Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe for an Easy One Pan Dinner

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

June 28, 2026

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Why you’ll love it

If you love Chicken Parmesan but don’t have time for breading and frying, this Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is about to become your new go to. It’s a simpler, faster version that skips the breading entirely while keeping all the saucy, melty goodness. Just pan seared chicken breasts, marinara sauce, parmesan, and plenty of mozzarella baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the kind of cozy comfort food that makes a hectic weeknight feel special. One pan means minimal mess, and the whole family will ask for seconds. For another easy chicken dinner, try my Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe With Tomato Mozzarella.

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What you’ll need

This recipe relies on pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients. Here’s what to gather:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
Olive oil for searing
Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
Your favorite marinara sauce (jarred is fine; a good quality brand makes a difference)
Shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup)

Optional but lovely: fresh basil leaves for garnish and a splash of balsamic glaze for depth.

How to make cheesy baked chicken

Follow these simple steps for a perfect bake every time. I recommend using an oven safe skillet so you can go straight from stovetop to oven.

Step	Action	Time / Temp
1	Preheat oven to 375°F.	,
2	Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.	,
3	Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium high heat. Sear chicken for 3 4 minutes per side until golden.	~8 minutes
4	Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with parmesan and finish with mozzarella.	,
5	Bake uncovered for 25 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbly.	375°F
6	Optional: broil for 2 3 minutes to brown the cheese. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.	Broil

Pro tip: Use an instant read thermometer to avoid overcooking. Chicken is perfectly done at 165°F.

Helpful tips

Getting that perfect sear without sticking is the trickiest part. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. If it sticks, don’t force it; cook another minute and it will release naturally.

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly. And if you want even less cleanup, skip the searing altogether and place the raw seasoned chicken directly in the baking dish. Bake for at least 30 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Substitutions and variations

This recipe is easy to adapt. Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or a Mexican blend. You can leave out the parmesan if you prefer. Want more vegetables? Add chopped spinach, sliced mushrooms, or bell peppers to the baking dish before topping with sauce. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic, herbs, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar or glaze right before serving adds wonderful sweetness.

Because there’s no breading, this dish fits nicely into a low carb lifestyle. Serve it over zucchini noodles or alongside roasted broccoli for a lighter meal.

What to serve with mozzarella chicken

The saucy, cheesy chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides. Here are my favorite ways to round out the meal:

Garlic butter noodles or spaghetti
Steamed rice or creamy polenta
Crusty bread for soaking up the marinara
Garlic mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus
Garlic bread and a simple green salad with Italian dressing
Fresh chopped basil sprinkled on top

For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Baked Chicken with Mozzarella from Food Network.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to bake chicken with mozzarella cheese?

Bake at 375F for 25 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What temperature to bake mozzarella chicken?

The recommended oven temperature is 375F. This ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out while the cheese melts perfectly.

Can I use frozen chicken for mozzarella bake?

It is best to thaw chicken completely before baking to ensure even cooking. Using frozen chicken may result in uneven doneness and longer baking time.

What to serve with cheesy chicken bake?

Serve with pasta, rice, steamed vegetables, or a green salad. It also pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the marinara sauce.

How to make chicken bake without breading?

Simply skip any breading step. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and garlic powder, then top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking.

Can I prep mozzarella chicken bake ahead?

Yes, assemble the dish without baking and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Leftovers and storage

If you have any left (it’s that good), store the cheesy mozzarella chicken bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave.

For best texture, use the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Freezing is not recommended, as the cheese can become grainy and the sauce may separate.