Introduction & Inspiration
Whenever I’m craving something cheesy, hearty, and easy to prepare, this Chicken Mozzarella Bake is the first recipe that comes to mind. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet feels special enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s loaded with fresh, bright flavors thanks to the homemade tomato sauce and fragrant Italian seasonings.
Nostalgic Appeal
Dishes like this remind me of family dinners growing up where the table was filled with bubbling casseroles and the scent of baked cheese filled the kitchen. There’s something so comforting about a dish where you can hear the cheese sizzle as you pull it from the oven. This Chicken Mozzarella Bake brings back those cozy, heartwarming memories with every bite.
Homemade Focus
I love making this recipe at home because I can control the quality of the ingredients and tailor the flavors exactly how I like them. Freshly minced garlic, real mozzarella, and good-quality canned tomatoes make a huge difference. Homemade sauces and seasoning blends always taste so much fresher and richer than pre-made versions.
Flavor Goal
The goal for this Chicken Mozzarella Bake was to create a rich, flavorful dish where the tomato sauce and cheese complement the seasoned chicken without overpowering it. I wanted the chicken to stay juicy, the sauce to be tangy and aromatic, and the cheese to be perfectly melted and golden on top. Every bite needed to balance savory, cheesy, and herby notes for that ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredient Insights
Small chicken breasts or ones pounded thin ensure even cooking and let the seasoning soak in fully. Garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning infuse every bite with savory, herby flavor. Extra virgin olive oil helps the seasoning cling to the chicken and adds richness to the dish. Chopped canned tomatoes are the base for a bright, slightly chunky tomato sauce. Fresh minced garlic and finely chopped red onion build depth into the sauce. Oregano adds that classic Mediterranean flavor that ties everything together. Grated mozzarella melts smoothly and creates a luscious cheesy topping. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and a fresh, peppery finish.
Essential Equipment
A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for prepping the chicken and slicing ingredients. A meat mallet is handy if you need to pound out the chicken to an even thickness. A deep baking dish fits the chicken snugly and helps the sauce bubble up beautifully around it.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
For the Chicken:
4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce:
1 can chopped tomatoes (16 oz)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
2 tsp oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Topping and Garnish:
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
A few basil leaves, chopped for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them out to about half an inch thick for even cooking. On a cutting board, make shallow cuts into one side of the chicken breasts without slicing all the way through. Flip the chicken over and season with half of the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings well into the meat.
Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Place the chicken into the prepared baking dish with the cut sides facing up. Sprinkle the remaining seasonings over the top, drizzle with olive oil, and rub it in, focusing on getting the seasoning into the cuts.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped red onion, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spoon the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the chicken and sauce. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Broil for Golden Perfection
Switch the oven to broil and broil the dish for 2 minutes to golden the cheese slightly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the finished dish before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
Troubleshooting
If your chicken breasts are too thick, they may not cook evenly. Always pound them thinner if needed. If the sauce looks too watery, let the dish bake uncovered a little longer to reduce the liquid. If the cheese starts browning too fast, tent the dish lightly with foil.
Tips and Variations
Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick. Use provolone or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a different cheesy flavor. Swap the tomato sauce for a creamy Alfredo base for a rich twist.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Mozzarella Bake with garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables. Pair it with a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette for a light contrast. A glass of Chianti or sparkling water with lemon complements the dish beautifully.
Nutritional Information
This dish is high in protein from the chicken and calcium from the mozzarella. Using olive oil and fresh herbs keeps it wholesome without extra additives. It’s a balanced meal that feels indulgent without being heavy.
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Chicken Mozzarella Bake
Description
This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is the perfect cozy dinner. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts baked in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melty mozzarella and fresh basil for a simple yet flavorful family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce:
1 can chopped tomatoes (16 oz)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
2 tsp oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Topping and Garnish:
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
A few basil leaves, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them out to about half an inch thick for even cooking. On a cutting board, make shallow cuts into one side of the chicken breasts without slicing all the way through. Flip the chicken over and season with half of the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings well into the meat.
Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Place the chicken into the prepared baking dish with the cut sides facing up. Sprinkle the remaining seasonings over the top, drizzle with olive oil, and rub it in, focusing on getting the seasoning into the cuts.
Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped red onion, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spoon the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the chicken and sauce. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Broil for Golden Perfection
Switch the oven to broil and broil the dish for 2 minutes to golden the cheese slightly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the finished dish before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Today, I shared my easy and comforting Chicken Mozzarella Bake recipe, perfect for busy nights or cozy dinners. We seasoned tender chicken, topped it with a fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella, and baked it to golden perfection. Can you make it ahead? Yes — assemble it fully and refrigerate until ready to bake. Can you freeze it? Absolutely — freeze after baking, then reheat in the oven. This cheesy, hearty dish is a guaranteed hit that everyone at the table will love!