Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a quick and satisfying dinner that combines tender chicken breasts, flavorful marinara, and a blanket of gooey, golden cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals, this baked dish delivers the comfort of classic Italian flavors with minimal effort. Serve it with pasta, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Bake
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One-pan convenience – less mess, less stress
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Kid-friendly and family-approved
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Low-carb and gluten-free – perfect for keto or paleo diets
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Customizable with your favorite sauces or cheeses
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High in protein and loaded with bold Italian flavors
Ingredients Breakdown
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Chicken Breasts (4 boneless, skinless): The protein-rich base of the dish; searing adds flavor and keeps them juicy.
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Marinara Sauce (1 cup): Adds rich tomato flavor and moisture—use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce.
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Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A flavorful blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to bring classic Italian aroma.
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Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used for searing; enhances flavor and promotes browning.
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Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully over the chicken for a gooey, cheesy topping.
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Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds a sharp, nutty bite that complements the creamy mozzarella.
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Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing overall flavor.
Tips and Tricks
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Pound thicker chicken breasts for more even cooking.
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Use fresh mozzarella slices for a richer melt.
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Add red pepper flakes to the marinara for a spicy twist.
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Want even more flavor? Add a layer of basil pesto under the marinara.
Variations and Customizations
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Keto-Friendly: Skip the marinara and top with Alfredo sauce and spinach.
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Add Veggies: Layer sliced zucchini or spinach under the chicken.
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Cheese Swap: Try provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella.
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Make it Crispy: Add a light breadcrumb-Parmesan topping before baking (optional if not low-carb).
Perfect Pairings
Serve this cheesy chicken with:
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Garlic butter pasta or spaghetti squash
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Caesar salad or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Warm garlic bread or roasted vegetables
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A glass of like Chianti or Pinot Noir
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze fully cooled portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
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Reheating Tip: Cover with foil when reheating to prevent the cheese from drying out.
Popular Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cook time slightly if needed.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbs and keto-friendly if you skip the marinara or choose a no-sugar-added version.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temp for 20 minutes before placing it in the oven.
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Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake – Juicy chicken breasts smothered in marinara and baked under a molten layer of mozzarella for the ultimate comfort food fix. Quick, easy, and packed with Italian-inspired flavor—weeknight dinners just got tastier!
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup marinara sauce
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a medium baking dish or casserole dish.
2. Season and Sear
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Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. (The goal is color, not fully cooking.)
3. Assemble the Bake
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Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish.
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Arrange the seared chicken breasts over the sauce.
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Spoon the remaining marinara over the chicken.
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Top with shredded mozzarella, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
4. Bake to Perfection
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Rest and Serve
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Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and intensifies the flavor.
Notes
This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is your ticket to a stress-free dinner with sensational flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet indulgent enough for guests — no wonder it’s a go-to favorite! Add this to your meal plan and prepare for an instant classic.
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- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Oven-Baked
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
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