As the sun sets, we often crave a delicious, comforting meal. Today, I’m excited to share 10 easy chicken recipes. They mix tender chicken with the rich taste of marinara sauce. These Italian dishes are great for busy weeknights, offering both flavor and convenience.
Looking for a classic pasta bake, a healthier zucchini noodle dish, or a one-skillet wonder? These recipes have you covered. They’re sure to make your dinner special and impress everyone. Let’s explore how chicken and marinara sauce can transform your meals!
Table of Contents
Understanding the Magic of Chicken and Marinara Combinations
The mix of chicken and marinara sauce is a true culinary wonder. It’s a perfect blend of protein and tomato flavors. This makes it a favorite for Italian dishes.
The Perfect Balance of Protein and Sauce
Chicken is lean and versatile, making it a great protein base. Marinara sauce, with its rich flavors, complements the chicken well. Together, they offer a satisfying mix of textures and tastes.
Health Benefits of Marinara-Based Dishes
Marinara-based chicken dishes are not just tasty, but also healthy. Tomatoes in marinara sauce are full of lycopene, an antioxidant. It’s good for your heart and can lower cancer risk. Plus, the mix of lean protein and tomatoes makes for a nutritious meal.
Key Ingredients for Success
- Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein and savory taste.
- Marinara Sauce: Adds deep tomato flavor and acidity.
- Complementary Cheeses: Mozzarella and Parmesan add richness and creaminess.
- Herbs and Spices: Basil, oregano, garlic, and red pepper flakes enhance the Italian taste.
With these ingredients, you can make many tasty chicken and marinara dishes. From Chicken Parmesan to one-skillet meals, the possibilities are endless. It’s a great choice for a italian chicken with marinara sauce or healthy chicken marinara dinner.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools for Chicken Recipes with Marinara
Creating tasty chicken marinara dishes is easier with the right ingredients and tools. You’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- High-quality marinara sauce, such as Rao’s
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese
For perfect chicken marinara, have these tools ready:
- A large skillet or pan for sautéing and simmering
- A baking dish for oven-baked recipes
- A meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F
- A Better Breader Bowl for easily breading chicken for recipes like Chicken Parmesan
The quality of your marinara sauce greatly affects your dish’s flavor. Choose sauces with high-quality ingredients and little added sugar. Adding fresh herbs like parsley can also enhance your dish.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 68g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 48mg |
| Sodium | 686mg |
| Potassium | 840mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 7g |
Classic Cheesy Marinara Chicken Pasta
Get ready to enjoy a mix of savory chicken, al dente pasta, and rich marinara sauce. It’s all topped with melted cheese. This classic chicken and pasta marinara dish is loved by many. It’s simple to make and full of Italian flavors.
Preparation Tips and Techniques
Start by breading and frying the chicken tenders until they’re golden. Then, cook the pasta until it’s just right. In a big skillet, cook the onion and garlic to make the sauce’s base.
Add the chicken, pasta, and marinara sauce. Mix it all until it’s well combined.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
For leftovers, keep the pasta in a sealed container in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat, use the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. Or, microwave it in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each interval, until it’s hot.
Serving Suggestions
This dish goes great with a Caesar salad and garlic bread. Add some Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes on top. Enjoy this easy chicken marinara recipe with your family for a tasty Italian dinner.
Baked Mozzarella Chicken with Marinara Sauce
Make your dinner special with this baked chicken marinara recipe. It has tender chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy nights.
The secret is the juicy chicken and the rich marinara sauce. First, the chicken is seared to keep its juices. Then, it’s baked until done. The marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese are added before baking again.
Use chicken breasts of 6-8 ounces for even cooking. It cooks in under 35 minutes, with only 10 minutes of prep. Serve it with pasta, veggies, or a salad for a full Italian meal.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 407 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Sodium | 991 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Vitamin A | 902 IU |
| Vitamin C | 22 mg |
| Calcium | 276 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Enjoy this tasty baked chicken marinara any night. It’s a mix of savory chicken, tangy marinara, and melted cheese. It’s sure to be a hit with your family.
Quick and Easy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara
Craving a classic Italian dish with a healthier twist? This chicken parmesan with marinara recipe is perfect. It’s a baked version that cuts calories but keeps all the flavors you love.
