Chicken Marinara
Indulge in the comforting, Italian-inspired flavors of Chicken Marinara, a hearty dish that combines tender, golden-seared chicken breasts with a robust homemade marinara sauce. This recipe features a delectable blend of garlic, onion, and crushed tomatoes simmered to perfection, complemented by fragrant Italian seasoning and fresh basil leaves. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella and nutty Parmesan, this oven-baked delight is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over al dente pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the rich, savory sauce. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this easy Chicken Marinara recipe delivers gourmet flavors with minimal effort, making it a must-try for chicken and cheese lovers alike!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- for serving (optional) cooked pasta or crusty bread
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet.
Sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir in the Italian seasoning and red chili flakes (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the fresh basil leaves to the sauce and stir. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is fully coated in the sauce.
Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the oven (if it's oven-safe) or transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with additional basil leaves, if desired, and serve over cooked pasta or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2794 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 127.3 g | 163% | |
| Saturated Fat | 53.4 g | 267% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 798 mg | 266% | |
| Sodium | 5847 mg | 254% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 112.4 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.0 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.7 g | ||
| Protein | 292.8 g | 586% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 1935 mg | 149% | |
| Iron | 13.2 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 1974 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
