Easy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (3-pound) package frozen chicken tenders (such as Just Bare lightly breaded chicken breast strips)
• 1 (22-ounce) jar marinara sauce (such as Raos Homemade)
• 1 (16-ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese slices
• Sliced fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 360F (180C). Preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish.

Step 2: Place frozen chicken pieces in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry for about 13 minutes or until golden. You may need to cook the chicken in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 3: While the chicken is cooking, place mozzarella cheese slices between parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to roll the cheese thin, then set it aside.

Step 4: Pour half of the marinara sauce into the prepared casserole dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven to warm the sauce, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Remove the casserole dish from the oven. Nestle the cooked chicken tenders into the sauce. If desired, spread the remaining marinara sauce over the tenders.

Step 6: Arrange the thinly rolled mozzarella slices evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce in the casserole dish.

Step 7: Bake the casserole for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and melted.

Step 8: Garnish with freshly cut basil strips. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information	Per Serving
Calories	486
Total Fat	28g (36% DV)
Saturated Fat	8g (42% DV)
Cholesterol	83mg (28% DV)
Sodium	1409mg (61% DV)
Total Carbohydrates	27g (10% DV)
Dietary Fiber	2g (8% DV)
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	31g (61% DV)
Vitamin C	1mg (1% DV)
Calcium	227mg (17% DV)
Iron	1mg (8% DV)
Potassium	590mg (13% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients.

The Story Behind Mozzarella Chicken

Mozzarella chicken, a beloved Italian-American dish, traces its roots to the classic Italian culinary tradition of combining cheese and tomato sauces with protein. While Italy has a long history of using fresh mozzarella in dishes like Chicken Parmigiana, the modern baked version with air-fried chicken tenders emerged in the United States during the late 20th century, when convenience foods and quick family meals became popular. This adaptation allowed home cooks to enjoy the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with minimal preparation.

Regional Variations and Features

In the United States, mozzarella chicken is often found in Italian-American households, especially in the Northeast and Midwest, where Italian culinary influences are strong. Regional variations might include the addition of different herbs like oregano or thyme, a spicier marinara sauce, or even layering in vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers. In Italy, the dish is more likely to feature simple, fresh ingredients without breading, reflecting the Italian emphasis on high-quality cheese and fresh produce.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Mozzarella chicken is often compared to Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Cacciatore. The main difference lies in its simplicity and speed: it typically uses pre-cooked or frozen chicken, air-fried or baked, rather than breaded and fried from scratch. Unlike Chicken Parmesan, which usually has a thicker breadcrumb crust and is served with spaghetti, mozzarella chicken focuses on the melted cheese and tomato sauce as the main flavor highlight, making it lighter and faster to prepare.

Where It Is Commonly Served

This dish is most often served at home as a family dinner or weeknight meal, thanks to its ease of preparation. It also appears on casual Italian-American restaurant menus and in catering for parties where simple, crowd-pleasing meals are preferred. Often, it is paired with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables to create a complete, balanced meal.

Interesting Facts

• Fresh mozzarella used in this recipe can be traced back to Southern Italy, particularly the regions of Campania and Lazio, where buffalo mozzarella first gained popularity.
• The combination of air frying and baking is a modern adaptation that reduces cooking time while maintaining a crispy texture on the chicken.
• Mozzarella chicken is sometimes referred to as a lazy Chicken Parmesan due to its minimal prep work but equally satisfying flavors.
• Although simple, this dish is highly customizable, allowing cooks to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or tomato sauces.
• Its a great example of Italian cuisine evolving to meet modern convenience needs without losing its traditional taste appeal.

FAQ about Easy Mozzarella Chicken Recipe