Chicken Mozzarella Bake

There’s something undeniably comforting about a cheesy, savory bake, especially when it’s packed with protein and bursting with flavor. Recently, I stumbled upon this Chicken Mozzarella Bake recipe, and let me tell you, it’s become an instant family favorite. Weeknights can be hectic, and finding a dinner that’s both healthy and appealing to everyone can feel like a Herculean task. This recipe, however, is a game-changer. It’s incredibly easy to throw together – seriously, one pan is all you need! – and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply divine. The chicken comes out incredibly juicy and tender, enveloped in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melty, golden mozzarella. Even my pickiest eater devoured it, declaring it “the best chicken ever!” If you’re looking for a fuss-free, delicious, and healthy dinner option that fits into a keto or gluten-free lifestyle, then look no further. This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is about to become your new go-to recipe.

Ingredients

This recipe shines because of its simplicity, both in preparation and ingredients. You likely already have many of these pantry staples on hand, making it an excellent choice for a last-minute dinner idea. Let’s break down each component and explore why they work so well together in this delectable bake.

Chicken:

• 4 small chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, thin or pounded out: Chicken breasts are the star of the show, providing lean protein that keeps you feeling full and satisfied. Using smaller, thinner breasts or pounding thicker ones to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking and ensuring they remain tender and juicy. Thinner chicken cooks faster and absorbs the flavors of the seasonings and sauce more effectively. You can opt for organic, free-range chicken for potentially higher quality and flavor, but conventional chicken breasts will work just as well and are budget-friendly. If you only have larger chicken breasts, simply slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
• 1 tbsp garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a foundational savory depth to the chicken. Its slightly pungent and sweet flavor enhances the overall taste profile without being overpowering. While fresh garlic is fantastic, garlic powder is a convenient and shelf-stable option that distributes evenly over the chicken. Ensure your garlic powder is fresh for the best flavor; older spices can lose their potency.
• 1 tbsp onion powder: Onion powder complements the garlic powder beautifully, contributing a mild, sweet, and slightly pungent onion flavor. It rounds out the savory notes and adds complexity to the seasoning blend. Like garlic powder, onion powder is a pantry staple that provides consistent flavor and is easy to use.
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: This is where the classic Italian flavors truly come alive. Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. It provides a warm, aromatic, and herbaceous layer to the chicken, perfectly complementing the tomato sauce and mozzarella. You can find pre-made Italian seasoning blends in most grocery stores. For a fresher flavor, you can also create your own blend using individual dried herbs, adjusting the ratios to your preference.
• Salt & black pepper to taste: Salt and pepper are the essential flavor enhancers in any recipe. Salt brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients, while black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice. Use kosher salt or sea salt for a cleaner flavor, and freshly ground black pepper for a more robust aroma and taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – chicken breasts can be bland on their own, so generous seasoning is key to a flavorful dish.
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil serves multiple purposes in this recipe. It helps to distribute the seasonings evenly over the chicken, adds moisture, and contributes to browning during baking. Extra virgin olive oil not only offers a rich, fruity flavor but also provides healthy fats. If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil, you can substitute it with another neutral cooking oil like avocado oil or canola oil.

Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can chopped tomatoes (16 oz): Canned chopped tomatoes form the base of the flavorful tomato sauce. They are convenient, affordable, and offer consistent quality and flavor year-round. Choose good quality canned tomatoes for the best results. Diced tomatoes work well, but you can also use crushed tomatoes or even whole peeled tomatoes and break them down with a spoon or your hands before adding them to the sauce. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes can add a smoky depth to the sauce.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for a vibrant and aromatic tomato sauce. Minced garlic releases its pungent and savory flavor, infusing the sauce with depth and complexity. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it cooks evenly and releases its flavor throughout the sauce. You can use a garlic press or finely chop it with a knife.
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped: Red onion adds a mild sweetness and a slight sharpness to the tomato sauce. When cooked, red onion becomes tender and mellows in flavor, contributing to the overall richness of the sauce. Finely chopping the onion ensures it cooks through quickly and blends seamlessly into the sauce. If you don’t have red onion, you can substitute it with yellow or white onion.
• 2 tsp oregano: Dried oregano is a classic Italian herb that adds a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic flavor to the tomato sauce. It complements the tomatoes, garlic, and onion beautifully, enhancing the overall Italian-inspired taste profile. If you have fresh oregano, you can use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano instead of dried.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Just like with the chicken, salt and pepper are crucial for seasoning the tomato sauce. They balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients. Season the sauce generously to ensure it’s flavorful and complements the chicken perfectly.

