Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
-
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
-
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
-
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
-
Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing)
Instructions
-
Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Season: Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
-
Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden (it won’t be fully cooked). Remove and let cool slightly.
-
Prep Chicken: Slice the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces or thin strips.
-
Mix: In a large bowl, toss the chicken with marinara sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella, and minced garlic.
-
Assemble: Transfer mixture to the baking dish in an even layer.
-
Topping: In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken.
-
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown (internal temp should reach 165°F).
-
Finish: Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve.
Notes
-
Serving Suggestion: Serve over a bed of al dente pasta or with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
-
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American