Easy Mozzarella Chicken

This easy mozzarella chicken is using a short cut by using frozen chicken tenders, that are air-fried and assembled in a casserole with jarred marinara and mozzarella cheese. Baked until bubbly, it's an easy family-friendly dish.

baked chicken tenders with marinara and mozzarella on white plate
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
12
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • 1 (3 pound) package frozen chicken tenders (such as Just Bare® lightly breaded chicken breast strips)

  • 1 (22 ounce) jar marinara sauce (such as Rao’s Homemade®)

  • 1 (16 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese slices

  • sliced fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

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

  2. Place frozen chicken pieces in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry until golden, about 13 minutes. You may have to work in batches.

  3. Meanwhile, place mozzarella cheese slices between parchment paper and roll thin with a rolling pin; set aside.

  4. Pour half of marinara sauce into the prepared casserole dish.

  5. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven to warm the sauce, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven; nestle chicken tenders into the sauce. If desired, spread remaining marinara sauce over tenders. Place cheese slices evenly over top of casserole.

  6. Bake until cheese is golden and melted, about 15 minutes. Add cut basil strips to the top for garnish. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

486 Calories
28g Fat
27g Carbs
31g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 486
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28g 36%
Saturated Fat 8g 42%
Cholesterol 83mg 28%
Sodium 1409mg 61%
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 31g 61%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 227mg 17%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 590mg 13%

* 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. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.