Chicken Marinara

There’s something about the aroma of a bubbling pot of Chicken Marinara that draws me into the kitchen every time. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of family dinners and cherished gatherings. I remember the first time I made it for my loved ones; the look of joy on their faces as they dug into the creamy sauce and tender chicken was priceless. Every bite seemed to melt away the worries of the day, reminding me just how special home-cooked meals can be. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s an invitation to create a moment worth savoring together.

Main Ingredients for Chicken Marinara

The ingredients for Chicken Marinara are simple yet essential for a delightful meal. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering flavor and texture that harmonizes beautifully. Let’s dive into what makes up this scrumptious dish.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, these tender pieces soak up all the flavors from the marinara sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and add richness to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with classic Italian flavor.
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the chicken’s natural flavors.
• ¾ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top of the chicken, adding creamy texture.
• Basil ribbons: A lovely garnish that adds a fresh note to the dish.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a rich aroma and depth of flavor to the sauce.
• 28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes: The base of the marinara sauce, providing sweetness and acidity.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Complements the tomatoes and enhances the overall flavor.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the flavors of the sauce.
• 3 sprigs fresh basil: Infuses the sauce with fresh, aromatic flavor.

The Process for Making Chicken Marinara

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s talk about the process of making Chicken Marinara. This dish comes together beautifully, with each step building layers of flavor. Follow along with me as we create a comforting meal that’s sure to impress!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is the perfect temperature to ensure the chicken cooks evenly while the cheese melts beautifully on top.
2. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear. Once dry, rub both sides with one tablespoon of olive oil, then season generously with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about four minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. You want that beautiful color to develop!
4. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate. In the same skillet, add two tablespoons of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for about one minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
5. Next, add in the whole peeled tomatoes, oregano, and kosher salt. Use the back of a spoon to mash the tomatoes slightly. This will help create a lovely sauce texture.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add in the fresh basil sprigs. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about ten minutes. The flavors will deepen and meld beautifully during this time.
7. After simmering, remove the basil sprigs from the sauce. Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each breast to keep it moist.
8. Now, it’s time to top the chicken with the freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. Don’t be shy; add more if you love cheese!
9. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about seven to ten minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
10. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil ribbons before serving!

Tips and Variations

Here are some great tips and variations to consider when making your Chicken Marinara. Each suggestion can help customize the dish to your taste.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze Chicken Marinara for up to three months. Just ensure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: This dish goes perfectly with spaghetti or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with eggplant or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Cheese Variations: Try using provolone or gouda instead of mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
• Fresh Herbs: Don’t hesitate to toss in extra fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness.

What to Pair With Chicken Marinara

Pairing Chicken Marinara with the right sides can enhance your dining experience. Here are some suggestions to consider:

• Garlic Bread: A must-have! The buttery, crispy bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious marinara sauce.
• Pasta: Spaghetti or fettuccine complements the dish wonderfully, making it a hearty meal.
• Salad: A fresh garden salad balances the richness of the chicken and sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans provide a healthy and colorful addition to your plate.
• Wine Pairing: For those who enjoy wine, a light white wine pairs beautifully with this dish (if applicable).
• Occasion: Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even hosting friends during game nights.
• Seasonal Side: In summer, consider a fresh corn salad, while in winter, roasted root vegetables would be a great match.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken Marinara is a heartwarming dish that brings people together around the table. With its combination of tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the wonderful flavors and memories it creates!

Chicken Marinara

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Marinara combines tender chicken with a savory marinara sauce, topped with melted cheese. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. You'll want to make it tonight!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ¾ cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese or more to taste
• Basil ribbons to garnish
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes (1 large can)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 sprigs fresh basil

Equipment

• Oven-Safe Skillet

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is the perfect temperature to ensure the chicken cooks evenly while the cheese melts beautifully on top.
2. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear. Once dry, rub both sides with one tablespoon of olive oil, then season generously with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about four minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. You want that beautiful color to develop!
4. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate. In the same skillet, add two tablespoons of olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook for about one minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
5. Next, add in the whole peeled tomatoes, oregano, and kosher salt. Use the back of a spoon to mash the tomatoes slightly. This will help create a lovely sauce texture.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add in the fresh basil sprigs. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about ten minutes. The flavors will deepen and meld beautifully during this time.
7. After simmering, remove the basil sprigs from the sauce. Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each breast to keep it moist.
8. Now, it’s time to top the chicken with the freshly shredded mozzarella cheese. Don’t be shy; add more if you love cheese!
9. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about seven to ten minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
10. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil ribbons before serving!

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze Chicken Marinara for up to three months. Just ensure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: This dish goes perfectly with spaghetti or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with eggplant or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Cheese Variations: Try using provolone or gouda instead of mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
• Fresh Herbs: Don't hesitate to toss in extra fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness.

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Meet Tessa Gray

I’m the “Poppy” I bring a touch of brightness and artistry to our kitchen. As our head baker, I specialize in wild-yeast sourdough and delicate pastries that use seasonal fruits and edible flowers. While I love baking, I’m also always helping Chloe and Maya cook our savory dishes. I believe every hearty meal deserves a beautiful, sweet finish!