Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake – Easy, Juicy & Irresistible

There’s something about a bubbling, cheesy bake that instantly feels like home. This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake came to life on a chilly night when all I had were some chicken breasts, leftover marinara, and a craving for comfort. What came out of the oven was pure magic—a Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake so saucy, melty, and satisfying, it instantly became a no-fuss favorite I now crave on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

If you’re craving the flavor of chicken parmesan but want to skip the breading and frying, this Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is your new best friend. Inspired by the classic but streamlined for real-life weeknights, this recipe uses just a handful of ingredients. You’ll get tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in rich marinara, then layered with gooey mozzarella and sharp parmesan—everything you love in a Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake, minus the fuss.

It’s baked in the oven (no deep-frying here) and delivers that irresistible cheesy pull and saucy bite every time. It’s a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters, hectic nights, or any time you need a comfort meal that just works. And because this Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake reheats like a dream, leftovers might just steal the spotlight.

Here’s the short and sweet list of what you’ll need to pull off this cheesy masterpiece:

• 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for that golden sear)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or more, if you’re garlic-obsessed)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1.5 cups marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite jarred)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (whole-milk, low-moisture for the best melt)

Optional swaps: Try provolone or pepper jack for extra flavor. Don’t have parmesan? It’s still delicious without it!

How to Make Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Step 1 – Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and positioning the rack in the center.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot (but not smoking), sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. This quick step adds flavor and keeps the bake from getting watery.

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💡 Pro tip: If you’ve got an oven-safe skillet, use it here to skip transferring to a baking dish later.

Step 2 – Assemble and Bake

Grease a 9×13 baking dish and lay the seared chicken in a single layer.
Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece, then sprinkle on the parmesan and follow with the mozzarella.
Pop it in the oven uncovered and bake for 20 minutes (or 15 if your chicken pieces are smaller).

Step 3 – Broil for a Golden Finish

To get that golden, gooey top that’s just begging to be scooped up with crusty bread, broil the dish for a couple of minutes.
Keep a close eye—it goes from golden to burnt fast!

Let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in. Make sure the chicken hits 165°F internally before serving.

Recipe Tips for Best Results

• Use an oven-safe skillet if you want fewer dishes and more flavor from those pan juices.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing. You want that golden crust, not steamed chicken.
• Let the chicken rest after baking. This keeps it juicy and helps the cheese settle into its stretchy glory.

And if you’re into oven-baked chicken breasts with simple seasoning, this recipe builds on that same principle but adds a whole lot more melty magic.

Variations and Ingredient Swaps

You can totally make this your own:

• Cheese: Go bold with provolone, smoky with cheddar, or spicy with pepper jack.
• Protein: Swap in boneless thighs or even turkey cutlets.
• Sauce: Use vodka sauce for richness or pesto for a herby twist.

You could even riff off this with our cheesy honey mustard chicken for weeknight dinners when you want something with a tangy kick.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers? Lucky you.
Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat slowly in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 300°F until hot.

Freezing? Not the best idea—cheese doesn’t always bounce back after freezing.

For something a little different but just as comforting, try the zucchini pizza casserole as a hearty vegetable-packed bake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Looking for more feel-good meals? Follow along on Pinterest for drool-worthy dinner inspiration, or join the cozy kitchen chatter over on Facebook.

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