• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About

Boulder Locavore® logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Easy Dinner » Easy Mozzarella Chicken (30 minute recipe)

    PUBLISHED: March 21, 2021 • By Toni Dash 15 Comments

    Easy Mozzarella Chicken (30 minute recipe)

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    mozzarella chicken title

    Easy Mozzarella Chicken is an Italian chicken recipe bursting with big flavors. Italian spices, marinara sauce, gooey melted mozzarella cheese with tender, juicy chicken. It may be the fastest, most delicious dinner recipe you’ve made. On the table in just 30 minutes!

    mozzarella chicken title

    Italian food is always a favorite. It’s nourishing to the stomach and the senses.

    Whether you are an Italian meatballs fan or love satisfying comfort foods like Zuppa Toscana Soup or Pasta e Fagioli, you’ll love this recipe too.

    This easy baked Mozzarella Chicken is a winner. For the flavors and how easy and fast it is to make.

    Jump to:
    • Great Weeknight Italian Chicken recipe
    • Recipe Ingredients Notes
    • Variations
    • How to Make it – Step-by-Step
    • Pro Tips
    • FAQs
    • What to serve with Mozzarella Chicken
    • More Recipes You’ll Love!
    • Recipe

    Great Weeknight Italian Chicken recipe

    Bye bye boring weeknight dinner recipes thanks to this Mozzarella chicken!

    Main dish recipes really don’t get easier than this one pan recipe.

    Boneless chicken breasts are seasoned with classic spices of garlic, thyme, basil, oregano, sage, rosemary and marjoram.

    The good news? All but one of those spices is found in Italian seasoning; one spice blend. Easy to find at the store or make your own.

    This makes a fast way to pump up the flavors.

    Marinara sauce is poured over the chicken and finished with mozzarella cheese. It all bakes in 25 minutes for a flavor-packed dish that all ages will love.

    This is one of those gold-star recipes you’ll use when you want to impress or are too tired to do anything for dinner.

    But no one will guess that it took you 5 minutes to prepare!

    Recipes don’t need to be time consuming or difficult to be fantastic. This recipe proves that.

    mozzarella chicken in pan

    Recipe Ingredients Notes

    Boneless skinless Chicken breasts. Select chicken breasts that are similar size. The cooking time is based on an 8-10 ounce chicken breast size. 

    Olive oil. Will be brushed over the chicken before starting. Keeps it moist which cooking and adds more Mediterranean flavor.

    Spices: garlic powder, Italian seasonings, black pepper. Italian Seasoning is an all-in-one spice blend available at all grocery stores. It’s a fast, easy way to work in all the classic Italian spices at once.

    Marinara sauce. This variety of tomato sauce is made up of just a few choice ingredients. It differs from spaghetti sauce which usually has many more ingredients. Store bought or homemade tomato sauce can be used.

    Mozzarella cheese. Buy a block of cheese and shred this yourself. The pre-shredded cheese that is bagged in the grocery store includes an anti-caking agent. It prevents cheese from melting into that gooey velvety texture we love.

    mozzarella chicken ingredients

    Variations

    Use boneless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs have loads of flavor being darker meat. Skinless chicken does not add extra fat to the recipe which we love.

    The cooking time may need to be adjusted. Always check for doneness with an instant read thermometer.

    Add some pesto. Homemade or store bought pesto are a delicious flavor switch up. Try regular basil pesto or sundried tomato pesto. Add with the marinara sauce.

    Change up the spices. Add some red pepper flakes for some spicy heat. Or some smoked paprika for a smoky earthy flavor.

    Use crushed tomatoes. If you love some texture use crushed tomatoes instead of the marinara sauce. Pick some that have Italian spices included for a shortcut and pop of more flavor.

    Add some mushrooms. Stir a half cup of sliced mushrooms in with the sauce. Our favorite are Baby Bella mushrooms. These young portabella mushrooms have loads of meaty flavor.

    Switch up the cheese. Though this is ‘mozzarella chicken’ you can change up the cheese for a different flavor. Try Parmesan or Pecorino Romano. These don’t melt in the same way so combining them with some mozzarella will give the best of both.

    mozzarella chicken cut

    How to Make it – Step-by-Step

    STEP 1. Preparation

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Combine the spices together in a bowl and mix to combine.

    STEP 2. Prepare the chicken

    Add the chicken in a 9-inch by 11-inch baking pan. Brush both sides with the olive oil (photo 1).

    Season the chicken with the spice mix on both sides (photo 2). Brush with the marinara sauce (photo 3) and top each chicken breast with the shredded mozzarella (photo 4).

    mozzarella chicken recipe steps 1-2

    STEP 3. Cook the chicken

    Cook for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches almost 165 degrees F (photo 5).

