Chicken with Marinara Sauce : Chicken with marinara sauce is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s simple, flavorful, and can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress guests, this Chicken Marinara recipe will meet your needs. In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to make the best chicken with marinara sauce while exploring tips for variations, serving suggestions, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken with Marinara Sauce Recipe
Chicken with Marinara Sauce is an Italian-inspired dish that’s rich in flavor and easy to prepare. Marinara sauce, made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a variety of herbs, complements the juicy chicken perfectly. The best part? You can make it all in one pan, cutting down on prep time and cleanup!
Here are a few reasons why this recipe is a favorite:
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavorful – The marinara sauce brings a burst of rich, tangy flavor to the chicken.
- Versatile – It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even a simple salad.
- Healthier Option – By using lean chicken breast, this dish is lower in calories and full of protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. Here’s a simple list to get you started:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce (or homemade marinara sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for cheesy variation)
For a homemade marinara sauce, you can make it from scratch using tomatoes, garlic, onion, olive oil, herbs, and a bit of sugar to balance the acidity.
How to Make Chicken with Marinara Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These simple seasonings bring out the best in the chicken while allowing the marinara sauce to shine.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Marinara Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce. Scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken, as this will add extra flavor to the sauce. Add the dried oregano and basil, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
If you’re using store-bought marinara sauce, you can enhance its flavor by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, fresh garlic, or a bit of sugar if it’s too acidic. For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of red wine!
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the marinara sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. If you like a cheesy chicken marinara, now is the time to add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the chicken is tender, the sauce has thickened slightly, and the cheese has melted.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has developed a rich, flavorful taste, serve it with your favorite side dish. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For a full Italian meal, serve it with pasta or even roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Best Chicken with Marinara Sauce
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley make a world of difference in flavor. Add them at the end of cooking to keep their freshness intact.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or top the chicken with sliced jalapeños before serving.
- Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative and will bring extra juiciness to the dish.
- Homemade Marinara Sauce: If you have the time, try making your own marinara sauce. It’s easy, and it gives you control over the ingredients.
- Add Veggies: Try adding sliced bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the marinara sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Variations of Chicken with Marinara Sauce
Chicken Parmesan
For a twist on this recipe, you can turn it into Chicken Parmesan by breading the chicken breasts before searing them. After searing, top the chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake it in the oven until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Chicken Marinara with Pasta
Serve this chicken over a bed of spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta. The marinara sauce is perfect for soaking into the pasta, making this an ideal dish for pasta lovers.
Low-Carb Option: Chicken Marinara with Zoodles
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, try swapping out traditional pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles). The zoodles soak up the marinara sauce beautifully, making for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving (without cheese):
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g (if serving with pasta)
- Fat: 10g
By adjusting ingredients, such as using less oil or skipping cheese, you can make this dish even lighter.
External Resources
For additional inspiration and recipe ideas, check out these links:
Internal Resources
For more delicious chicken recipes, head over to Recipesify and explore our vast collection of easy and flavorful dishes, including:
This chicken with marinara sauce recipe is a simple yet delicious dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a flavorful meal perfect for busy nights or special occasions. Whether you serve it over pasta, with rice, or even zoodles, it’s sure to be a hit. Experiment with different variations and enjoy this classic Italian dish with your family and friends!
By following this recipe and tips, you can easily master Chicken with Marinara Sauce, making it a staple in your dinner rotation. Don’t forget to visit Recipesify for more fantastic recipes!
