Description
Cream Cheese Chicken Bake with Mozzarella is a comforting baked chicken dish made with tender chicken breasts, rich tomato sauce, and layers of melted cheese. It is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for a family friendly dinner that feels hearty and satisfying without being complicated.
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper
Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce
Cabot Parmesan Cheese made with vegetarian rennet finely grated
Tillamook Mozzarella Cheese shredded
Cream cheese softened
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and place the rack in the center
2. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil and set it aside
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels
4. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder salt and black pepper
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat
6. Add the chicken and sear until golden on both sides
7. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish
8. Spread softened cream cheese over the warm chicken breasts
9. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the chicken
10. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top
11. Add shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each piece
12. Bake uncovered until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted
13. Broil briefly until the cheese is lightly browned
14. Remove from the oven and let rest before serving
Notes
Chicken thickness affects cooking time so using an instant read thermometer is recommended
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit
The searing step can be skipped if desired but baking time should be increased
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre shredded varieties
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and reheat gently
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American