Name: Chicken and Mozzarella Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt & black pepper (to taste); 16 oz can chopped tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ red onion, chopped; 1 tsp oregano; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 2-3 leaves basil; 2 tbsp olive oil

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This Mediterranean-inspired Chicken Mozzarella Bake transforms simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece. Tender chicken breasts rest in a vibrant tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil for a protein-rich, gluten-free meal that's also keto-friendly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Mozzarella Bake offers the perfect balance of convenience and flavor. With minimal prep time and everyday ingredients, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that satisfies the whole family. The shallow cuts in the chicken ensure maximum flavor absorption, while the sauce and cheese create a perfect harmony of tangy and creamy notes. Plus, it's a complete one-dish meal that makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you're hosting guests or simply craving something delicious on a weeknight, this protein-packed dish delivers comfort without compromising on nutrition.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts serve as the protein-packed foundation of this dish. The shallow cuts help the seasonings penetrate deeper, resulting in more flavorful meat that remains juicy throughout the baking process.

Garlic powder and onion powder provide concentrated flavor that coats the chicken evenly, eliminating the need to sauté fresh aromatics while still delivering that essential savory base.

Italian seasoning brings together a perfect blend of Mediterranean herbs in one convenient mix, adding complexity and aroma to both the chicken and the sauce.

Salt and black pepper are essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish. Remember that you can always add more later, but start with a moderate amount.

Chopped tomatoes form the foundation of our vibrant sauce, offering bright acidity and natural sweetness. The canned variety actually works wonderfully here, as they break down nicely in the oven.

Fresh garlic cloves provide a more pronounced, aromatic punch compared to garlic powder, creating depth in the tomato sauce as it bakes.

Red onion adds a mild sweetness and slight sharpness to the sauce, while contributing beautiful color and texture.

Oregano reinforces the Mediterranean profile with its robust, slightly bitter notes that complement tomatoes perfectly.

Mozzarella cheese creates that irresistible melty, stretchy topping that browns beautifully under the broiler, forming a delicious crust over the chicken and sauce.

Fresh basil leaves finish the dish with bright, aromatic notes that elevate the entire recipe, providing the perfect contrast to the rich cheese and savory sauce.

Olive oil helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken while promoting beautiful browning and adding its own subtle flavor.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the chicken breasts and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels.
Create a criss-cross pattern of shallow cuts on each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. This creates pockets for flavor to penetrate.
Arrange the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder, then drizzle with olive oil.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped red onion, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring until well mixed.
Pour the tomato sauce mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts, ensuring they're well covered.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken and sauce.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
For a golden brown cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 25-30 minutes, bringing your total time investment to about 45 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 439 calories, making it a satisfying but reasonable main course option.

Variations

Vegetable-Loaded Version: Add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the tomato sauce for extra nutrition and flavor.

Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños into the sauce for those who enjoy heat.

Creamy Adaptation: Stir 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese into the tomato mixture for a richer, creamier sauce.

Pesto Twist: Spread a thin layer of basil pesto on the chicken before adding the tomato sauce for an herbaceous variation.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making this dish excellent for next-day enjoyment.

Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion individual servings in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in aluminum foil before placing in a freezer bag.

Reheating from Refrigerated: For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.

Microwave Option: For quick reheating, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through. The cheese won't be as crispy, but the flavor remains delicious.

Freezer to Table: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or use the oven method directly from frozen by extending the heating time to 30-40 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They're naturally more flavorful and remain juicier than breasts. Adjust the cooking time to about 5-10 minutes longer, as thighs typically require more time to cook thoroughly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – the meat should be completely white with no pink areas.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to cook, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with this Chicken Mozzarella Bake?

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice for a keto option, or traditional pasta or crusty bread for those not following a low-carb diet.

Is this recipe truly keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, with the main ingredients being protein (chicken), fat (cheese and olive oil), and low-carb vegetables (tomatoes, onions, and garlic). The entire dish contains minimal net carbs, making it suitable for most keto diets.

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?

Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella slices will create a different but equally delicious texture. If using fresh mozzarella, pat it dry with paper towels first to prevent excess moisture from making your dish watery.

My sauce seems too watery – what did I do wrong?

Excess moisture can come from the chicken (if not patted dry) or from very juicy tomatoes. To fix a watery sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce mixture or remove the chicken and reduce the sauce on the stovetop before returning it to the baking dish.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can omit the cheese entirely for a tomato-basil chicken dish that's still delicious. Alternatively, use a dairy-free mozzarella substitute made from plant-based ingredients if you still want that melty topping effect.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can easily add diced bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the tomato sauce mixture. For leafy greens like spinach, consider adding them during the last 5 minutes of cooking so they wilt without overcooking.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This chicken bake reheats beautifully and often tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Portion it into meal prep containers along with your choice of side for quick and satisfying lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Conclusion

This Chicken Mozzarella Bake represents comfort food at its finest—simple preparation with extraordinary results. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese creates a dish that feels both familiar and special. Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for company, it's a versatile recipe that adapts to your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. The shallow cuts in the chicken ensure every bite is infused with Mediterranean-inspired seasonings, while the final touch of fresh basil elevates the entire dish. Whether you're following a keto lifestyle or simply enjoy delicious, wholesome meals, this recipe deserves a regular spot in your culinary rotation.