Baked Mozzarella Chicken
Baked Mozzarella Chicken is a comforting and indulgent dish that elevates a classic roasted chicken with fresh ingredients and a rich, creamy topping of mozzarella and marinara sauce. It's perfect for family dinners and is both approachable and forgiving for cooks of all levels.
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 1.5 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Handful of fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the chicken in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
- Top each chicken breast with marinara sauce, minced garlic, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
Notes
Always grate your own cheese for the best melt. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked. For a crispy top, broil for the last 60 seconds of cooking.