Description
Dinner just got a whole lot cheesier. This Chicken and Mozzarella Bake bubbles with stretchy cheese and rich tomato sauce for a meal that looks fancy but comes together in a snap.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or good-quality jarred)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap to an even 3/4-inch thickness and season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the pan, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Return chicken to the sauce and sprinkle with half the fresh basil. Top each chicken breast with mozzarella slices and sprinkle Parmesan over everything.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and cheese is melted and bubbling. Broil for the final 2-3 minutes for extra golden cheese if desired.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with remaining fresh basil and serve over pasta or with your favorite sides.