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Melty Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Melty Mozzarella Chicken Bake
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Melty Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts baked with layers of gooey mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, and aromatic Italian seasonings. Perfect for any occasion, this versatile recipe offers a satisfying, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheese and Sauce

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced)
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Garnishes

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Lightly coat them with olive oil to help keep the meat moist during baking.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each chicken breast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust.
  3. Assemble with Sauce and Cheese: Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish, spoon generous amounts of marinara or tomato sauce over each piece, then cover with thick slices or shredded mozzarella cheese.
  4. Bake Until Melty and Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use fresh mozzarella for best melt and flavor.
  • Don’t skip the searing step to seal in juices and add texture.
  • Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Simmer marinara sauce to adjust thickness as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Melty Mozzarella Chicken Bake, Chicken Bake, Mozzarella Chicken, Comfort Food, Gluten Free Chicken Recipe, Baked Chicken, Italian Chicken

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