Chicken and Mozzarella Bake: A Cheesy Weeknight Winner

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When life feels like a juggling act—between work meetings, soccer practice, and remembering to take the laundry out of the washer—Chicken and Mozzarella Bake swoops in like your dinnertime superhero. This comforting, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish is everything you need after a long day. It’s simple enough for a Tuesday night, but impressive enough for weekend guests. And let’s be honest—melty mozzarella can fix just about anything.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just trying to get something homemade on the table before bedtime, this recipe delivers big flavor without the kitchen chaos.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Mozzarella Bake

This Chicken and Mozzarella Bake checks all the right boxes:

Quick to prep: Just 10 minutes of hands-on time.
Big on flavor: Thanks to that easy herbed tomato sauce and melty mozzarella blanket.
Crowd-pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters (yes, even the one who “doesn’t like red stuff”) will be licking their plates.
One dish wonder: Fewer dishes = happy you.

Honestly, this dish is my go-to when I want a warm, cozy meal that doesn’t demand every pot in the kitchen. Plus, it gives off serious “I made an effort” vibes—even when I’m running on coffee and leftovers.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this easy, cheesy magic to life:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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, minced
½ red onion, chopped
1 tsp oregano
1 cup shredded mozzarella
2–3 basil leaves, fresh and torn
2 tbsp olive oil

How to Make Chicken and Mozzarella Bake

1. Preheat & Prep

Set your oven to 375°F. While it heats, rinse your chicken breasts and pat them dry—don’t skip this part or you’ll end up steaming instead of baking.

2. Score the Chicken

Use a knife to make shallow criss-cross cuts on the top of each breast. Not too deep—just enough to let the seasoning and sauce sneak into those flavor pockets.

3. Season Like You Mean It

Place the chicken in a baking dish. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Finish with a generous drizzle of olive oil—this helps everything get golden and juicy.

4. Make the Sauce

In a bowl, stir together the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, red onion, oregano, and a little more salt and pepper. It’s rustic, it’s simple, it’s delicious.

5. Assemble the Bake

Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece gets some love. Top generously with shredded mozzarella. (Pro tip: a little extra cheese never hurt anybody.)

6. Bake Until Beautiful

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly. If you’re like me and love that crispy cheese top, switch to broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch it closely—it can go from golden to “oops” real quick.

7. Finish with Fresh Basil

When it’s out of the oven, scatter fresh basil over the top. It adds a pop of color and just the right touch of freshness.

Aneta’s Tip: Make It Your Own

Don’t be afraid to riff on this recipe. Swap the chicken breasts for thighs if that’s what you’ve got. Add some chopped spinach or olives to the sauce if you’re feeling fancy. Or throw in some crushed red pepper for a little heat.

And if you’re really short on time? Use store-bought marinara instead of making the tomato mix. No shame in the shortcut game.

This Dish Is Personal

You know how some recipes just stick with you? This one became a regular after a chaotic Tuesday night when I realized I had chicken, cheese, and a can of tomatoes—and not much else. I crossed my fingers, threw it all together, and voilà: my family loved it. It’s been on our menu rotation ever since.

Freshly baked Chicken and Mozzarella Bake with roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach, and basil in a casserole dish.

FAQs About Chicken and Mozzarella Bake

Can I use frozen chicken?

If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before starting. Otherwise, you’ll end up with too much liquid in your bake

Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for canned?

Sure! Just chop them finely and sauté them first with a bit of olive oil, garlic, and onion for a richer flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. It even tastes better the next day!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the whole dish (minus the basil) a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Conslusion

When you’re craving something comforting but need it on the table stat, Chicken and Mozzarella Bake is the answer. With tender, juicy chicken nestled under a blanket of bubbling mozzarella and surrounded by a herby, garlicky tomato sauce—this is the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

It’s the perfect balance of cozy and convenient. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just trying to survive a Tuesday without ordering takeout (again), this recipe brings that homemade magic without the fuss. It’s a one-pan wonder that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really—your oven did most of the heavy lifting.

What I love most about this dish is how forgiving it is. Forgot the basil? Still delicious. Out of mozzarella? Try provolone or even a slice of fresh tomato and Parmesan on top. The heart of the recipe stays the same—simple, satisfying, and packed with love.

So the next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, let Chicken and Mozzarella Bake come to your rescue. It’s the kind of recipe that turns “what’s for dinner?” into “can we have this again tomorrow?”

Until next time—keep it simple, keep it flavorful, and never underestimate the power of melty cheese.

Happy cooking,

Explore More Chicken Magic: Recipes You’ll Love Next

If you fell in love with the cozy comfort of our Chicken and Mozzarella Bake, you’re in for a real treat with these other crave-worthy chicken recipes. Each one brings its own flair to the dinner table while staying true to that easy, flavorful, family-friendly style we all need more of. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, spicy, or loaded with veggies, these dishes are the perfect next stop on your chicken journey:

For a bold, buttery twist with a little kick, don’t miss the ultra-satisfying Cowboy Butter Chicken—it’s rich, zesty, and ready to be your new obsession.
Craving something bright and Mediterranean-inspired? Dive into this tangy and fresh Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta—perfect when you want to channel sunny vibes.
Need another easy-bake winner? Our cheesy, veggie-packed Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Shells will make your weeknight meal feel like a special occasion.
And if skillet magic is your thing, you’ll love the bold flavors of this Chicken Black Bean Enchilada Skillet—all the enchilada goodness, none of the fuss.

These recipes are perfect companions to your new favorite Chicken and Mozzarella Bake. Save them for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime your kitchen could use a little extra magic.