Easy Mozzarella Chicken

Easy Mozzarella Chicken

This easy mozzarella chicken uses a shortcut with frozen chicken tenders, air-fried and then assembled in a casserole with jarred marinara and mozzarella cheese. Baked until bubbly, it's a simple, family-friendly dish.

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

Directions

1. Preheat an air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a large casserole dish.
2. Place the frozen chicken pieces in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry until golden, about 13 minutes. You may need 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 the 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 the oven and nestle the chicken tenders into the sauce. If desired, spread the remaining marinara sauce over the tenders. Place the cheese slices evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake until the cheese is golden and melted, about 15 minutes. Add cut basil strips to the top for garnish. Serve immediately.