Dinner

Easy Chicken Mozzarella Bake Recipe

ByMaya bella December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

Introduction

Easy Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a simple and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked with a savory tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together with minimal effort.

A close-up of a thick slice of lasagna being lifted from a white ceramic dish with a black spatula held by a woman's hand. The lasagna has multiple layers, visible with a top golden-brown baked cheese layer that is bubbly and slightly crispy. Below the cheese, there are layers of red tomato sauce mixed with meat and creamy white melted cheese. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered on top, adding a bright color contrast. The background is softly blurred with a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 small chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, thin or pounded out
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper to taste
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 can chopped tomatoes (16 oz)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
2 tsp oregano
1 cup grated mozzarella
A few basil leaves, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the chicken breasts by ensuring they are thin; pound them if needed.
Step 2: On a cutting board, make several shallow cuts on one side of each chicken breast without slicing all the way through to help seasonings penetrate.
Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts over and sprinkle half of the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper onto the smooth side. Rub the seasonings in well.
Step 4: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish with the cut side facing up. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning over the cut side and drizzle with olive oil, rubbing it in to coat the chicken thoroughly.
Step 5: In a bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the tomato sauce.
Step 6: Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, then sprinkle grated mozzarella on top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. After baking, broil the dish for 2 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly—watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped basil over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the tomato sauce for extra vegetables.
For a spicier kick, mix in red pepper flakes with the seasoning or sauce.
Serve with a side of garlic bread or over cooked pasta to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a baked lasagna in a white rectangular baking dish with handles. The top layer is melted cheese, golden and bubbly with some browned spots, giving a crispy texture on the edges. Scattered on the cheese are fresh green basil leaves, chopped and placed unevenly to add a fresh look. Below the cheese, hints of red tomato sauce and pasta sheets are visible, showing the multiple layers inside. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, with tomatoes on the vine and some fresh herbs partially visible around it, adding a fresh, vibrant feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute canned chopped tomatoes with about 2 cups of fresh diced tomatoes. Cook the fresh tomatoes down slightly before adding to the chicken to ensure the sauce is flavorful.

What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?

Feel free to use other melting cheeses such as provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack. Mozzarella is preferred for its mild flavor and best melting quality.