🍗 Easy Baked Chicken Marinara

This dish is a crowd-pleasing classic that combines juicy chicken breasts with savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s essentially a simpler, healthier version of Chicken Parmesan without the breading and frying.

⏱️ Details

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25–30 minutes

Servings: 4

🛒 Ingredients

The Chicken

4 Large Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)

2 tbsp Olive Oil

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Dried Oregano

1/2 tsp Onion Powder

Salt and Black Pepper to taste

The Toppings

2 cups Marinara Sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1.5 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Fresh Basil or Parsley for garnish

Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

2. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, pound them to an even thickness (about 1 inch) to ensure even cooking. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season generously with garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Arrange and Sauce

Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top of each breast, ensuring they are well-covered to keep the meat moist while baking.

4. Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes.

5. Add Cheese

Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the sauced chicken. Return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Internal Temp Check: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Garnish and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley.