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    Home » Chicken & Poultry

    Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

    Published: Mar 29, 2020 / Updated: Oct 27, 2022 / 43 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This cheesy mozzarella chicken bake is simple to make and only uses a handful of ingredients. Tender chicken, mozza, parmesan, and marinara sauce make one awesome combo!

    This Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is another fast chicken dinner you'll enjoy.

    cheesy mozzarella chicken bake with marinara sauce in a baking dish

    Who doesn't love melty cheese? This cheesy chicken bake is warm and inviting. Total comfort food! 

    chicken breasts topped with parmesan and mozzarella - ready for the oven!

    How to make this mozzarella chicken bake (overview):

    1. Season the chicken with salt & pepper and garlic powder; 
    2. Brown the chicken (or don't if you want to save time - just add an extra 10 minutes or so onto the baking time)... in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear both sides of the chicken for about 5 minutes/side;
    3. Transfer chicken to a baking dish and add the marinara sauce and then top the chicken with the cheeses;
    4. Bake for 15-20 minutes and then broil to get the cheese nice and brown and bubbly;
    5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes and then serve and enjoy!

    (Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below)

    chicken mozzarella bake in a baking dish

    Recipe notes & tips:

    • Want to make this recipe even easier? Skip the searing part (I like it because it yields more flavorful chicken, but the recipe also works without that step). Just place the raw chicken breasts in the baking dish, season them as indicated, 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 will vary depending 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 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.
    • I used an organic marinara sauce from my local grocery store. Feel free to 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. 
    • 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 Tex-Mex blend if you want a little heat.

    What to serve with mozzarella chicken:

    Try garlic bread or serve it over pasta! 

    More comforting chicken recipes you'll love:

    • Creamy Garlic Chicken
    • Ranch Chicken and Rice Casserole
    • Spinach Artichoke Chicken
    • Skillet Salsa Chicken
    • Mozzarella Mushroom White Wine Chicken

    close-up of mozzarella chicken bake

    I hope you will love this baked mozzarella chicken recipe! Questions? Made this dish? Leave me a comment below 🙂

    cheesy mozzarella chicken bake with marinara sauce in a baking dish

    Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

    This cheesy mozzarella chicken bake is simple to make and only uses a handful of ingredients. Tender chicken, mozza, parmesan, and marinara sauce make one awesome combo!
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 481 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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 9x13) 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 3-5 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 done when an instant read meat thermometer shows 165F in the deepest part. Its temperature will continue to rise while resting.

    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.
    • Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 481kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 60gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 178mgSodium: 1111mgPotassium: 1177mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 763IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 303mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword cheesy chicken bake, chicken mozzarella bake, mozzarella chicken bake
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Cajun Panzanella Salad
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    1. Linda Kay says

      February 8, 2023 at 8:48 PM

      5 stars
      Very easy and tasted really good. I used thinly sliced chicken breasts cut into medium portions. I used a full jar of marinara sauce (2 cups). Served with garlic bread; sweet corn and buttered noodles.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 8, 2023 at 10:06 PM

        Glad you liked it, Linda!!

        Reply
    2. Veronica says

      January 18, 2023 at 9:35 PM

      5 stars
      My teenage boys really enjoyed this meal and asked me to make it part of our regular family meals.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 18, 2023 at 9:36 PM

        That's great to hear!! 😀 Thanks for your review, Veronica!

        Reply
    3. Nancy says

      November 13, 2022 at 6:40 PM

      5 stars
      This was super yummy. I had slices of mozzarella to use up. I cut the chicken with a slit and then seared. Then I stuffed the cheese rounded mozzarella into the chicken and smothered with the marinara sauce. A good way to use up what we had on hand. Can’t wait to try your other recipes!

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says

        November 13, 2022 at 7:16 PM

        Thank you so much! Happy you liked it, and be sure to let us know what else you try, Nancy. 🙂

        Reply
    4. LouAnn Mesa says

      August 10, 2022 at 5:44 PM

      I thought the recipe was easy, but mine turned out watery. What did I do wrong?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        August 10, 2022 at 5:52 PM

        Hi! I'm sorry to hear that. Maybe the brand of marinara was just more watery? Did you cook it uncovered?

