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This cheesy mozzarella chicken bake recipe is simple to make with just six ingredients. Tender chicken is smothered with melty cheese and marinara sauce in this cozy meal!
Try my Baked Ricotta Chicken or Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce next.
Why you’ll love it
My Chicken Parmesan recipe inspired this one, but I wanted something faster and easier for busy weeknights since there’s no breading involved here. This warm and inviting mozzarella chicken bake is the perfect balance between ease, affordability, and being comforting!
We’ve got juicy pan-fried chicken, marinara, and the irresistible duo of parmesan and mozzarella along with a couple of pantry staples. Then it’s baked to perfection. This easy chicken bake is family friendly, and I think it’ll become a go-to dish after a hectic day.
What you’ll need
- Chicken – we’re using boneless/skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil – for pan frying
- Garlic powder – along with salt & pepper, it infuses the chicken directly with savory flavor
- Marinara sauce – I used an organic marinara sauce from my local grocery store. Use your favorite jarred brand or even Homemade Marinara. Keep in mind that the better quality the marinara sauce, the better this recipe will taste since it has very few ingredients!
- Cheese – we’ve got shredded mozzarella and freshly grated parmesan
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- An instant read meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is not over/undercooked.
- Parmesan is best freshly grated for taste and texture. I use a Microplane zester.
- This 9×13 baking dish is my favorite.
How to make cheesy baked chicken
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven. Season the chicken with the garlic powder and salt & pepper on both sides. In a skillet, pan sear it until golden. Place in a baking dish, then pour the marinara over top.
Sprinkle the parmesan over the chicken, followed by the mozzarella. Bake, uncovered, until cooked through. Broil (carefully) so the cheese gets lightly browned. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Helpful tips
- Feel free to use a large oven-safe skillet for convenience instead of transferring the chicken to the baking dish.
- If you find the chicken is sticking to the pan during the searing step, cook it a bit longer so it releases naturally. Ensuring the pan is very hot prior to adding the chicken will help prevent the chicken from sticking.
Substitutions and variations
- Depending on what you have on hand, feel free to switch up the cheeses if needed. You can skip the parm if you need to, and this recipe would be delicious with any cheese that melts easily. Try cheddar or even a Mexican blend if you want a little heat.
- To make this recipe even easier, skip the searing part (I like it because it yields more flavor, but the recipe also works without that step). Place the raw chicken in the baking dish, season, then continue from step 4. Cook the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or when it’s 165F internally.
What to serve with mozzarella chicken
- A little bit of chopped fresh basil if you happen to have some is a great final touch!
- There’s plenty of sauce to serve with pasta. Try my Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Noodles. My Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Easy Asparagus are another option.
- Or have a slice of Garlic Bread and a salad with my zesty Homemade Italian Dressing.
Leftovers and storage
- Store leftovers of this oven baked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat slowly over a low heat in a saucepan or the microwave.
- I don’t recommend freezing it due to the cheese.
Did you make this baked chicken recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below! You can also tag me on Instagram if you made any of my recipes.
Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts boneless skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and move the rack to the middle position.
- Season both sides of each piece of chicken with the garlic powder and salt & pepper.
- Add the oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, sear the chicken for 5 minutes/side. Add the chicken to a greased baking dish (I used a 9×13) once both sides are seared.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and use a spoon to spread it evenly over and around the chicken.
- Sprinkle the parmesan over the chicken breasts, and then do the same with the mozzarella.
- Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. If your chicken breasts are on the smaller side, I suggest doing 15 minutes.
- Broil the chicken for a few minutes or so until the cheese is lightly browned (watch it closely). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes prior to serving (this will ensure it's juicy). Chicken is safe to eat at 165F.
Notes
- You can skip the step where you sear the chicken if you wish. Just place the raw chicken breasts in the baking dish, season them, and continue the recipe from step 4. I’d then cook the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or when a meat thermometer indicates it’s 165F in the thickest part).
- Timing on this recipe largely depends on the size of the chicken breasts, so I highly recommend using an instant read meat thermometer so you don’t under or overcook the chicken.
- If you have a large oven-safe skillet, feel free to use it and skip the baking dish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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This recipe was originally published on March 29, 2020. It’s been updated with new photos and better instructions but is the same great recipe!
I used vodka sauce instead of marinara it was delicious.
Fab!! Thank you!
I was given homemade marinara sauce and was looking for a good recipe to use it with. This was quick, easy and delish.
Great!! 🙂 So happy you liked it.
Hi,
Just wanted to thank you for a simple yet delicious recipe! My family and I loved it and I’ve enjoyed browsing your site and picking out some new things to try. Thanks again for keeping ingredients manageable and very simple, it’s hard to find that nowadays!
Oops I also meant to add this recipe is definitely 5 stars- thanks again!
You’re very welcome! Thanks for the review! 😀
I definitely aim to do that, so I’m very happy you think so haha.
Made myself just a single serving of this for lunch today with a side salad and it was AMAZING. So easy and flavorful. I can’t wait to make it again for my kids – they will love it too!
Yay! That’s great. So glad you gave it a try!
Hello I made the Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken bake and I followed the instructions. It tasted delicious! Also great as a leftover. The only thing I did differently was I put a very small amount of sugar in the marinara sauce because I think the brand I bought is a little less sweet than my usual. I seared the chicken prior to baking and that was a flavour enhancement and reduced cooking times. Next time I will be brave and brown it a bit more confidently. I also used a meat mallet to pound the chicken breast into an equal height prior to searing because that is a personal preference for me. I really recommend this recipe, it is easy and very satisfying!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it!! I like your tip on pounding the chicken… it’s good for them to be the same size! Thanks for commenting, Flora.
This recipe looks delicious! I can’t wait to try. Does anyone have suggestions as to healthy sides to pair it with?
Let’s see if anyone chimes in. I’d have a salad with it or you can check out my side dishes category if you want more ideas: https://www.saltandlavender.com/category/appetizers-sides/
Thank you!
Natasha this looks delicious! Can’t go wrong with the simple seasonings of salt, pepper, and best of all – garlic powder. Perfect comfort dish for the whole family!
Thanks so much!
This dish was delish! Simple ingredients and an easy to follow recipe. I made it last night for my family and they loved it! They all requested I make it again. Thank you Salt and Lavender!!
Aww I’m so glad it was a hit!! Thanks so much for taking the time to write me a comment! XO
Hey! Looks super yummy! Could you substitute A pasta sauce instead of marinara?!
Thanks!:)
Thanks! Yes, I think that should work just fine. Let me know if you make this! 🥰
So excited to try this tonight! Would swapping for boneless, skinless thighs work?
Hi! Yes, that will work. They tend to be smaller so you may want to use less cheese to cover them (or keep the cheese haha the more the merrier). As far as cooking time goes, chicken thighs are more forgiving so you could probably keep it to 20 mins after the searing step. Let me know how it goes!