    The temperature will continue to rise slightly when removed from the oven. Final temperature should be 165 degrees.

    mozzarella chicken recipe steps 3-5

    Pro Tips

    Select chicken breasts that are the same size so they will cook evenly in the same amount of time.

    Adjust cooking time per size of chicken breasts used. Larger chicken breasts may need to cook longer than 25 minutes. Very small chicken breasts may be done in 20 minutes.

    Chicken is cooked when it reaches 165 degrees internal temperature. This is easiest to measure with an Instant Read food thermometer.

    FAQs

    How to tell if the chicken is cooked?

    To determine if chicken is fully cooked measuring the internal temperature is required. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. The best and fastest way to do this is using an Instant Read food thermometer. It calculates the temperature in minutes so the chicken doesn’t begin to cool as you take the temperature.

    What to serve with Mozzarella Chicken

    The chicken it’s a great choice to serve over pasta, rice or (my favorite) mashed potatoes. Be sure to spoon on some of the delicious pan sauce.

    Here are some side dishes other recipes that are delicious served with the Italian chicken:

    • Homemade Garlic Bread or Breadsticks
    • Italian Pasta Salad recipe
    • Green salad with Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
    • Mediterranean Salad
    • Grilled Asparagus
    • Lemon Garlic Broccoli
    • Italian Cream Cake if you are feeling ambitious!
    mozzarella chicken close up

    More Recipes You’ll Love!

    • Easy Salad Recipe in Red, White and Blue
    • Sausage and Peppers (Slow Cooker recipe)
    • Bruschetta Chicken recipe – Baked, Grilled or Stove Top
    • Broccoli Sausage Pasta Salad: An Easy Pasta Salad Recipe You’ll Love
    • Grilled Caprese Pizza
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!
    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST !

    Recipe

    mozzarella chicken square

    Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken

    This easy Italian chicken recipe is full of delicious seasonings, marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. It's a fast and fabulous dinner recipe any time.
    5 from 53 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 264kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts approximately 8-10 ounces each
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 cup marinara sauce
    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine the garlic powder, Italian seasoning and black pepper in a small bowl; mix together.
    • Add the chicken breasts to a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish. Brush with the olive oil on both sides.
    • Season both sides of the chicken with with the mixed spices.
    • Spoon the marinara sauce over the top of the chicken. Sprikle with the grated mozzarella cheese.
    • Cook for 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees internal temperature.

    Notes

    Pro Tips
    Select chicken breasts that are the same size so they will cook evenly in the same amount of time.
    Larger chicken breasts may need to cook longer than 25 minutes. Very small chicken breasts may be done in 20 minutes.
    Chicken is considered cooked when it reaches 165 degrees internal temperature. This is easiest to measure with an Instant Read food thermometer.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 628mg | Potassium: 664mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 166mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    « How to Make Tea Lattes
    Korean Noodles recipe – Fast & Easy! »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

    Free Email Course

    5 FAST & EASY 15-MINUTE RECIPES
    Spending too much time in the kitchen?
    These recipes are fast, easy, and perfect for every occasion.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. peggy stivason says

      February 07, 2022 at 11:39 am

      5 stars
      Making this tonight . I’m sure it will be good . Haven’t had a recipe from Toni , that wasn’t good . Thank you

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        February 08, 2022 at 1:42 pm

        Awe! You are the best! Thanks Peggy!

        Reply
    2. cat says

      March 24, 2021 at 8:06 am

      5 stars
      This was the most delicious chicken. Pure comfort food in a pan.

      Reply
    3. Katie says

      March 23, 2021 at 10:58 am

      5 stars
      This meal is so delicious! It’s restaurant quality tasty! I love the bold Italian flavors!

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    About Toni Dash

    Toni Dash BoulderLocavore.com Head Shot

    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

    AS FEATURED ON….

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Easy Dinners

    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs with lime wedges on a pewter platter Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs
    • Korean BBQ Chicken title image Easy Korean BBQ Chicken recipe
    • Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket title image Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket: an Easy One Pot Meal
    • Shrimp Salad title image Shrimp Salad Recipe
    • Green Chile Stew title image Hearty New Mexican Green Chile Pork Stew

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • Hummingbird Cake title image The Best Hummingbird Cake recipe
    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • LIMEADE IN A GLASS WITH ICE Fresh Homemade Limeade recipe
    • How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast title How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
    • cilantro lime rice title image Easy Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
    • Easter Rice Krispie Treats title image Easter Rice Krispie Treats: Fast & Festive with a Surprise Ingredient!

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don't miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright © 2010-2023 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.