There’s something so comforting about baked chicken dishes. If you need more delicious hearty meals in your life, add these other recipes to the dinner lineup: honey butter baked chicken, parmesan chicken, and caprese chicken!
Baked Chicken Marinara
Chicken marinara is a simple, no-fuss dinner that’s an instant hit with everyone at the table. It’s simple chicken breasts made irresistible—coated in Italian spices, breaded, and smothered in a homemade marinara sauce. Then the melted mozzarella cheese on top is the perfect finishing touch! Another reason why chicken marinara is the best? It’s super easy to make. From prepping the chicken to adding the sauce, the steps are simple. But what you get is a meal that’s super tasty for everyone. Serve it over your favorite pasta and with some breadsticks– your family will be begging for seconds!
Ingredients Needed
From juicy chicken breasts to flavor-packed Italian seasoning and, of course, the melty cheese, these are the essentials to create this hearty chicken marinara! Check out the recipe card below for exact measurements. This recipe is Picky Eater Approved!
Chicken Breasts: The main protein of the dish. You can also use chicken thighs if you want! Eggs: Help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. They also make the outside nice and crispy! Panko Breadcrumbs: Special breadcrumbs that are crunchier and make the chicken coating more textured and crispy. All-Purpose Flour: Mixed with the breadcrumbs to create the coating. Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs like oregano and basil that give the dish tasty Italian flavors. Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that make the chicken taste even better. Vegetable Oil: The oil that makes the chicken crispy and golden when frying. Marinara Sauce: I recommend using homemade marinara sauce, but your favorite jarred marinara will also work. Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that’s gooey and creamy. Parmesan Cheese: A salty, aged cheese that adds extra flavor. The perfect finishing touch! Uncooked Pasta: I used spaghetti noodles, but any type of pasta will work here. Penne pasta is another great option because it traps all the tasty, cheesy sauce.
Let’s Make Chicken Marinara!
Grab those ingredients, because it’s time to make a knockout dinner! Chicken marinara is SO good. Simple to make, super hearty, and packed with cheesy tomato flavor. Even picky eaters in your family will be licking their plates.
Prepping the Chicken
Creating Chicken Marinara
Searing is Key: Give those chicken breasts a quick sear in the skillet before you bake them! It locks in the juiciness and adds a nice golden color. Add Cheese Last: Don’t forget to sprinkle the cheese on top towards the end of baking! It’s the perfect golden, bubbly finishing touch. Add Red Pepper Flakes: If you want your dish to have a little heat, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes! When to Start Cooking Your Pasta: Start boiling your pasta once you take the foil off your chicken marinara and then pop it back in the oven. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after it’s done baking. It helps the juices redistribute for the perfect tender texture.
To Reheat: Pop your chicken in the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals, or add to a baking dish and warm for about 15 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
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