Easy Baked Chicken Marinara
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ pounds chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup fresh basil
for garnish
- Fresh buttered noodles
for serving, optional
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over high heat.
- 3
Season the chicken breast with half of the salt and Italian seasoning. Sear seasoned-side down for 4 minutes. Season the top-facing side of the chicken breast with the rest of the salt and Italian seasoning.
- 4
Flip the chicken breast and then pour the marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the mozzarella, cover, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for 10 more minutes.
- 5
Garnish with fresh basil and cracked black pepper, and serve with fresh buttered noodles!
Easy Baked Chicken Marinara
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Looking for a weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together with minimal fuss? This Easy Baked Chicken Marinara delivers tender, flavorful chicken bathed in rich sauce and topped with bubbly cheese, perfect for a satisfying meal you'll want to make again and again.
The elegance of this dish lies in its simple yet profoundly effective technique: searing the chicken breasts first is key. This initial step isn't just about browning; it locks in essential juices and builds a deep foundational flavor that carries through the entire cooking process. Following the sear, a comforting blanket of robust marinara sauce and a generous layer of freshly grated mozzarella complete the transformation in the oven. This method ensures remarkably juicy, tender chicken and a perfectly golden, bubbly cheese crust without any risk of drying out.
You can expect a wonderfully comforting meal with this Easy Baked Chicken Marinara. Imagine perfectly seared chicken breasts, juicy and tender, bathing in a rich, robust marinara sauce. As it bakes, the sauce's flavors meld beautifully with the savory chicken, and a generous topping of freshly grated mozzarella transforms into a golden, bubbly crust. Each bite offers a delightful combination of savory chicken, tangy marinara, and creamy, melted cheese, creating a truly satisfying experience. This dish captures classic Italian-inspired comfort, making it a perfect centerpiece for a cozy dinner.
This Easy Baked Chicken Marinara is a delightful dish as is, showcasing its core flavors. The fresh basil garnish adds a bright, aromatic finish, but you can omit it if preferred. For serving, while fresh buttered noodles are an excellent and classic choice, you could also enjoy the flavorful chicken and sauce on its own.
This comforting chicken marinara is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a relaxed family meal. Serve it warm, perhaps alongside those optional fresh buttered noodles, letting the bubbly cheese and savory sauce take center stage for a truly delightful experience.