Description
An easy, oven-baked dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with golden, bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: 4 medium – Tender, juicy base of the dish.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – Adds richness and helps brown the chicken.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Brings out all the natural flavors.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds a mild kick.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon – Infuses a savory aroma without fresh chopping.
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons – Brings herbaceous depth to every bite.
- Marinara Sauce: 2 cups – Tomatoey, garlicky blanket of flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups – Melts into gooey perfection.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup – Adds salty, nutty finish.
- Fresh Basil (optional): For garnish – Brightens up the whole dish.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Drizzle with olive oil and rub in the spices.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Spread 1 cup of marinara in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Assemble the Dish: Lay the seasoned chicken on top of the sauce. Spoon remaining marinara over each piece. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella, then Parmesan.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly and chicken is cooked through.
- Finishing Touches: Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate with your favorite side and dig into that melty, saucy deliciousness.
Notes
- Use thin chicken breasts or butterfly thick ones for even cooking.
- Let the dish rest before slicing to keep juices and cheese intact.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier melt.
- Try adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms under the chicken for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Chicken Mozzarella Bake, cheesy chicken dinner, baked chicken recipe, quick Italian dinner