Description
Indulge in a delicious Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Learn how to create this comforting dish today!
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breasts
- Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- 1 14-ounce jar marinara sauce – your favorite brand
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) sliced fresh basil, semi-packed – omit if don’t have fresh
- 8 ounce (227 g) s cherry tomatoes – cut into halves
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese – packed, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 400°F.
- Rub each piece of chicken with a little vegetable oil, then sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a bit of black pepper. Put aside for now.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, mix the marinara sauce with the fresh basil slices. Add more salt and pepper if you like, but it may not be necessary.
- Lay the seasoned chicken breasts over the marinara mixture. Surround the chicken with halved cherry tomatoes in the baking dish.
- Place the dish in the heated oven and cook without covering it for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which might vary based on thickness.
- Take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle the chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese. Put it back in the oven and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.
- Add some chopped parsley on top and serve immediately while it’s warm and gooey. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Opt for low-sodium marinara sauce and part-skim mozzarella for a healthier dish.
- Enhance the flavor and nutrition by adding bell peppers or zucchini.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
