Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup marinara sauce

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.

While the oven is heating, take your chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.

Next, set up a breading station. In one shallow dish, add the flour and season it with salt and pepper. In a second dish, beat the eggs until they are well combined. In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Breading the Chicken

Take each chicken breast and first coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the egg adhere better.

Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.

Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat it evenly on both sides. This will give your chicken a delicious, crispy exterior.

Once all the chicken breasts are breaded, set them aside on a plate or a baking sheet.

Cooking the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, but not so much that the chicken is swimming in it.

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to hold all the chicken at once.

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a baking dish. If you have any leftover oil in the skillet, you can drain it, but leave any browned bits in the pan for flavor.

Assembling the Dish

Now it’s time to add the marinara sauce. Pour about ½ cup of marinara sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well covered.

Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the chicken. Don’t be shy with the cheese; it’s what makes this dish so delicious!

Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella for an extra layer of flavor.

Baking the Chicken

Once your chicken is assembled, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

If you want a golden-brown top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Serving the Dish

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.

To serve, place each chicken breast on a plate and spoon some of the extra marinara sauce from the baking dish over the top.

If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves

Conclusion:

In summary, this Mozzarella Chicken Dinner is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight meals. The combination of juicy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it over a bed of pasta, alongside a fresh garden salad, or with a side of garlic bread, this recipe offers versatility that can cater to any palate. Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions! You can add some sautéed vegetables for an extra nutritional boost or swap out the marinara for a pesto sauce for a different flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or even some fresh basil for a burst of freshness. I encourage you to give this Mozzarella Chicken Dinner a try and make it your own. Once you’ve whipped it up, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Cooking is all about sharing and enjoying, so let’s spread the love for this fantastic dish together! Print