Topping & Garnish:

• 1 cup grated mozzarella: Mozzarella cheese is the quintessential Italian cheese for baking. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. Grated mozzarella melts more evenly than sliced mozzarella. You can use part-skim or whole milk mozzarella depending on your preference. Part-skim mozzarella is lower in fat, while whole milk mozzarella offers a richer, creamier flavor and melt. Fresh mozzarella, while delicious, tends to release more moisture and might make the bake slightly watery, so low-moisture mozzarella is generally preferred for baking.
• A few basil leaves, chopped for garnish: Fresh basil adds a pop of vibrant green color and a fresh, peppery, and slightly sweet aroma to the finished dish. It’s the perfect finishing touch that elevates the presentation and flavor. Chop the basil leaves just before serving to prevent them from browning. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use a sprinkle of dried basil or parsley for garnish, although fresh basil is highly recommended for its superior flavor and aroma.

Instructions

This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is remarkably simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a foolproof and delicious dinner.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating the oven to the correct temperature is crucial for even cooking. This ensures the chicken cooks through properly and the cheese melts and browns beautifully without burning. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the dish inside.
2. Prepare the chicken breasts. Take your chicken breasts and assess their thickness. If they are thick, pounding them out to an even thickness of about ½ inch is highly recommended. Pounding chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and prevents them from being dry on the outside and undercooked in the center. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are of even thickness. If you are using pre-cut thin chicken breasts, you can skip this step.
3. Make cuts in the chicken. On a cutting board, make shallow cuts on one side of the chicken breasts without fully cutting through. These cuts, often referred to as scoring, create pockets that allow the seasonings to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in more flavorful chicken. Make diagonal cuts across the surface of the chicken breast, about ½ inch apart and ½ inch deep.
4. Season the first side of the chicken. Flip your chicken breasts over so the cut side is facing down on the cutting board. Sprinkle half of the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken breasts. Rub the seasoning into the surface of the chicken, ensuring it’s well distributed. This initial seasoning layer starts building the flavor from the bottom up.
5. Place chicken in baking dish. Place your chicken breasts into a baking dish, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. The size of the baking dish will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but a 9×13 inch baking dish is usually a good size for four chicken breasts. Position the chicken breasts with the cut-up side facing up.
6. Season the second side of the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining half of the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the top side of the chicken breasts (the cut side). Again, rub the seasoning into the surface, making sure to get some seasoning into the cuts you made earlier. This ensures both sides and the interior of the chicken are well-seasoned.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and rub in. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts. Rub the olive oil into the chicken, ensuring it coats all sides and penetrates into the cuts. Olive oil adds moisture, helps the seasonings adhere, and contributes to browning during baking.
8. Prepare the tomato sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients: chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the tomato sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or oregano to your preference.
9. Cover chicken with tomato sauce. Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish, ensuring each chicken breast is generously coated with the sauce. The tomato sauce will keep the chicken moist during baking and infuse it with delicious Italian flavors.
10. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the tomato sauce, covering all the chicken breasts and the sauce. The mozzarella will melt during baking, creating a cheesy, golden-brown topping that is irresistible.
11. Bake in the oven. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The baking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and your oven. The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
12. Broil for golden cheese (optional). If you want the mozzarella cheese to be more golden brown and bubbly, broil for 2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on the bake while broiling as it can burn quickly. Position the baking dish about 6-8 inches from the broiler element and broil until the cheese is golden brown and slightly bubbly.
13. Garnish and serve. Remove the Chicken Mozzarella Bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves over the top for garnish. Serve immediately while it’s hot and cheesy.

