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Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake recipe is your ultimate shortcut to a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will adore. It offers a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful way to transform simple chicken breasts into a satisfying dinner, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts If very thick, slice in half horizontally.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup marinara sauce or your favorite pasta sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Oven
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
  2. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
    1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season generously with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
    1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 0.5 teaspoon salt, 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  4. Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the seasoned chicken breasts.
    0.5 cup marinara sauce
  5. Sprinkle about 3/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce.
    1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  6. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the first layer of mozzarella.
    1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  7. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  8. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
    1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or on the stovetop in a skillet.