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Let me share my favorite weeknight dinner savior with you! This cheesy mozzarella chicken bake has become my go-to recipe when I need something cozy and delicious but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just six simple ingredients we're going to create the most amazing dinner your whole family will love. Think tender juicy chicken smothered in melty cheese and marinara it's absolutely heavenly!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You know how sometimes you want the taste of chicken parmesan but don't have the energy for all that breading and frying? That's exactly why I created this recipe! It's got all those amazing Italian flavors we love but comes together in a fraction of the time. Every time I make this my kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma of bubbling cheese and marinara. It's become my family's most requested dinner especially on busy weeknights.
Grab These Ingredients
- Chicken: I use boneless skinless breasts they're perfect for this.
- Olive Oil: Just enough for a quick pan sear.
- Garlic Powder: My secret weapon for flavor along with salt and pepper.
- Marinara: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you're feeling fancy!
- Cheese: The star of the show lots of melty mozzarella and fresh parmesan.
My Must-Have Kitchen Tools
Let me share some tools that make this recipe even easier! My meat thermometer is my best friend for perfectly cooked chicken every time. And please grate your own parmesan it makes such a difference I use my trusty Microplane. As for baking dishes my 9x13 is perfect for this recipe I've had it forever and it never fails me.
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Let's Make It Together
- Getting Started
- First get your oven nice and hot. Season that chicken generously with garlic powder salt and pepper on both sides. Then give it a quick sear in a hot pan until it's golden brown. Transfer it to your baking dish and pour over that gorgeous marinara.
- Time for the Cheese
- Now comes the fun part! Shower your chicken with parmesan then layer on that mozzarella. Pop it in the oven uncovered until it's cooked through. I like to broil it for just a minute at the end to get that cheese perfectly browned and bubbly.
My Best Tips
Here's a little trick I've learned if you have an oven-safe skillet skip transferring to a baking dish and just pop the whole thing in the oven! And if your chicken is sticking to the pan during searing don't worry just let it cook a bit longer it'll release naturally when it's ready. Making sure your pan is nice and hot before adding the chicken helps too.
Mix It Up Your Way
This recipe is super flexible! Don't have parmesan? No problem use all mozzarella. Want something with a kick? Try pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend. And here's a shortcut for really busy nights skip the searing step completely! Just season the chicken pop it in the baking dish and add about 10 minutes to the baking time. Still absolutely delicious!
Make It a Meal
Want to know what I love serving with this? If you have some fresh basil definitely sprinkle it on top! We usually serve this over pasta my garlic butter noodles are perfect. Sometimes I'll make my garlic mashed potatoes instead and some roasted asparagus on the side. Don't forget some crusty garlic bread for soaking up that amazing sauce!
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Saving Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!) they'll keep beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just reheat gently either in a pan or the microwave. I don't recommend freezing this one the cheese texture isn't quite the same after thawing.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
You know what makes this recipe so special? It's that perfect balance of being super easy but tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen. The chicken stays so juicy the cheese gets all melty and golden and that marinara ties everything together perfectly. Plus it's one of those meals that works for both busy weeknights and when you want to impress guests.
Save Some Time
Let me share my favorite shortcut! On super busy days I skip the searing and just pop the seasoned chicken straight into the baking dish. Yes it'll take a few extra minutes in the oven but it's totally hands-off time. You can even prep everything ahead and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake perfect for those crazy weeknights!
Family Approved
This recipe has become such a staple in my house. My kids absolutely love it (I mean who doesn't love melty cheese?) and my husband always goes back for seconds. It's one of those magical meals that brings everyone to the table with zero complaints definitely a win in my book!
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I like to get creative with this recipe. Try tucking some baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms under the cheese layer. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you're feeling spicy. And switching up the cheese is always fun provolone makes it extra fancy!
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Meal Prep Magic
This chicken bake is perfect for meal prepping! I often make a double batch and portion it out for lunches during the week. It reheats beautifully and honestly sometimes I think it tastes even better the next day when all those flavors have had time to meld together.
Perfect Pairings
Want to make dinner extra special? Open a bottle of crisp white wine I love Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay with this. If you're more of a red wine person try a light Pinot Noir. The acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese perfectly making every bite even more delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I skip searing the chicken?
Yes, you can place raw chicken directly in the baking dish and cook for 30 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F.
- → How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
- → Why let the chicken rest?
Resting for 5 minutes after cooking helps ensure the chicken stays juicy.
- → Can I use one pan?
If you have a large oven-safe skillet, you can sear and bake in the same pan.
- → What affects cooking time?
Chicken breast size significantly affects cooking time. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
Conclusion
Create a comforting dinner by searing chicken breasts, topping with marinara and two types of cheese, then baking until golden brown.