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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup marinara sauce, divided - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, roughly torn, for garnish

Easy Italian Baked Chicken

Satisfy your dinner cravings with this Easy Italian Baked Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish will impress your family and friends. Discover the full recipe and step-by-step instructions that make cooking simple and fun. Click to explore and transform your mealtime today!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup marinara sauce, divided

1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, roughly torn, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for cooking the chicken evenly.

    Prepare the Chicken: Take the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better. Next, season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.

      Layer the Ingredients: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread about 1/4 cup of the marinara sauce across the bottom to keep the chicken moist during baking. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over each piece of chicken, making sure every piece is covered.

        Add the Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the marinara-covered chicken, ensuring an even layer. Follow this by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese for that rich, cheesy flavor contrast.

          Bake to Perfection: Cover the entire baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil (be cautious of the steam), and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese has melted to a bubbly, golden finish.

            Garnish and Serve: After baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken. Just before serving, garnish the dish with freshly torn basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken directly from the baking dish, or plate individually, drizzling a little extra marinara sauce around the base for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy with crusty Italian bread or a simple green salad for a wholesome meal!