This cheesy chicken bake is a simple, crowd-pleasing dish made with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and a touch of Italian seasoning. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully with pasta, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad.
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce to prevent sticking.
Season chicken breasts on both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer chicken to the baking dish and pour remaining marinara sauce over the top.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Try serving this dish with spaghetti or roasted vegetables for a satisfying complete meal. For a low-carb option, use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.