Nutrition Facts

This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is not only delicious but also boasts impressive nutritional values, making it a healthy and guilt-free dinner option, especially for those following keto or high-protein diets.

Per Serving (1 Chicken Breast serving):

• Calories: 395
• Protein: 50 grams
• Carbohydrates: 6.2 grams
• Fat: 18 grams

These nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. This recipe is naturally high in protein, primarily from the chicken and mozzarella, which is essential for muscle building and satiety. It is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets. The fat content comes primarily from the olive oil and mozzarella cheese, providing healthy fats that are important for overall health.

Preparation Time

One of the best things about this recipe is its quick and easy preparation. From start to finish, you’ll have a delicious and healthy dinner on the table in under an hour.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 34 minutes (25-30 minutes baking + 2 minutes broiling + rest time)
• Total Time: 49 minutes

The prep time primarily involves pounding the chicken (if needed), chopping the onion and garlic, and mixing the sauce ingredients. The cook time is mostly hands-off, as the oven does most of the work. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, nutritious, and satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve Chicken Mozzarella Bake

This versatile Chicken Mozzarella Bake can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your dietary preferences and what you have on hand. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Classic Italian Style: Serve it with a side of spaghetti or pasta. Toss the pasta with a little olive oil, garlic, and fresh parsley for a simple and satisfying accompaniment. You can also use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
• Keto-Friendly: For a keto or low-carb meal, serve it with zucchini noodles (zoodles), cauliflower rice, or a side salad. These options keep the carb count low while providing fiber and additional nutrients.
• Vegetable Sides: Pair it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, or green beans. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and complements the savory chicken bake perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: For a more indulgent meal, serve it with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious tomato sauce.
• Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken bake.
• Polenta or Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve it over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of polenta or mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the saucy chicken.

Additional Tips for the Best Chicken Mozzarella Bake

To ensure your Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a resounding success, here are five helpful tips:

1. Marinate the Chicken for Extra Flavor: For even more flavorful and tender chicken, marinate it for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours before baking. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Italian herbs would work wonderfully. Marinating allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the chicken.
2. Add Vegetables to the Bake: Make this a complete one-pan meal by adding vegetables to the baking dish. Sliced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or onions can be added to the baking dish along with the chicken and tomato sauce. Roast them along with the chicken for a nutritious and flavorful addition.
3. Experiment with Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses or cheese blends. Provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious. Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra sharpness and flavor.
4. Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or sprinkle some on top of the cheese before baking. You can also use spicy Italian sausage in place of or in addition to the chicken for a spicier version.
5. Make it Ahead for Easy Weeknight Dinners: You can assemble the Chicken Mozzarella Bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights. Simply prepare the recipe up to the point of baking, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions you might have about making Chicken Mozzarella Bake:

Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

A: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for faster and more even cooking, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. However, you will need to increase the baking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Bone-in chicken will also take longer to pound out if you need to thin them. Boneless breasts are generally more convenient for this recipe.

Q2: Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for canned tomatoes in the sauce?

A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You will need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Peel and chop the tomatoes before using them in the sauce. You may need to simmer the fresh tomato sauce for a bit longer to reduce the excess liquid and concentrate the flavors. Canned tomatoes are often preferred for their consistent flavor and convenience.

Q3: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: While this recipe is centered around chicken, you could adapt it to be vegetarian by substituting the chicken with firm tofu or thick slices of eggplant. Press the tofu to remove excess water, or slice and salt the eggplant to draw out moisture. Season the tofu or eggplant similarly to the chicken and follow the recipe instructions.

Q4: How should I store leftovers of Chicken Mozzarella Bake?

A: Store leftover Chicken Mozzarella Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave. Reheating in the oven will help maintain the texture of the cheese and chicken better than microwaving.

Q5: Can I freeze Chicken Mozzarella Bake?

A: Yes, you can freeze Chicken Mozzarella Bake, although the texture of the cheese might change slightly after freezing and thawing. Let the bake cool completely before freezing. Cut it into individual portions or freeze the whole bake in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a truly delightful and versatile recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its ease of preparation, delicious flavor, and healthy nutritional profile make it a winner for weeknight dinners or even casual gatherings. Enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!

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