Chicken Mozzarella Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assemble: Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the tomato-covered chicken.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://tastybella.com/chicken-mozzarella-bake-recipe/
