- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken:
- In an oven-safe skillet or a frying pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they get a golden-brown color. You’re not aiming to cook them through at this stage, just giving them some color.
- Layer with Marinara and Cheese:
- Pour the marinara sauce over the seared chicken breasts, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Transfer the skillet or pan to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil (Optional):
- If you want a golden-brown crust on the cheese, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve the cheesy mozzarella chicken bake over cooked pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables.
This Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a crowd-pleaser and makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Enjoy!