Easy Mozzarella Chicken

The irresistible aroma of melted cheese and herbs wafting through your kitchen signals that Easy Mozzarella Chicken is almost ready to grace your dinner table. This simple yet impressive dish transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. The combination of gooey mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. You’ll learn how to create this Italian-inspired comfort food that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it comes together in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Mozzarella Chicken is about to become your new weeknight dinner hero. First, it’s incredibly simple – even novice cooks can master this dish on the first attempt. The contrast between the juicy, tender chicken and the stretchy, melted mozzarella creates a textural masterpiece that’s utterly satisfying.

The flavors balance beautifully – savory chicken, sweet-acidic tomato sauce, and creamy cheese complement each other perfectly. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

What truly sets this cheesy chicken dinner apart is its versatility. It pairs with countless side dishes, from pasta to vegetables, making it suitable for everything from casual family meals to entertaining guests. The visual appeal is undeniable too – that golden, bubbling cheese layer creates an Instagram-worthy dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For this Easy Mozzarella Chicken, you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz/170-225g each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce
• 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

The mozzarella is truly the star here – opt for fresh mozzarella if possible, as it melts beautifully and provides that characteristic stretchy cheese pull that makes this simple baked chicken with mozzarella so satisfying. Your marinara sauce choice matters too; select a high-quality variety with robust flavor, or use homemade if you have it.

Pro Tips

Perfect Chicken Thickness
For the ultimate Easy Mozzarella Chicken, ensure your chicken breasts are of uniform thickness. Pound thicker pieces between plastic wrap using a meat mallet until they’re about ¾-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and prevents some portions from drying out while others remain undercooked. Remember that consistent thickness equals consistent doneness.

The Sear-Bake Method
The secret to juicy chicken is using a two-step cooking process. Start by searing the chicken in an oven-safe skillet until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side), then finish in the oven. This technique creates a flavorful crust that seals in moisture while ensuring the chicken cooks through perfectly before adding the toppings.

Cheese Application Timing
Add your mozzarella only during the final 5 minutes of baking. This prevents it from overcooking and becoming rubbery. You want that perfect melt where the cheese is gooey and slightly golden but not completely broken down. For an extra touch, broil for the final minute to achieve those irresistible browned cheese spots that add depth of flavor.

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. This helps achieve better browning when you sear the meat. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Don’t worry about cooking them through completely, as they’ll finish in the oven.

Step 3
Once seared, remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, making sure to cover them completely. This sauce will keep the chicken moist while adding a rich tomato flavor that perfectly complements the mild cheese.

Step 4
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

Step 5
Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully arrange the mozzarella slices over the chicken breasts, dividing them equally. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top and return the skillet to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is starting to bubble.

Step 6
For a beautiful finish, switch your oven to broil and cook for 1-2 minutes to achieve those mouthwatering golden-brown spots on the cheese. Watch carefully to prevent burning! Once done, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving your Easy Mozzarella Chicken.

Variations

Caprese Mozzarella Chicken
Transform your Easy Mozzarella Chicken into a Caprese-inspired delight by adding sliced fresh tomatoes beneath the mozzarella. After baking, finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and fresh basil chiffonade. This variation brings bright, fresh flavors that perfectly highlight summer tomatoes while maintaining the comfort of the original cheesy chicken recipe.

Pesto Mozzarella Chicken
Replace the marinara sauce with 3-4 tablespoons of basil pesto spread evenly over each chicken breast before adding the cheese. The herbaceous, garlicky notes of the pesto create an entirely different flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the mild mozzarella. Top with sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of sweet-tart flavor and appealing color contrast.

Spicy Mozzarella Chicken
For those who enjoy heat, create a kicked-up version by adding red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix and using spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of traditional marinara. Top with a mixture of mozzarella and pepper jack cheese for additional heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro instead of basil for a complementary herbal note that stands up to the spice.

Storage and Serving

Easy Mozzarella Chicken maintains its quality remarkably well when stored properly. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery and the cheese tough.

For an impressive presentation, serve your cheesy chicken over a bed of al dente spaghetti or linguine tossed with olive oil and herbs. The pasta catches any extra sauce and cheese that melts off the chicken. Alternatively, pair with roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a heartier meal that showcases the delicious sauce.

For a lighter option, serve alongside a bright arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette – the peppery greens and acidic dressing perfectly balance the richness of the cheese-topped chicken. Complete the meal with garlic bread for sopping up any remaining sauce for an Italian-inspired feast that will satisfy the whole family.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this mozzarella chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often yield juicier results. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as thighs typically require slightly longer cooking (about 5 additional minutes) to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How can I tell when my Easy Mozzarella Chicken is done without a thermometer?
When fully cooked, the chicken should feel firm but slightly springy when pressed, and the juices should run clear. However, a meat thermometer remains the most reliable method to ensure food safety.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Sear the chicken, top with sauce, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then add cheese and bake as directed, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time.

What’s the best type of mozzarella to use?
Fresh mozzarella provides the best melt and flavor, but pre-shredded works in a pinch. If using fresh, pat it dry with paper towels before topping the chicken to prevent excess moisture.

Can I make this dish without an oven-safe skillet?
Definitely. Sear the chicken in any skillet, then transfer to a baking dish, add the sauce and cheese, and continue with the oven steps as directed.

Conclusion

This Easy Mozzarella Chicken is comfort food at its finest — tender chicken smothered in tangy tomato sauce and blanketed with gooey, melted cheese that stretches with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, making everyone at your table feel cared for without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, hungry teenagers, or discerning dinner guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort — the very definition of a perfect family meal.

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