Are You Still Stuck on Boring Chicken Dinners?
If you’ve been staring at boneless chicken breasts in your fridge and thinking, “How can I make these exciting?”—you’re not alone. So many of us fall into the same dinner rut, cooking the same plain meals every week. But what if I told you there’s a one-dish wonder that’s comforting, cheesy, and ready in under an hour? That’s exactly what this Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake brings to the table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and yes—easy enough for a weeknight.
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How to Make Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Breast Bake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A simple, cheesy, oven-baked chicken dish made with boneless chicken breasts, tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella. It’s comforting, quick to prepare, and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat chicken dry and season with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Place in a baking dish and cover with tomato sauce.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese (and Parmesan, if using) over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for 10–15 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.
Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Store in the fridge up to 3 days.
Freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat in microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
What Makes This Recipe So Special?
- Time: 55 minutes from start to finish
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
- Servings: 6
This dish turns everyday ingredients into something that feels like a cozy Sunday meal. The gooey mozzarella melts over tender, juicy chicken breasts while tomato sauce adds a comforting tang. Best of all? It’s baked—so there’s no standing over a hot skillet. Just pop it in the oven and relax.
Essential Ingredients and Their Roles
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this cheesy delight:
Main Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds): The heart of the dish. They soak up all the flavor from the sauce and cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups shredded): Melts beautifully and gives that gooey texture everyone loves.
- Tomato sauce (2 cups): Adds tang and moisture. You can use store-bought or homemade.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings out deep flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A simple blend that gives the dish a classic, herby aroma.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the chicken moist and adds richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated): Adds a salty, nutty layer.
- Fresh basil or parsley: For a pop of freshness after baking.
Substitutions:
- Chicken thighs can replace breasts for a juicier bite.
- Marinara sauce works instead of plain tomato sauce.
- Vegan mozzarella can make this dairy-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. For extra flavor, rub on the minced garlic.
Step 3: Sear (Optional but Flavorful)
For deeper flavor, you can lightly brown the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2–3 minutes on each side before baking.
Step 4: Add Sauce
Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and pour tomato sauce over each piece. Make sure they’re fully coated.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella generously over the chicken. Add grated Parmesan if using.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Rest
Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.
How to Assemble for Best Flavor and Look
- Layer with intention: Make sure each piece of chicken is well-covered with sauce before adding cheese.
- Use a ceramic or glass dish for even heat distribution and pretty presentation.
- Top with chopped herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for color and freshness.
Want to go the extra mile? Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
How to Store:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months—just slice the chicken first so it reheats evenly.
How to Reheat:
- Microwave on medium heat until warmed through.
- Or reheat in a covered dish at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Make-Ahead:
- Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Creative Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Layer in spinach or mushrooms under the chicken.
- Pesto Twist: Replace tomato sauce with basil pesto for a whole new flavor.
- BBQ Style: Use BBQ sauce instead of tomato and cheddar instead of mozzarella.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Chicken Dinner
This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is the kind of meal you’ll keep coming back to. It’s simple, satisfying, and customizable. So whether you’re cooking for your family, a group of friends, or just yourself—give this a go. You’ll be surprised how something so easy can taste this good.
Don’t be afraid to play around with it. That’s the fun part of cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
Q2: Is this dish healthy?
It’s lower in carbs and high in protein. You can use reduced-fat cheese or serve it with veggies to keep it lighter.
Q3: What’s the best side dish?
Try steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes.
Q4: How do I know the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temp should be 165°F (74°C).
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two and bake as directed.
