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Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Mozzarella Chicken Bake
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Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a quick, comforting, and delicious dinner combining tender chicken breasts with gooey mozzarella cheese and rich tomato sauce, baked to bubbly perfection. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly dish uses simple ingredients to deliver maximum flavor, perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to satisfy cheesy cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Cheese

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ cups shredded fresh mozzarella cheese

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 1 ½ cups tomato sauce (marinara or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. This helps lock in juices and adds flavor.
  2. Add the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour the tomato sauce over the chicken, letting it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors and warm the sauce.
  3. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the chicken breasts along with the sauce into a baking dish. Evenly top each breast with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring full coverage for a cheesy finish.
  4. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Use fresh mozzarella cheese for creamier melting compared to pre-shredded.
  • Do not skip browning the chicken; it enhances flavor and texture.
  • Check that the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella chicken bake, quick chicken dinner, cheesy chicken bake, gluten free chicken recipe, weeknight chicken dinner

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/mozzarella-chicken-bake/