Love this Chicken Marinara? Don’t miss my Baked Spaghetti with Cream Cheese or the zesty Pineapple Sweet and Sour Chicken—both are dinner favorites! If you’ve been looking for a recipe to knock it out of the park for family dinner or impress your dinner guests, this Chicken Marinara recipe is about to become your go-to.
Why Chicken Marinara Is a Winner
Chicken Marinara is more than just a dish; it’s a full-on experience. Think about it: crispy, golden-brown chicken topped with gooey mozzarella and tangy marinara sauce, paired with perfectly cooked pasta. Yeah, it’s basically happiness on a plate.
This recipe is also pretty straightforward—no fancy techniques or impossible-to-find ingredients. With just a little time and effort, you’ll have a meal that feels like it came straight out of an Italian trattoria. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on rotation for when you’re craving something hearty but also special enough for entertaining.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This Chicken Marinara recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough to serve at a dinner party. The crispy chicken, the creamy cheese, and the rich marinara—it all comes together in a way that’s irresistible. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the toppings, add extra herbs, or even swap out ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Chicken Marinara
Wondering when to whip up this dish? Here are some ideas:
- Family dinners: It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will both enjoy.
- Date nights: Nothing says romance like Italian comfort food.
- Potluck gatherings: Easy to transport and always a hit.
- Sunday meal prep: Make a batch and enjoy it for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Key Techniques for Success
If you’re new to making Chicken Marinara or just want to get it perfect, keep these tips in mind:
- Double-coat for extra crunch: If you love a crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for an extra-thick layer.
- Don’t skip resting the chicken: Letting the breaded chicken sit for a few minutes before frying helps the coating stick better and ensures an even crust.
- Layer your flavors: Use a high-quality marinara and don’t skimp on the cheese—these details make the dish shine.
Nutrition and Variations
Want to adapt this dish to your dietary needs or preferences? Here are some ideas:
- Make it gluten-free: Swap out the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives.
- Go low-carb: Serve the chicken with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Boost the veggies: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to the marinara before baking for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Add some spice: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara or the breadcrumb mixture for a little kick.
A Brief History of Chicken Marinara
Chicken Marinara is a dish inspired by the classic Italian tradition of combining fresh ingredients like tomatoes, herbs, and cheese with hearty proteins. While not a traditional dish from Italy, it’s a testament to Italian-American cuisine’s creativity and adaptability. The addition of crispy breaded chicken to marinara sauce was likely a natural evolution of recipes like Chicken Parmesan, and it has since become a staple on dinner tables across the United States.
Ingredients You’ll Need
From juicy chicken breasts to flavor-packed Italian seasoning and, of course, the melty cheese, these are the must-have ingredients to create this hearty Chicken Marinara! With every ingredient, the flavors build, making this dish unforgettable. Don’t forget to check out the recipe card below for exact measurements and tips.
- Chicken Breasts: The main protein of the dish, tender and juicy. Alternatively, chicken thighs can work great for a slightly richer flavor.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the breadcrumbs to the chicken. They also add that satisfying crispiness to the exterior.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These special breadcrumbs are crunchier and give the chicken a textured, extra-crispy coating.
- All-Purpose Flour: Combines with the breadcrumbs to create a perfect, golden-brown crust.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano and basil that infuse the chicken with bold Italian flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple but necessary, these seasonings enhance all the other ingredients.
- Vegetable Oil: Ensures the chicken fries up crispy and golden every time.
- Marinara Sauce: Homemade marinara is ideal for fresh, bold flavors, but a high-quality jarred sauce works in a pinch.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, gooey, and the perfect melting cheese for this dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: A nutty, salty addition that adds depth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Uncooked Pasta: Spaghetti is classic, but penne is also a fantastic choice—it holds onto the sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
How to Make Chicken Marinara
Ready to get cooking? Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate Chicken Marinara.
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by prepping the chicken breasts. If they’re thick, you might want to pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Plus, it ensures that the breading cooks up nice and golden.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In one bowl, whisk your eggs. In another, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Finally, place the flour in a third bowl. This three-step breading process will give you that perfect crispy coating. Setting up your station ahead of time makes the process seamless.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, dip it into the eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick. Don’t rush this step—the better coated the chicken, the crispier it will be.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if needed. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. The aroma at this point will be irresistible!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Place the fried chicken on top, then spoon more marinara over each piece. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese generously over the chicken. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like an Italian restaurant.
Step 6: Cook Your Pasta
While the chicken is baking, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to salt the water—it makes a big difference in flavor. Drain the pasta and toss it with a little marinara sauce to coat. This way, every bite is full of flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the pasta, top it with a piece of cheesy, saucy chicken, and garnish with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. Then dig in! Pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Making It Quicker
I get it—sometimes you don’t have all day to cook. Here are a few shortcuts:
- Use store-bought marinara: If you’re short on time, a high-quality jarred marinara works great.
- Skip frying: If you’re looking for a slightly lighter (and quicker) option, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 25 minutes instead of frying.
- Pre-shredded cheese: Grabbing pre-shredded mozzarella and parmesan saves a few minutes without sacrificing flavor.
- Prep in advance: Bread the chicken earlier in the day and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Chicken Marinara
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and cheesy Chicken Marinara recipe with crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese, served over pasta. Perfect for dinner and guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 24 ounces homemade marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 16 ounces uncooked pasta
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Set Up Breading Station: In separate bowls, prepare flour, whisked eggs, and a breadcrumb mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bread Chicken: Coat chicken in flour, dip into eggs, and press into breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Assemble & Bake: Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish, place fried chicken on top, add more marinara, and top with mozzarella and parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken bakes, cook pasta according to package instructions. Toss with marinara sauce.
- Serve: Plate pasta, add chicken on top, and garnish with basil if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes in the marinara.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking and frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with pasta
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Chicken Marinara, Easy Dinner Recipes, Crispy Chicken, Italian Comfort Food
FAQs About Chicken Marinara
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add a slightly different flavor to the dish. Just make sure they’re boneless and cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Honestly, it’s all about personal preference. Spaghetti is a classic choice, but penne or rigatoni hold up really well under the sauce and cheese.
Yes! You can fry the chicken and assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, then bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Yep! Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container (but don’t bake it yet). Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, pre-breaded chicken tenders or cutlets can be a quick alternative. Just make sure to bake or fry them before layering with marinara and cheese.
Garlic bread, a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or even a creamy Caesar salad are all excellent options to round out the meal.
Kids often love a simpler version of this dish. Consider serving it without extra herbs or spices and using smaller pasta shapes like macaroni or mini penne.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Chicken Marinara is the kind of dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to hit the spot every single time. So grab your apron, whip up a batch, and let the magic happen. And hey, don’t forget to share your results with friends and family—this one’s too good to keep to yourself.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your tips, tweaks, and how much your family loved it. Happy cooking!