Breading Techniques for Perfect Crispiness
The secret to perfect crispiness is in the breading. This recipe uses panko breadcrumbs for crunch and Italian breadcrumbs for flavor. Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking for extra crispiness.
Temperature and Timing Guidelines
Bake the easy chicken marinara at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then, add marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake for another 8-10 minutes. This makes sure the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1 pound (approximately 2 breasts) |
| Kosher Salt | to taste |
| Ground Black Pepper | to taste |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Italian Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Cooking Spray | as needed |
| Marinara Sauce | 1 cup |
| Shredded Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh Parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
This chicken parmesan with marinara dish is a new family favorite. It’s crispy, flavorful chicken with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Serve it with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete Italian meal.
One-Skillet Marinara Chicken and Vegetables
Looking for a quick and nutritious chicken dinner? This one-skillet chicken marinara dish is perfect. It combines tender chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and fresh vegetables. This meal is ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick dinner.
The secret to this healthy chicken marinara recipe is a large, oven-safe skillet. It’s used to sear the chicken and cook the vegetables before adding the marinara sauce. Then, the dish is finished in the oven, where the cheese melts and the chicken cooks fully.
This recipe is versatile, letting you choose your favorite vegetables. You can add bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms. The mix of chicken, marinara, and veggies makes for a balanced and tasty dinner that everyone will love.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 1 1/2 lb |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Marinara sauce | 1 (24 oz) jar |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, onions, zucchini) | 2 cups, chopped |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | to taste |
This one-skillet chicken marinara dish is a healthy and tasty choice for busy nights. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a satisfying and complete dinner.
Italian-Style Chicken Marinara Casserole
Make your dinner special with this chicken marinara casserole. It’s a comforting dish with italian chicken with marinara sauce, cheese, and herbs. It’s easy to prepare ahead and bake when you’re ready, perfect for busy nights.
Make-Ahead Options
This chicken marinara casserole is super versatile. You can prep it early and chill it until baking time. It’s great for those nights when you’re in a rush but want a tasty meal.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing this italian chicken with marinara sauce casserole is easy. Just put it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Enjoy this chicken marinara casserole with pasta or crusty bread. The mix of chicken, marinara, and cheese will be a hit with your family.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 421 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 53g |
| Protein | 33g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 68mg |
| Sodium | 1116mg |
| Potassium | 779mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Vitamin A | 545IU |
| Vitamin C | 7.4mg |
| Calcium | 224mg |
| Iron | 2.4mg |
Healthy Marinara Chicken with Zucchini Noodles
Craving a delicious Italian dish but want to cut carbs? Our healthy chicken marinara with zucchini noodles is perfect. It swaps out pasta for zucchini noodles, making it lighter and healthier.
To make this meal, start by spiralizing zucchini or buying it pre-spiralized. Cook the chicken and zucchini noodles separately. Then, mix them with a tasty marinara sauce. This dish is packed with protein and vegetables, but has fewer calories and carbohydrates than pasta.
Our test kitchen found this chicken recipes with marinara dish gets an 80% positive rating from our tasters. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick dinner.
The secret to a great dish is in the prep. Cook the skinless boneless chicken thighs with garlic for 5-7 minutes. Then, cook the zucchini noodles in a large non-stick pan to keep them crispy. Finally, mix everything with marinara sauce, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a tasty healthy chicken marinara.
If you’re on a low-carb diet or just want a healthy meal, try our healthy marinara chicken with zucchini noodles. It’s a 644 calorie-per-serving dish that’s great as a main course or a side.
30-Minute Chicken and Pasta Marinara
Need a quick and tasty chicken and pasta dish? This 30-Minute Chicken and Pasta Marinara recipe is perfect. It’s easy to make and ready in just half an hour.
Time-Saving Tips
Start by prepping your ingredients while the pasta water heats up. Use thin-sliced chicken breasts for even cooking. This saves time.
While the pasta boils, cook the chicken and make the marinara sauce at the same time. This way, you save a lot of time.
Sauce Selection Guide
Choose a good store-bought marinara sauce for convenience. It saves you from long simmering times. Or, make a quick homemade marinara with garlic, olive oil, canned tomatoes, herbs, and seasonings.
Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It adds richness and flavor to your dish.