Mozzarella Chicken Bake

Mozzarella Chicken Bake Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe features tender chicken breasts topped with sautéed mushrooms and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. It is sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

History

The origins of Mozzarella Chicken Bake are not clear, but it is likely a variation of the classic Chicken Parmesan dish. This recipe takes the flavors of Chicken Parmesan and simplifies them into a quick and easy baked dish that is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, halved, boned, and skinned
0.33 cup flour
0.25 cup butter
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black or red pepper
4 large mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or white button only) or (1 can fresh mushrooms)
4 rectangle slices mozzarella cheese

How to prepare

Place the chicken halves between sheets of waxed paper and pound them until thin, being careful not to tear the chicken. Coat the chicken with flour.
Heat the butter in a skillet and add the chicken. Cook until tender, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
Transfer the chicken to a broiler pan and sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
In a separate skillet, quickly sauté the mushrooms. Arrange the mushroom slices on top of the chicken.
Top the mushrooms with a fresh slice of cheese.
Place the chicken under the broiler just long enough to melt the cheese. Serve hot, either plain or with other main dishes or side dishes. Cut the chicken into serving pieces using a chef's knife.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the chicken for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, for a different twist on this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pound the chicken breasts thin so that they cook evenly and quickly.

- Sauté the mushrooms quickly so that they are tender but still have a bit of bite.

- Use a broiler to melt the cheese quickly and evenly on top of the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mozzarella Chicken Bake with a side of pasta, rice, or a green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a combination of sautéing and broiling to cook the chicken and melt the cheese.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.

- Use Swiss or Gouda cheese instead of mozzarella.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken and mushrooms ahead of time and assemble the dish just before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Mozzarella Chicken Bake on a bed of pasta or rice for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mozzarella Chicken Bake with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mozzarella Chicken Bake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mozzarella Chicken Bake contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mozzarella Chicken Bake contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Mozzarella Chicken Bake contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (flour).

Summary

Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a balanced meal that is high in protein and moderate in carbohydrates and fats. It is a satisfying and delicious dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

Summary

Mozzarella Chicken Bake is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. I had been invited to a friend's house for dinner, and she had prepared this delicious Mozzarella Chicken Bake. As soon as I took my first bite, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

I asked my friend for the recipe, and she was more than happy to share it with me. As she went through the ingredients and the steps with me, I took mental notes and asked questions to make sure I understood everything correctly. Once I had all the information I needed, I couldn't wait to give it a try in my own kitchen.

I gathered all the ingredients - chicken breasts, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and breadcrumbs - and got to work. I carefully followed the recipe, making sure to season the chicken just right and layering the cheese and sauce on top. I popped it in the oven and waited anxiously for it to cook.

When it finally came out of the oven, I couldn't believe how amazing it looked and smelled. I served it to my family, and we all devoured it in no time. From that moment on, Mozzarella Chicken Bake became a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time adding my own little twist to it. Sometimes I'll throw in some fresh herbs from my garden, or maybe some roasted vegetables on the side. No matter how I choose to make it, it always turns out delicious.

As I continued to make Mozzarella Chicken Bake, I shared the recipe with friends and family who always asked for it. They would rave about how tasty it was and how it had become a favorite in their own homes as well. It brought me so much joy to see others enjoying something I had learned to make and perfected over time.

One day, I was hosting a dinner party for some friends, and I decided to make Mozzarella Chicken Bake as the main course. As my guests arrived, they could smell the mouthwatering aroma coming from the kitchen and couldn't wait to dig in.

As we sat down to eat, everyone marveled at how delicious the dish was. They asked me how I had learned to make it, and I shared the story of how I first saw the recipe at my friend's house and knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

After dinner, one of my friends suggested that I compile all of my recipes into a cookbook so that others could enjoy them as much as we did. I loved the idea and began working on putting together a collection of all my favorite dishes, including Mozzarella Chicken Bake.

As I went through my recipe box, I came across an old recipe card that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. It was for a similar dish called Chicken Parmesan, which had been a family favorite for generations. I realized that the Mozzarella Chicken Bake recipe I had learned was a modern twist on this classic dish.

I decided to include both recipes in my cookbook, along with the stories behind them. I wanted to pay tribute to the generations of cooks who had come before me and had passed down their love of food and cooking.

As I shared my cookbook with friends and family, they were thrilled to see their favorite recipes included and were eager to try out some new ones as well. It brought me so much joy to see others enjoying the dishes I had learned to make and perfected over the years.

To this day, Mozzarella Chicken Bake remains a beloved recipe in my household. It brings back memories of that first time I saw it and felt that sense of excitement, and it reminds me of all the joy and love that cooking and sharing meals with others can bring.

I am grateful for all the recipes I have learned over the years, from friends, family, and even strangers. Each one holds a special place in my heart and has brought me closer to those I care about. And for that, I am truly thankful.