Baked Mozzarella Chicken

chicken with marinara sauce and cheese in a deep skillet

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)!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Diet Gluten Free

Keyword baked chicken, chicken parmesan

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings

Calories 296kcal

Author Robin Miller

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.

Nutrition