Ever stumbled upon a chicken dish so comforting it feels like a warm hug? Introducing the Chicken and Mozzarella Bake—a dish so indulgent and delicious, but healthy, too!
This high-protein, keto-friendly, and gluten-free dish is a combination of flavors, perfect for a satisfying and guilt-free meal. With only a few ingredients, this hearty dish is easy to make.
Ingredients List
Get ready to create a delicious and satisfying meal with these simple ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein base for the dish, providing a tender and juicy texture.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A convenient way to add the savory and aromatic flavor of garlic without using fresh cloves.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to complement the garlic.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, adding a classic Italian taste to the dish.
- Salt & black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
- 16 oz can chopped tomatoes: Adds a tangy sweetness and moisture to the dish, creating a rich sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor that pairs well with the tomatoes.
- ½ red onion: Contributes a sharp and slightly sweet flavor with a pop of color.
- 1 tsp oregano: An earthy and slightly bitter herb that complements the Italian seasoning.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts into a gooey and stretchy texture, adding a creamy richness to the dish.
- 2-3 leaves basil: A fresh herb with a sweet and slightly peppery flavor that adds a final touch of freshness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and preventing the chicken from sticking to the pan.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Crank up your oven to 375 degrees F. While that’s heating up, give your chicken breasts a good rinse and pat them dry with some paper towels.
- Make some shallow cuts in the chicken, kind of like you’re making a criss-cross pattern. But don’t cut all the way through. We just want to make some little pockets for flavor.
- Next, pop the chicken breasts into a baking dish. Sprinkle on some salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. And to finish it off, drizzle a little bit of olive oil over everything.
- Now for the sauce. Grab a mixing bowl and toss in your chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped red onion, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to get everything mixed together nicely.
- Once the sauce is well combined, pour it over the chicken in the baking dish. Make sure the chicken is covered evenly.
- Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and sauce.
- Now, we’re ready to bake. Slide that dish into the preheated oven and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end, and when the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, turn on the broiler for a few minutes to get that cheese nice and golden brown.
- Finally, once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves over the top for a final touch of flavor and color. And there you have it! Your delicious chicken mozzarella bake is ready to enjoy.
What to Pair with Chicken Mozzarella Bake
Ramp up your Chicken Mozzarella Bake experience with these delectable side dishes:
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy bake.
- Garlic Bread: The buttery and garlicky flavors of garlic bread complement the Italian-inspired flavors of the chicken mozzarella bake.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus add a healthy and flavorful side dish, balancing the richness of the bake.
- Steamed Rice: Plain steamed rice serves as a neutral base to soak up the flavorful sauce from the bake.
- Pasta Primavera: The light and fresh flavors of a vegetable-based pasta dish like primavera complement the heavier bake.
So go ahead, give it a try, and experience this extraordinary dish that will upgrade your dinners to a whole new level.
Chicken and Mozzarella Bake Like You’ve Never Seen (or Tasted) Before
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Oven
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 16 oz can chopped tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ red onion
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2-3 leaves basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Crank up your oven to 375 degrees F. While that’s heating up, give your chicken breasts a good rinse and pat them dry with some paper towels.
- Make some shallow cuts in the chicken, kind of like you’re making a criss-cross pattern. But don’t cut all the way through. We just want to make some little pockets for flavor.
- Next, pop the chicken breasts into a baking dish. Sprinkle on some salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. And to finish it off, drizzle a little bit of olive oil over everything.
- Now for the sauce. Grab a mixing bowl and toss in your chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped red onion, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to get everything mixed together nicely.
- Once the sauce is well combined, pour it over the chicken in the baking dish. Make sure the chicken is covered evenly.
- Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and sauce.
- Now, we’re ready to bake. Slide that dish into the preheated oven and let it cook for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end, and when the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, turn on the broiler for a few minutes to get that cheese nice and golden brown.
- Finally, once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves over the top for a final touch of flavor and color. And there you have it! Your delicious chicken mozzarella bake is ready to enjoy.
Nutrition
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.