Pic Credit: food.com
This chicken marinara recipe is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or an easy meal prep option. It combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful marinara sauce that’s packed with herbs and spices.
Unlike chicken cutlets, this dish focuses on simmering juicy chicken breasts in a homemade marinara sauce, making it a simple yet satisfying meal. Best of all, you can pair it with pasta, rice, or even serve it on its own with a side of crusty bread.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 kg)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or storebought)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
MEASURES & PRECAUTIONS
- Ensure that the chicken breasts are of even
thickness to ensure they cook evenly. You can pound them lightly if needed. - If using storebought marinara sauce, check the label for added sugars or preservatives if you prefer a healthier option.
- Make sure the garlic is finely minced to avoid any strong, overpowering bites of raw garlic in the dish.
- Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor, but be careful not to overheat it as it can lose its quality if burned.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese just before using it for the best flavor and texture.
Chicken Marinara Recipe
INGREDIENTS NOTES
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce well. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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If you're making your own marinara sauce, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs like basil and oregano are essential. If you use storebought marinara, make sure it’s one that’s rich in flavor and free from unnecessary additives.
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These are optional but add a nice heat to the dish if you enjoy a bit of spice.
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Grating your own Parmesan adds a richer, more authentic flavor than pregrated cheese, which often contains additives to prevent clumping.
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This is optional but highly recommended for garnish. Fresh basil brings a bright, aromatic finish to the dish that complements the marinara sauce beautifully.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried oregano and basil on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 45 minutes per side until they are golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the chopped onions. Cook for about 34 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, making sure not to let it burn.
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Add the Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine, then add the remaining dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together. You can taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper.
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Simmer the Chicken: Once the sauce is ready, return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the marinara sauce. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for another 1520 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Make sure to turn the chicken breasts once during the cooking process to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
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Garnish and Serve: When the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the sauce. For an extra touch of freshness, garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving.
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
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If you prefer a creamy sauce, you can stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half toward the end of the cooking process. This will give the dish a richer, velvety texture.
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You can add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to this dish for extra nutrition. Sauté them along with the onions for added flavor.
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If you're not in the mood for chicken, this marinara sauce works well with other proteins like shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
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While this recipe is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta. Spaghetti, penne, or even zucchini noodles are great options to serve with this dish.
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For a lowercarb version, serve the chicken marinara with cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of traditional pasta.
EQUIPMENT
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Large skillet
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Sharp knife
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Cutting board
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Measuring spoons
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Wooden spatula
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Cheese grater
Note
SERVING TIPS 💡
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This chicken marinara pairs perfectly with pasta. Spaghetti or penne are classic choices, but you can also use glutenfree or wholewheat options.
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Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
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A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes an excellent side dish to balance out the richness of the marinara sauce.
If you're looking for a quick and flavorful meal, check out this easy Buffalo Chicken Rolls recipe.
