Cheesy Chicken Bake – A Comforting, Family-Friendly Favorite

Looking for a simple, satisfying dinner that’s packed with flavor and loved by everyone? This Cheesy Chicken Bake delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese—straight from your oven in under an hour.

With just a handful of ingredients, this comforting casserole-style dish offers a hearty meal that’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. It’s a perfect way to turn plain chicken into something indulgent without making things complicated.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Bake

• Minimal prep and easy cleanup
• Family-approved comfort food
• Versatile – serve with pasta, salad, or veggies
• Ready in under 1 hour
• Make-ahead friendly for meal prep or freezing

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken and Seasoning:

• 4 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Sauce and Topping:

• 1.5 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Bake (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center. While heating, pat the chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Once hot, sear each chicken breast for about 5 minutes per side, or until golden-brown. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a delicious crust. You’re not cooking it through—just giving it a good start.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake

Place the seared chicken in a greased baking dish. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, covering each piece. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella for that gooey, cheesy finish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the chicken uncovered for 20 minutes (or 15 minutes for smaller breasts), until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Broil and Rest

For a golden top, broil the dish for 2–3 minutes, watching closely. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the juices to settle and flavors to meld.

Tips for Success- Cheesy Chicken Bake

• Use freshly grated cheese – melts better and tastes richer
• Don’t skip the sear – it builds depth of flavor
• Let the chicken rest – keeps it juicy and tender
• Taste your marinara – adjust seasoning if using a jarred version
• Use an oven-safe skillet to reduce dishes (if desired)

Delicious Pairings for Cheesy Chicken Bake

• Over penne or spaghetti with extra sauce
• Next to roasted vegetables like zucchini or green beans
• With a fresh green salad and balsamic dressing
• On a sandwich roll for a cheesy chicken melt
• Served with garlic bread or focaccia to mop up the sauce

Easy Variations to Try

Add Veggies

Tuck sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers under the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.

Make It Spicy

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara for heat.

Creamy Version

Stir a tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream into the sauce before baking.

Low-Carb Option

Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

FAQs – Cheesy Chicken Bake

Why You’ll Crave This Dish Again and Again

This Cheesy Chicken Bake is more than a quick dinner—it’s the kind of meal that leaves everyone asking for seconds. With its tender chicken, bubbling cheese, and rich sauce, it satisfies comfort food cravings without complicated steps. Try it once and you’ll be hooked.

WHEN YOU FINISH SHOULD ALSO SEE Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken Breast