Mozzarella Chicken(Over Sauce)
Juicy chicken baked with marinara, topped with melted mozzarella and paprika, served over egg noodles for a hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken into serving size pieces.
- Dip chicken into beaten eggs, then coat with dry bread crumbs.
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken until browned on all sides.
- Stir in tomato sauce and dried basil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, turning chicken every 10 minutes.
- Prepare mozzarella sauce by combining shredded cheese and paprika.
- Place cooked egg noodles in a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Arrange cooked chicken on top of the noodles.
- Spoon the tomato sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and paprika over the top.
- Broil 6 to 7 inches from the heat source until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier chicken, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular dry breadcrumbs. If you want to add a kick, consider mixing in some Italian seasoning or garlic powder with the breadcrumbs. Fresh basil can be substituted for dried basil for a fresher flavor. Pair this dish with a side salad to balance the richness, or try it alongside Cheesy Lasagne Roll-Ups for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Mozzarella Chicken dish is hearty enough to serve as a stand-alone meal, but it pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a light green salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus. For a twist, try it with Penne With Tomatoes, Olives And Two Cheeses for another delicious Italian-inspired meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and noodles in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overheat the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mozzarella Chicken(Over Sauce) contains roughly 236 calories, with 8g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and calcium (13% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of whole chicken?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as they might cook faster than larger pieces. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator, and then assemble and bake when ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you need a substitute for mozzarella, consider using provolone or fontina cheese for a similar melt and flavor. Alternatively, a blend of shredded Italian cheeses can also work well for this dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).