This Chicken and Mozzarella Polenta Bake Recipe combines tender chicken with creamy polenta and melted mozzarella for a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s an excellent choice for a family dinner or a cozy gathering.
The recipe is simple to follow and features basic cooking techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
Delicious Chicken and Mozzarella Polenta Bake
This dish features layers of seasoned chicken, creamy polenta, and gooey mozzarella cheese baked to perfection. It takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup polenta (cornmeal)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Polenta: In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Gradually whisk in the polenta, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Assemble the Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, spread half of the polenta mixture on the bottom. Layer the cooked chicken on top, then add the remaining polenta. Top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g