Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
A quick and flavorful dish featuring seared chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 2 to 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over and around the chicken.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top, adding Parmesan if desired.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
This dish can be served with pasta, salad, or steamed vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg