Chicken Mozzarella Bake Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make bake brings Italian-inspired flavors straight to your dinner table, perfect for a weeknight meal or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (smaller and thinner preferred)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 16 oz chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 2 tsp oregano (fresh or dried)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2-3 basil leaves (fresh or dried)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels. If needed, pound the chicken to thin them out for better flavor absorption. Make shallow cuts in a square pattern on each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Step 2: Season the uncut side of the chicken breasts with half the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spices in well. Place the chicken breasts cut-side up in a baking dish. Season the tops with the remaining spices and drizzle with olive oil, rubbing the seasoning into the cuts for maximum flavor.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped red onion, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients into a sauce.
4. Step 4: Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the tomato-covered chicken.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Towards the end, place the dish under the broiler for about 2 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.

Tips & Variations

• If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder can be used in the sauce, though fresh will give a stronger aroma.
• Thin and smaller chicken breasts cook more evenly and absorb flavors better; pounding thicker breasts helps achieve this.
• Substitute yellow onion for red onion if preferred, keeping in mind red onion adds a sharper, more vibrant flavor.
• Use fresh herbs whenever possible for brighter flavor, but dried basil and oregano work well in a pinch.

Storage

Store leftover Chicken Mozzarella Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken. For best texture, avoid reheating under the broiler again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning absorption. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing the dish.

What can I serve with Chicken Mozzarella Bake?

This dish pairs well with simple sides like steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or cooked pasta to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.

Chicken Mozzarella Bake Recipe

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This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts baked with a savory tomato and garlic sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil for a flavorful and comforting meal.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (smaller and thinner, or pounded thin)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce

• 16 oz canned chopped tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 2 tsp oregano (fresh or dried)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2–3 fresh basil leaves, chopped (or dried basil)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and pat dry the chicken breasts. If they aren’t thin, pound them evenly with a meat tenderizer. Using a knife, cut squares into the chicken breasts without cutting all the way through.
2. Season the Chicken: On a chopping board, season the non-cut side of the chicken breasts with half of the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, rubbing it in well. Place the chicken breasts cut side up in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning on top and drizzle with olive oil, rubbing the spices into the cuts for maximum flavor.
3. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped red onion, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
4. Assemble: Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the tomato-covered chicken.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Broil for Goldenness: Turn on the broiler and broil the dish for 2 minutes, keeping a close watch to ensure the cheese turns golden brown without burning.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Thinning the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and better absorption of flavors.
• Fresh garlic provides a more intense aroma compared to garlic powder, but garlic powder is a convenient substitute.
• If fresh tomatoes are used instead of canned, ensure they are ripe and chopped finely.
• Use fresh basil and oregano for the best herb flavors, though dried herbs work well too.
• Watch the broiler carefully as cheese can burn quickly.

Keywords: Chicken mozarella bake, baked chicken, Italian chicken recipe, cheesy chicken bake, tomato sauce chicken, easy chicken dinner