Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake – An Easy Oven-Baked Favorite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is one of those dependable recipes that delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one dish. It combines tender baked chicken with rich tomato sauce and a generous layer of melted mozzarella, creating a meal that feels hearty and satisfying without being complicated. This is the kind of recipe that works perfectly for busy weeknights, yet feels comforting enough to serve to guests.

What makes this dish especially appealing is its balance. The chicken stays juicy, the sauce adds acidity and depth, and the cheese brings everything together with creamy richness. I tested this recipe using both chicken breasts and thighs, and both worked beautifully as long as they were not overbaked. It also pairs well with a variety of sides, making it easy to build a complete meal around it. If you are looking for a no-fuss baked chicken recipe with classic flavors, this one is hard to beat.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts
Chicken breasts provide a lean, tender base for this dish. When baked properly, they remain juicy and absorb the surrounding flavors well.

Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella is the star of the topping. It melts smoothly and creates a stretchy, golden layer that makes this dish especially comforting.

Tomato sauce or marinara
Tomato sauce adds acidity and depth, balancing the richness of the cheese and chicken.

Olive oil
Olive oil helps keep the chicken moist while enhancing overall flavor.

Garlic
Garlic adds warmth and aroma, complementing both the tomato sauce and cheese.

Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning brings a blend of herbs that enhance the dish without overpowering it.

Salt
Salt enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and balances the sauce.

Black pepper
Black pepper adds subtle heat and depth.

Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds sharpness and extra savory flavor to the cheesy topping.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with minced garlic. Spoon the sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well covered. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, followed by a generous layer of shredded mozzarella.

Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. If desired, switch the oven to grill mode for the final few minutes to achieve a deeper golden top. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a baking time of 35 minutes. Total time required is roughly 45 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.

Variations and Customizations

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is easy to adapt to different preferences. For added richness, a few slices of fresh mozzarella can be layered on top along with shredded cheese. If you prefer a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce.

This recipe also works well with added vegetables. Thinly sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach can be layered under or around the chicken before baking. These vegetables absorb the sauce and add extra texture and nutrition.

For a slightly different flavor profile, pesto can be swirled into the tomato sauce or used as a base instead. Chicken thighs can also be used in place of breasts, offering a juicier result with a slightly longer cooking time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs work well and remain very juicy.

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 75°C.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it can be assembled in advance and baked when ready.

What sides pair well with this recipe?

Pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a green salad are all good options.

Can I use fresh mozzarella?

Yes, but it may release more moisture than shredded mozzarella.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the flavors are mild and very family-friendly.

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is possible, though the cheese texture may change slightly.

How do I prevent dry chicken?

Avoid overbaking and use evenly sized pieces.

Can I add herbs on top?

Fresh basil or parsley added after baking works well.

Does this work with store-bought marinara?

Yes, a good-quality marinara works perfectly.

Conclusion

Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a reliable, comforting recipe that brings together tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly melted cheese. With minimal preparation and classic flavors, it is an ideal choice for both busy evenings and relaxed family meals. This is the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your weekly dinner rotation.

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