Description
A comforting baked dish featuring juicy chicken topped with melting mozzarella cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½ inch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1.5–2 cups marinara or chosen sauce
- 2 cups shredded fresh mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for finishing
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- If using thick breasts, pound to even thickness.
- Heat skillet over medium-high with oil and sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to the baking dish.
- Spoon sauce over chicken, then sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs (if using) on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until chicken reaches 160–165°F and cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then finish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
For crispy topping, consider adding panko breadcrumbs and broiling briefly. This dish pairs well with light salads or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg