Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Name: Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cloves fresh garlic; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Olivia Carter

Posted:

March 25, 2025

Updated:

March 25, 2025

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The aroma of melting cheese wafts through the kitchen as you imagine sinking your fork into a bubbling plate of Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to cozy up on the couch with your loved ones and indulge in comforting flavors.

Think of those chilly evenings when comfort food reigns supreme. Picture laughter around the dinner table as everyone digs into this delightful cheesy goodness, bringing warmth to both bellies and hearts. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a memory waiting to happen.

– Easy preparation means you can whip this up after a long day without breaking a sweat.

– Bursting with rich flavors from melted mozzarella and zesty spices that will make your taste buds dance.

– Visually stunning with its golden crust and gooey cheese—perfect for impressing dinner guests!

– Versatile enough for any occasion—from casual weeknight meals to festive gatherings with family and friends.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is an easy-to-make dish that brings everyone together over delicious flavors
Customize it based on ingredients in your pantry
Its inviting aroma fills your kitchen while cooking, making it irresistible at any gathering
Enjoy its bubbly, golden top that is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!

I still remember the first time I made Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake—my friends couldn’t stop raving about it and even asked for seconds!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust according to your crowd size.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves to pack a flavorful punch in every bite.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds depth and richness to the dish.
Italian Seasoning: This blend enhances the flavor profile beautifully—don’t skip it!
Tomato Sauce: Opt for a good-quality sauce or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is key here; it melts so beautifully and makes everything gooey.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds that extra layer of flavor—trust me on this one!
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other flavors in the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden—about 1 minute will do!

Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear them in the skillet until browned on both sides—roughly 6-8 minutes per side.

Add Tomato Sauce: Pour tomato sauce over the browned chicken evenly. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes so everything mingles nicely.

Layer on the Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top of the saucy chicken. Feel free to add more if you love cheese!

Bake Until Golden: Transfer your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. You know it’s done when your kitchen smells heavenly!

Now you have a delightful Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake ready to serve! Enjoy this flavorful feast with some crusty bread or over pasta for an extra treat!

You Must Know

The Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is not just a meal; it’s an experience
This dish combines gooey mozzarella with tender chicken, creating a comfort food masterpiece perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
The aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by seasoning the chicken and searing it in a hot pan. While it cooks, mix up your sauce and prepare to bake until bubbly.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out mozzarella for provolone or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain that cheesy goodness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting texture, as it creates that irresistible stretchiness
Don’t skip searing the chicken first; it locks in flavors and keeps your dish moist
Let it rest before slicing so all juices stay locked inside

Cooking this Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake has been a hit at our family gatherings, especially when my brother-in-law couldn’t stop raving about how cheesy it was!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the dish.

How do I achieve crispy cheese on top?

Broil the dish for a few minutes at the end of baking for golden perfection.

What sides pair well with Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake?

Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.