Name: Chicken and Mozzarella Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 16 oz can chopped tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ red onion, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon oregano; Salt and black pepper (to taste); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2-3 fresh basil leaves, chopped

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This Chicken and Mozzarella Bake is the ultimate comfort food—juicy, seasoned chicken smothered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that delivers bold Italian flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and Delicious – Made with pantry staples, this dish is packed with classic Italian flavors.
One-Pan Wonder – Everything bakes together in one dish for easy cleanup.
Cheesy Goodness – Melted mozzarella makes every bite rich and satisfying.
Versatile – Serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or alongside a fresh salad.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, and sliced for extra flavor absorption.
Garlic powder & onion powder – Adds a savory depth to the chicken.
Italian seasoning & oregano – Brings classic Italian herbs to the dish.
Salt & black pepper – Enhances all the flavors.
Olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist.

For the Tomato Sauce:

Chopped tomatoes – Canned for convenience, packed with tangy tomato flavor.
Garlic cloves – Freshly minced for a robust taste.
Red onion – Adds sweetness and a mild bite.
Oregano – A key herb in Italian-style sauces.
Fresh basil leaves – For a fresh and fragrant finish.

For the Topping:

Shredded mozzarella – Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy crust.

Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below!

How to Make Chicken and Mozzarella Bake

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels.
Make shallow criss-cross cuts into the chicken breasts, being careful not to slice all the way through. This helps the seasoning absorb better.
Place the chicken in a baking dish and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken to keep it juicy while baking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped red onion, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Stir well to ensure the flavors blend.
Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly covered.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the chicken and sauce.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
For a golden, bubbly top, switch to the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a final burst of flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Fresh Mozzarella – If you have fresh mozzarella, slice it and layer it on top for an extra creamy texture.
Let the Chicken Rest – Resting allows the juices to redistribute for the best flavor.
Customize the Seasoning – Add red pepper flakes for a little heat or swap out oregano for thyme for a different twist.
Make It a One-Pan Meal – Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies.

How to Serve

Over Pasta – Serve with spaghetti or penne for a hearty meal.
With Crusty Bread – Use fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Alongside a Salad – Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this dish—just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What other cheeses can I use?
Try provolone, gouda, or a mix of parmesan and mozzarella for extra depth.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the cheese and top with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

This Chicken and Mozzarella Bake is an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy the bold flavors and cheesy goodness in every bite!