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Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Seared chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, baked until bubbly for an easy one-skillet dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Italian-American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
  • Instant read thermometer
  • tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown (chicken doesn't need to be cooked through yet).
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour marinara sauce around and over the chicken. Sprinkle with oregano and red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Generously cover each chicken breast with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese is melted and bubbly with golden-brown spots.
  7. Let rest for 3-5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with marinara sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain cheese texture.
Butterfly Thick Breasts: If chicken breasts are thicker than 1 inch, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets for faster, more even cooking.
Serving Suggestions: Serve over zucchini noodles for low-carb, with spaghetti for traditional comfort food, or alongside a simple salad.
Add Vegetables: Layer fresh baby spinach over the marinara before adding cheese for extra nutrition.
Lighter Version: Use part-skim mozzarella and reduce total cheese to 1.5 cups.
Crispy Cheese: For extra-crispy cheese, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Pro Tip: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure good browning during the sear.
Check Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.