Baked Mozzarella Chicken
This yummy chicken is coated with parmesan, seared until golden, and then baked in savory marinara sauce. Just before serving, a blanket of mozzarella is added and melts to perfection. All the flavors of chicken parmesan, without any of the work (or excess calories)!
This gluten-free version of chicken parmesan has so much flavor. In fact, I think it’s more flavorful than chicken parmesan – and it’s definitely less greasy! We use parmesan to coat the chicken instead of breadcrumbs; the cheese turns golden and toasty and permeates every inch of the chicken. Use good-quality fresh parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
This is the easiest marinara sauce ever. It’s a simple blend of tomato sauce and pesto – with just two ingredients, you can create a sauce with incredible depth of flavor. The pesto adds basil, garlic, parmesan, and toasted pine nuts; it’s a great one-stop-shop for flavor.
I suggest serving this chicken with pasta or rice so you don’t miss a drop of the sauce. Warm bread would make a nice addition too. Add a salad or steamed/roasted veggie and the meal is complete.
Baked Mozzarella Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8- ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and the parmesan cheese.
- Heat the oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Add the tomato sauce and pesto to the same pan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pan.
- Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165 degrees).
- Top the chicken with the mozzarella cheese and bake for 2 to 3 more minutes, until the cheese melts. If desired, place the pan under the broiler to get color on the cheese.
- Serve with extra parmesan cheese on the side.