Mediterranean Olive-Mozzarella Chicken Bake
Indulge in a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors with this Olive-Mozzarella Chicken Bake. Tender chicken breasts are generously coated in a seasoned flour mixture, then sautéed to golden perfection. A symphony of sautéed onions, minced garlic, and earthy mushrooms come together in a rich pasta sauce, complemented with the briny goodness of pimento-stuffed olives. As the dish bakes, the mozzarella cheese melts to form a deliciously gooey topping that envelops the savory chicken and sauce. Whether you’re an olive aficionado or simply in need of a comforting family meal, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser, especially when served with crusty bread or over pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners and even special occasions!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
1/3 cup (All-purpose flour for coating chicken.)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Seasoned salt, or regular salt to taste.)
Ground Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground for enhanced flavor.)
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (Extra virgin olive oil recommended.)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Unsalted butter for sautéing.)
Chicken Breasts
6 pieces (Boneless chicken breasts, cut into large chunks.)
Minced Garlic
1-2 tablespoons (Fresh garlic, to taste.)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped onion, yellow or white.)
Sliced Mushrooms
1 (8 ounce) can (Canned sliced mushrooms, drained.)
Pasta Sauce
2 cups (Homemade or one 14-ounce jar of store-bought sauce.)
Sliced Pimento Stuffed Olives
1/2-3/4 cup (Choose your preferred amount.)
Sliced Mozzarella Cheese
6 ounces (For topping the chicken before baking.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
In a large plastic bag, combine the flour, seasoned salt, and ground pepper. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake well to evenly coat the chicken.
3
In a large frypan over medium heat, warm the olive oil and melt the butter together.
4
Add the coated chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown the chicken on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a prepared 2-quart shallow baking dish.
5
In the same frypan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and tender, about 3-4 minutes.
6
Stir in the sliced mushrooms, pasta sauce, and sliced olives. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes.
7
Pour the warm sauce mixture generously over the browned chicken in the baking dish.
8
Top with layers of sliced mozzarella cheese, ensuring to cover the chicken adequately.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Olive-Mozzarella Chicken Bake?
It is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in seasoned flour, sautéed, and baked in a rich pasta sauce with olives, mushrooms, and melted mozzarella cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the chicken for browning?
Combine flour, seasoned salt, and ground pepper in a plastic bag, add the chicken pieces, and shake to coat evenly.
What fats are used to sauté the chicken?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/4 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
The chicken should be browned on all sides for approximately 5-7 minutes per batch.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 2-quart shallow baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How long should the onion and garlic be sautéed?
Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and tender.
What ingredients make up the sauce mixture?
The sauce is made by stirring sliced mushrooms, pasta sauce, and sliced olives into the sautéed onion and garlic.
How long should the sauce simmer before baking?
The sauce mixture should be brought to a gentle simmer for 5-6 minutes while stirring occasionally.
What kind of olives are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 3/4 cup of sliced pimento-stuffed olives.
What type of cheese is used as a topping?
Six ounces of sliced mozzarella cheese are used to cover the chicken before baking.
How long is the baking time?
The dish should bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Should the dish rest after being removed from the oven?
Yes, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
How much flour is required for the chicken coating?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour.
How much seasoned salt is needed?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt, or regular salt to taste.
What amount of ground pepper is suggested?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
How many chicken breasts are needed?
The recipe uses 6 boneless chicken breasts cut into large chunks.
How much garlic should be used?
You should use 1-2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic, depending on your preference.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
One medium yellow or white onion, chopped, is recommended.
Are the mushrooms fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce can of sliced mushrooms, drained.
How much pasta sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of pasta sauce, which is approximately one 14-ounce jar.
Can I use homemade pasta sauce?
Yes, you can use either homemade sauce or a store-bought jar.
What are the suggested serving options?
This dish is delicious served with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a perfect weeknight meal.
What texture does the mozzarella cheese provide?
The mozzarella melts to form a gooey topping that envelops the chicken and sauce.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for sautéing.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features Mediterranean flavors, including briny olives, earthy mushrooms, and savory garlic and onion.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting family meal and a crowd-pleaser.