Description
This Chicken Mozzarella Bake is a cheesy, high-protein, low-carb dinner made in just one pan. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned and baked in a savory tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil. Perfect for a quick, gluten-free, and keto-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 4 small chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, thin or pounded out
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (16 oz) chopped tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tsp oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Topping & Garnish:
- 1 cup grated mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken breasts by ensuring they are small and thin. If thick, pound them out. Make shallow cuts on one side of each breast without slicing through completely to help the seasoning penetrate.
- Season the chicken with half of the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Rub in the spices.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish, cut side up. Sprinkle the remaining seasonings over the top and drizzle with olive oil. Rub again to coat evenly.
- In a bowl, mix together chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, red onion, oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the sauce.
- Pour the tomato sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the sauced chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Optional: Broil for an additional 2 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped basil, and serve hot.
Notes
- Pounding out thicker chicken breasts ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Use pre-shredded mozzarella for convenience, or fresh mozzarella for added creaminess.
- This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or a fresh green salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 34 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: South Western
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (10 oz)
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 2.1g
- Sodium: 555mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15.6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6.2g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
