Baked Chicken Marinara: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal
Baked Chicken Marinara is a classic Italian-American dish that’s both comforting and simple to make. It features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a flavorful marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner because it requires minimal prep time and uses readily available ingredients. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love.
## Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Marinara Recipe
* **Easy to make:** This recipe requires only a few simple steps and basic ingredients.
* **Quick:** From prep to plate, this dish can be ready in under an hour.
* **Delicious:** The combination of tender chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese is irresistible.
* **Versatile:** You can customize the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.
* **Family-friendly:** This is a meal that both kids and adults will enjoy.
* **Perfect for meal prep:** Baked Chicken Marinara reheats well, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:
* **Chicken breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* **Marinara sauce:** 24-26 ounces of your favorite marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
* **Mozzarella cheese:** 8 ounces, shredded
* **Parmesan cheese:** ¼ cup, grated
* **Olive oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Dried oregano:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried basil:** 1 teaspoon
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black pepper:** To taste
* **Optional garnishes:** Fresh basil leaves, parsley, red pepper flakes
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Baking dish:** A 9×13 inch baking dish
* **Large skillet:** For searing the chicken (optional)
* **Mixing bowl:** For seasoning the chicken
* **Measuring cups and spoons**
* **Meat thermometer:** To ensure the chicken is cooked through
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make this delicious Baked Chicken Marinara:
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.
**Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional)**
While searing the chicken is optional, it adds a beautiful color and extra flavor. If you prefer to skip this step, you can go directly to Step 3.
1. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches.
3. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, just seared on the outside.
4. Remove the seared chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside.
**Step 3: Assemble the Dish**
1. Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce (about ½ cup) into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and add flavor.
2. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on top of the marinara sauce.
3. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce.
5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella cheese.
**Step 4: Bake the Chicken**
1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Remove the aluminum foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
4. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
1. Remove the baked chicken marinara from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, parsley, or red pepper flakes, if desired.
3. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
## Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Marinara
* **Use high-quality marinara sauce:** The flavor of the marinara sauce will greatly impact the overall taste of the dish, so choose a sauce that you enjoy.
* **Don’t overcook the chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness:** This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
* **Sear the chicken for extra flavor:** Searing the chicken before baking adds a beautiful color and extra flavor.
* **Use freshly grated cheese:** Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
* **Add vegetables:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish, such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your liking:** Taste the marinara sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more garlic, oregano, basil, or other herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
* **Let the chicken rest before serving:** Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking will help the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
## Variations and Add-ins
This Baked Chicken Marinara recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking with different variations and add-ins. Here are a few ideas:
* **Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken breasts with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat.
* **Creamy:** Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or mascarpone cheese into the marinara sauce for a creamier texture.
* **Cheesy:** Use a combination of different cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or Asiago.
* **Vegetables:** Add sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the dish.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
* **Wine:** Add a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce for a deeper flavor.
## Serving Suggestions
Baked Chicken Marinara is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Pasta:** Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine.
* **Rice:** Serve with cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Salad:** Serve with a simple salad, such as a Caesar salad or a mixed green salad.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping in the marinara sauce.
## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
**Make-Ahead:**
You can assemble the Baked Chicken Marinara ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Prepare the chicken, layer the ingredients in the baking dish, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.
**Storage:**
Leftover Baked Chicken Marinara can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
**Freezing:**
You can also freeze Baked Chicken Marinara for longer storage. Let the dish cool completely before freezing. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
## Conclusion
Baked Chicken Marinara is a delicious, easy, and family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a comforting and satisfying dish that everyone will love. So, next time you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give this Baked Chicken Marinara recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
## Recipe Card
**Baked Chicken Marinara**
A classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked in flavorful marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 4
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
* 24-26 ounces marinara sauce
* 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
* ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: Fresh basil leaves, parsley, red pepper flakes
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Pound chicken breasts to ½ inch thickness (optional).
3. In a bowl, combine chicken, 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
4. (Optional) Sear chicken in a skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Pour ½ cup marinara sauce into the baking dish.
6. Arrange chicken in the dish, then pour remaining marinara over it.
7. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to brown cheese.
10. Garnish and serve hot.
**Notes:**
* Use high-quality marinara sauce for best flavor.
* Don’t overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer.
* Add vegetables or other cheeses as desired.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Chicken Marinara!