste. It melts better and gives a creamy texture. If you want more flavor, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese. For this recipe, a few tools will make cooking easier. Use a large skillet for searing chicken. A good baking dish is key for the oven. A meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken is cooked well. Don’t forget a sharp knife for cutting the chicken and fresh basil. Finally, keep a spatula handy for serving. These tools will help you create a tasty Mozzarella Chicken Bake with ease. Pro Tips Perfectly Sear Your Chicken: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps create a nice golden crust and locks in the juices. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh basil and high-quality marinara sauce to elevate the flavor of the dish. Check Your Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps redistribute the juices for a more tender bite. {{image_2}} You can add vegetables to the Mozzarella Chicken Bake for more nutrients. Think about using spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Chop them into small pieces to cook evenly. Adding veggies not only boosts health but also enhances the flavor. Layer the vegetables under the chicken or mix them into the marinara sauce. This way, you get a colorful, tasty dish. Switching up the cheese can change the taste of your dish. Try using provolone or gouda for a richer flavor. For a sharper bite, consider adding aged cheddar or feta. Mix different cheeses together for a unique blend. Just remember to keep the mozzarella for that classic gooey texture. With these cheese swaps, you can make your dish exciting every time. If you want a lighter Mozzarella Chicken Bake, there are simple swaps. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness. You can also use low-fat cheese to cut calories. Swap regular marinara for a low-sugar version. For even fewer carbs, serve the dish over zucchini noodles instead of pasta. These swaps keep the flavor while making it healthier. After enjoying your Mozzarella Chicken Bake, let it cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well. This helps prevent drying out and keeps flavors intact. When you want to eat leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Put the chicken bake in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This way, the cheese stays melty, and the chicken stays juicy. In the microwave, heat in short bursts. Check every minute to avoid overcooking. You can freeze the Mozzarella Chicken Bake if you want to save some for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, slice it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps it fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. You can do this overnight in the fridge or use the microwave. If you use frozen chicken, bake it longer to ensure it’s fully cooked. You can use different sauces if you want. Try pizza sauce, Alfredo sauce, or even pesto. Each sauce will change the flavor, so choose one you like. You can also blend tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a quick homemade option. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut the chicken to see if the juices run clear. The meat should no longer be pink. This post covered key ingredients and helpful tips for a great chicken dish. You learned how to choose the best chicken and which marinara brands to trust. The step-by-step guide makes cooking simple and fun. Don’t forget to try different flavors with veggies and cheese. Store leftovers carefully for the best taste later. Following these tips will help you create a meal that's tasty and satisfying every time. Enjoy the cooking and make it your own!$

Cheesy Italian Mozzarella Chicken Bake

A delicious baked chicken dish topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sear the chicken breasts in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked, as they will finish baking in the oven.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it in a baking dish.
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully covered.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Let the dish cool slightly before serving for better presentation.

Keyword bake, chicken, Italian, mozzarella