Baked Chicken Mozzarella

Baked Chicken Mozzarella is a fusion of Italian and American home cooking, combining classic Italian flavors like mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and Italian seasonings 🍅🧀. Inspired by dishes like Chicken Parmesan, it offers a comforting, hearty meal that's easy to prepare, making it a popular choice for busy home cooks looking for a delicious and nutritious dinner 🍽️.

NUTRITION FACTS (approximately per serving):

Calories: 450

Protein: 40g

Fat: 25g

Carbohydrates: 15g

Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 3g


Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 4


Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. Additionally, the nutrition facts can change if you adjust the recipe or serving size. Be sure to check product labels and use a nutrition calculator for precise values, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions.


INGREDIENTS: 

  • 4 pieces Chicken breast

  • ½ teaspoon Salt

  • ½ teaspoon Ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon Paprika

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon Chili flakes (optional)

  • 3 tablespoon Olive oil


  • 1 piece Onion (sliced)

  • 3 - 4 pieces Potatoes (sliced)


  • 1 cup Tomato sauce

  • Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning


  • 1-2 cups Mozzarella cheese (depending on preference)

  • Sliced green pepper, chopped parsley, or fresh basil for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  • Thoroughly wash the chicken breasts and set aside to air dry.

  • Chop the onion and set aside.

  • Peel, wash, and slice the potatoes then set aside.

  • Shred the mozzarella cheese and set aside.


Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken breasts with salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes (if using), Italian seasoning, and olive oil. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.


Step 3: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) while the chicken is marinating.


Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

  • In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, a pinch of salt and pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined, then set aside.


Step 5: Assemble the Dish

  • In a baking dish, scatter the sliced onions evenly.

  • Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the onions, spreading it out to cover some onion slices.

  • Layer the potato slices on top of the tomato sauce.

  • Place the marinated chicken breasts on top of the potatoes.

  • Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the chicken and potatoes.


Step 6: Bake

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes at 200°C (390°F).


Step 7: Add Mozzarella

  • After 25-30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken and the potatoes, using as much as you prefer.

  • Garnish with sliced green pepper (seeds removed), chopped parsley, or fresh basil.

  • Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

  • Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving.


TIPS:

  • For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the tomato sauce mixture.

  • Use fresh mozzarella for a richer flavor and better melting quality.

  • Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the tomato sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

  • For added flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before baking.

  • Add a layer of spinach or other greens between the potatoes and chicken for extra nutrients.

  • If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some bread crumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella before the final bake.

  • To save time, you can use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese, but freshly shredded cheese will melt better.

  • Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme to personalize the flavor.

  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more flavorful and moist.

  • Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. 


Serve & Enjoy! 💖







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