Recipe for Creamy, Cheesy Chicken Mozzarella
A traditional dish that is both elegant and cozy is chicken mozzarella. A delicious blend of gooey mozzarella cheese and creamy marinara sauce envelops tender chicken breasts. This recipe is flavorful and easy to make, making it ideal for big occasions or weeknight dinners.
Reasons This Recipe Will Be Great for You
- Cheesy and Comforting: A rich, creamy texture is added by the melted mozzarella.
Easy and Fast: This recipe requires little preparation and can be completed in less than an hour.
Customizable: To personalize it, add your preferred vegetables, herbs, or spices. - Family-Friendly: A dish that will appeal to all ages at the table.
Recipe Card: Chicken Mozzarella
| Recipe Name | Chicken Mozzarella |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 35-40 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Dish Type | Main Course |
Ingredients
| For the Chicken | For the Sauce and Topping |
|---|---|
| 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 cups marinara sauce |
| 1 tbsp olive oil | 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or slices) |
| 1 tsp Italian seasoning | 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) |
| Salt and pepper to taste | Fresh basil leaves for garnish |
| 2 garlic cloves, minced |
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). |
| 2 | Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. |
| 3 | Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside. |
| 4 | In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes. |
| 5 | Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. |
| 6 | Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. |
| 7 | Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot. |
Serving Suggestions
| Side Dishes | Drinks |
|---|---|
| Pasta or garlic bread | Red wine or iced tea |
| Mashed potatoes | Sparkling water |
| Roasted vegetables | Lemonade |
Tips for Success
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Use fresh mozzarella | Melts better and adds a creamy texture. |
| Don’t overcook chicken | Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F for juiciness. |
| Customize the sauce | Add chili flakes, herbs, or sautéed vegetables for variety. |
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Mozzarella, a dish that’s sure to impress!
Detailed Directions
1. Sear the chicken and season it
First, add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. This process guarantees a luscious mouthfeel and seals in the taste.
2. Make the Sauce
Add marinara sauce to the same skillet after the minced garlic has been sautéed until fragrant. To combine the flavors, boil the sauce for two to three minutes.
- Add crushed chile or red pepper flakes for a hotter kick.
3. Put the Dish Together
The marinara sauce should be used to nestle the seared chicken.
- Add sliced or shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each piece. For an added taste boost, add some grated Parmesan if you’re feeling very decadent.
4. Bake to Perfection – Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Put the pan in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or, if the skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the contents to a baking dish. When the internal temperature of the chicken hits 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbling, the chicken is done.
5. Present and Garnish
After taking the skillet out of the oven, give the chicken some time to rest. Add some fresh parsley or basil leaves as a garnish for some color and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Combine chicken mozzarella with:
- Pasta: To absorb the marinara sauce, use fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
Perfect for mopping up the cheesy sauce is garlic bread.
Salad: To counterbalance the richness, try a light Caesar or arugula salad. - Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or zucchini provide a wonderful accompaniment to the dish.
Achievement Advice
- Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) by using a meat thermometer.
- Select High-Quality Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella has a creamier texture and melts better.
- Personalize the Sauce: For an added flavor boost, use your preferred herbs, such as basil, thyme, or oregano, into the marinara sauce.
- Incorporate Veggies: For an added nutritious boost, place roasted red peppers, sautéed spinach, or mushrooms underneath the cheese.
Differences
Chicken Parmesan Mozzarella: Before searing for a crispy, golden exterior, bread the chicken with panko and Parmesan.
Serve over zucchini noodles and use a low-carb marinara sauce for a keto-friendly option.
Spicy Mozzarella Chicken: Incorporate crushed jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the sauce.
- Caprese-Inspired Chicken: For a novel twist, top with fresh tomato slices and balsamic glaze.
Conclusion
A tried-and-true recipe, chicken mozzarella blends the delicacy of chicken, the sharpness of marinara sauce, and the richness of cheese. Although it looks elegant, this dish is simple enough to prepare on a daily basis. This recipe is sure to impress and is ideal for hosting guests or having a family dinner.
Try this recipe now and enjoy a cozy, cheesy treat!
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
3. What type of mozzarella should I use?
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
5. How can I make this dish healthier?
Use a low-fat mozzarella or reduce the amount of cheese.
Opt for a homemade marinara sauce with reduced sugar and salt.
Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad instead of pasta.
