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Melty Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Melty Mozzarella Chicken Bake
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Melty Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in rich tomato sauce and topped with generous layers of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. This simple yet flavorful baked casserole is ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering a perfect balance of tangy tomato, savory herbs, and creamy cheese that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Cheese

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups fresh shredded mozzarella cheese

Tomato Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 ½ cups tomato sauce (marinara or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly browned but not fully cooked. This step locks in juices and adds caramelized flavor.
  2. Layer the Sauce: Spread a thin, even layer of tomato sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Place the seared chicken breasts on top. Spoon additional tomato sauce generously over each piece to keep the chicken moist while baking.
  3. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauced chicken breasts, making sure the cheese covers them completely and reaches the edges for a beautiful melt and browning.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents burns from hot cheese.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded mozzarella for creamier melting and better texture.
  • Do not skip the searing step to add depth of flavor and a pleasant texture contrast.
  • Keep extra tomato sauce on hand to add moisture if desired when serving.
  • If cheese is not browning sufficiently, broil for 1-2 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken bake, mozzarella chicken, cheesy chicken casserole, easy dinner, baked chicken, mozzarella cheese, Italian chicken bake, weeknight meal

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