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.
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Servings: 12
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 Rao’s Homemade®)
- 1 (16 ounce) package fresh mozzarella cheese slices
- sliced fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Steps
- 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.
- 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.
- Meanwhile, place mozzarella cheese slices between parchment paper and roll thin with a rolling pin; set aside.
- Pour half of marinara sauce into the prepared casserole dish.
- 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.
- Bake until cheese is golden and melted, about 15 minutes. Add cut basil strips to the top for garnish. Serve immediately.