        Reply
    5. Dolly says

      June 26, 2022 at 12:17 PM

      love this recipe!! So easy and quick. I serve it over pasta...yummy!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 27, 2022 at 12:33 AM

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
    6. Kirstin says

      January 25, 2022 at 7:06 AM

      5 stars
      Excellent and easy weeknight recipe. I have made it several times, and it is always a hit.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 25, 2022 at 9:39 AM

        Fantastic!! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Kameryn says

      January 18, 2022 at 7:26 PM

      5 stars
      Made this for dinner tonight and it turned out amazing! Everyone enjoyed it and gave several compliments. After searing the chicken I sautéed some diced onion and garlic and deglazed the pan a little bit to add a little more flavor. Definitely something I’ll be making again! Thanks for such a quick, simple and delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 18, 2022 at 9:15 PM

        Fantastic!! 😀 Appreciate your review!

        Reply
    8. Cheryl says

      June 21, 2021 at 6:33 PM

      Can you freeze this?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 22, 2021 at 9:17 AM

        Hi! Hmmm... I'm a bit hesitant on how the cheese will thaw. You could try with leftovers, but I am not sure if freezing the whole thing, for example, would work too well.

        Reply
    9. craig says

      April 12, 2021 at 2:53 PM

      5 stars
      I made a few changes and it came out great. For the chicken breast I stuffed with black olives, artichoke hearts and parmesan cheese. For the sauce I used Rao's Arrabbiata and it came out great.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 12, 2021 at 6:29 PM

        Sounds good to me!!

        Reply
    10. Kelley says

      March 24, 2021 at 12:37 PM

      This recipe was one of the easiest to make! It was also so delicious! Thank you again.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 24, 2021 at 1:09 PM

        Fantastic! You're very welcome!!

        Reply
    11. Howard Johnson says

      January 18, 2021 at 2:35 PM

      I used vodka sauce instead of marinara it was delicious.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 18, 2021 at 2:57 PM

        Fab!! Thank you!

        Reply
    12. Melanie Anne Templin says

      January 5, 2021 at 3:38 PM

      5 stars
      I was given homemade marinara sauce and was looking for a good recipe to use it with. This was quick, easy and delish.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 5, 2021 at 5:22 PM

        Great!! 🙂 So happy you liked it.

        Reply
    13. Elle says

      November 30, 2020 at 3:55 PM

      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!

      Reply
      • Elle says

        November 30, 2020 at 3:56 PM

        5 stars
        Oops I also meant to add this recipe is definitely 5 stars- thanks again!

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          November 30, 2020 at 10:39 PM

          You're very welcome! Thanks for the review! 😀

          Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 30, 2020 at 10:39 PM

        I definitely aim to do that, so I'm very happy you think so haha.

        Reply
    14. Kristin Kingbay says

      November 20, 2020 at 2:24 PM

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 20, 2020 at 4:29 PM

        Yay! That's great. So glad you gave it a try!

        Reply
    15. Flora Kathleen says

      June 8, 2020 at 5:24 AM

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 8, 2020 at 11:59 AM

        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.

        Reply
    16. Daniela Perez says

      April 6, 2020 at 12:36 PM

      5 stars
      This recipe looks delicious! I can’t wait to try. Does anyone have suggestions as to healthy sides to pair it with?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 6, 2020 at 1:05 PM

        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/

        Reply
        • Daniela Perez says

          April 8, 2020 at 4:45 PM

          Thank you!

          Reply
    17. Ashlyn @ F5 Method says

      April 2, 2020 at 1:11 PM

      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!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 2, 2020 at 1:16 PM

        Thanks so much!

        Reply
    18. Ilene says

      March 31, 2020 at 2:37 PM

      5 stars
      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!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 31, 2020 at 2:59 PM

        Aww I'm so glad it was a hit!! Thanks so much for taking the time to write me a comment! XO

        Reply
    19. Kelsey says

      March 31, 2020 at 9:40 AM

      Hey! Looks super yummy! Could you substitute A pasta sauce instead of marinara?!
      Thanks!:)

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 31, 2020 at 9:45 AM

        Thanks! Yes, I think that should work just fine. Let me know if you make this! 🥰

        Reply
    20. Maggie says

      March 31, 2020 at 9:01 AM

      So excited to try this tonight! Would swapping for boneless, skinless thighs work?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 31, 2020 at 9:04 AM

        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!

        Reply

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    Natasha Bull, founder and author of Salt & Lavender, in the kitchen

    Hi! I'm Natasha. Salt & Lavender is a recipe blog with a focus on delicious comfort food using everyday ingredients. Beat the weekday grind with hundreds of easy-to-follow and hassle-free recipes!  Read more...

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