Name: Chicken Mozzarella Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 small skinless, boneless chicken breasts (thin or pounded out); 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; Salt and 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; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese; A few fresh basil leaves, chopped

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Introduction

This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a simple and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that feels a little special.

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish with two separate pieces of rolled pasta filled with a mix inside, covered with a golden-brown melted cheese layer, slightly browned on top. Underneath the cheese, a reddish tomato sauce is visible along with bits of herbs. Fresh green basil leaves are sprinkled on top as garnish. The food is presented in a white baking dish with a black spatula underneath one piece, all set on a white marbled surface with some small red tomatoes nearby. 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 the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the chicken breasts by making shallow cuts on one side without cutting through, allowing the seasoning to penetrate the meat.
Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and sprinkle half of the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning into the meat.
Step 4: Place the chicken breasts cut side up in a baking dish.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining seasoning on top and drizzle with olive oil. Rub the oil and seasoning into the cuts for extra flavor.
Step 6: In a bowl, mix chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the sauce.
Step 7: Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle the grated mozzarella on top.
Step 8: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 9: Turn on the broiler and broil for 2 minutes to golden the cheese, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use thin or pounded chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
Substitute mozzarella with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for different flavors.
Serve with crusty bread or over pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, reheating in the oven helps keep the cheese melty and the chicken tender.

How to Serve

A close-up of a piece of lasagna being lifted from a white ceramic dish with a black spatula held by a woman's hand. The lasagna has three visible layers: a top melted, golden-brown cheese layer with bubbling, browned spots and some green basil leaves scattered on top; a middle layer of rich red tomato sauce with bits of herbs; and a bottom layer that shows some pasta and sauce peeking through. The white ceramic dish is placed on a white marbled surface, and the image has a soft, bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 flavor absorption. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken with seasoning and sauce beforehand, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld even more.