Baked Chicken Marinara Recipe

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Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (8 ounces each)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce (e.g., Raos)
• 8 ounces low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
• 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves
• Cooked pasta, for serving (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Gather all your ingredients.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) with racks in the upper and lower third positions.

Step 3: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt and Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 6: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and place it in the lower third of the preheated oven.

Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F (74C) when tested with a thermometer.

Step 9: Remove the skillet from the oven, take off the foil, and increase the oven temperature to broil.

Step 10: Once the broiler is preheated, return the skillet to the upper third of the oven. Broil for 2 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned in spots.

Step 11: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve the chicken with cooked pasta, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (1/4 of the recipe):

• Calories: 614
• Total Fat: 18g (23% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 4g (18% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 207mg (69% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 2084mg (91% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 17g (6% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 5g (17% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 11g
• Protein: 91g (182% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 4mg (5% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 637mg (49% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (23% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 1283mg (27% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Baked Chicken Marinara

Baked Chicken Marinara is a comforting Italian-American dish that combines succulent chicken breasts with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Its roots trace back to the mid-20th century when Italian immigrants in the United States adapted traditional recipes to suit available ingredients and home cooking methods. While classic Italian cuisine often features simpler preparations with fresh herbs and lighter sauces, the baked version emphasizes ease, heartiness, and the use of the oven for convenience, making it perfect for busy households.

Regional Variations

Although Baked Chicken Marinara is widely enjoyed across the United States, it shows subtle regional differences. In Northern states, cooks often prefer a thicker, creamier marinara, sometimes enriched with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese. Southern adaptations might include a spicier tomato base with crushed red pepper or paprika, reflecting the regions love for bolder flavors. Coastal areas occasionally incorporate fresh seafood-inspired twists or herbs like oregano and thyme to complement local tastes.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike Chicken Parmesan, which is typically breaded and fried before baking, Baked Chicken Marinara uses unbreaded chicken that is pan-seared and finished in the oven. This method creates a lighter dish while still providing a golden exterior and tender interior. Additionally, the focus on layering marinara and mozzarella in the same skillet allows flavors to meld naturally, distinguishing it from recipes where sauce and cheese are added after baking.

Where Its Commonly Served

Baked Chicken Marinara is versatile and appears in a variety of settings. It is a staple on family dinner tables, often accompanied by pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. Many Italian-American restaurants feature it as a main entre, highlighting its comforting, home-style appeal. It also appears at casual gatherings and potlucks due to its simplicity, minimal cleanup, and broad popularity among both children and adults.

Interesting Facts

• Marinara sauce, the key ingredient, originated in Southern Italy and traditionally combines tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Its name comes from marinaro, meaning of the sea, although the sauce itself contains no seafood.
• Baked Chicken Marinara offers a high-protein meal while keeping carbohydrates relatively low, making it a favorite for balanced dinner options.
• The dishs appeal lies in its adaptability: it can be prepared with different types of cheese, herbs, or even a mix of vegetables for added nutrition.
• In the U.S., it has become so popular that some families consider it a Sunday dinner tradition, serving it alongside pasta as a hearty, comforting centerpiece.
• The broiling step at the end of cooking, which lightly browns the cheese, is an American addition that enhances both the visual appeal and texture of the dish.

FAQ about Baked Chicken Marinara Recipe

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