This Italian Chicken Recipe is everything you want in a comforting weeknight dinner: juicy chicken breasts smothered in zesty marinara, bathed in melty mozzarella and Parmesan, and brightened with a sprinkle of fresh basil. It’s pure Italian-inspired coziness in every bite, all baked in a single dish with kitchen staples. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving something thoroughly satisfying, this easy bake brings that classic red-sauce magic straight to your table—without any fuss or fancy steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Italian Chicken Recipe does some heavy lifting—whether it’s building deep flavor, adding creaminess, or providing that irresistible bubbly golden topping. Gather these simple, essential components and get ready for a no-stress, flavor-packed meal.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a hearty yet lean base that soaks up all the Italian flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil keeps the chicken moist and supports the rich, savory undertones.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs (think oregano, basil, thyme) infuses the dish with quintessential Mediterranean fragrance.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming the sauce, perfect for layering in savory depth.
- Onion powder: Just a hint of onion powder rounds out the aromatics, enhancing the overall sauce and chicken flavor.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing out all the flavors in the bake.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground or pre-ground, it delivers just the right touch of heat and zing.
- Marinara sauce: Opt for your favorite store-bought or homemade variety; it’s the saucy, tangy anchor of this recipe.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to form a stretchy, gooey blanket over your chicken—absolutely necessary!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan introduces sharp, salty complexity and that iconic golden top when baked.
- Fresh basil or parsley: A finishing flourish of green that adds both color and a pop of freshness to the Italian Chicken Recipe.
How to Make Italian Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray—this keeps cleanup easy and ensures your chicken won’t stick as it bakes. Gathering everything ahead makes the rest of the process a breeze!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry and rub them all over with the tablespoon of olive oil. Next, sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Flip each piece to really work those flavors into the meat, coating both sides for the tastiest results.
Step 3: Assemble the Italian Chicken Recipe
Lay the seasoned chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish, nestling them in side by side. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast—don’t worry if the sauce pools at the edges, that just means more for spooning over later!
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through, registering 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer. Keeping it covered at this stage locks in moisture for perfectly juicy chicken every time.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping
Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over each chicken breast, spreading them out to cover all surfaces. Pop the dish back into the oven (uncovered now) for another 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and lightly browned in spots.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let your Italian Chicken Recipe rest for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with plenty of fresh basil or parsley to add that final pop of color and freshness. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
How to Serve Italian Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of torn fresh basil or chopped parsley is all you need to bring brightness and color. For even more flavor, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving. These little touches make your Italian Chicken Recipe look as wonderful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cheesy, saucy chicken begs for something that can mop up all that goodness. Serve it over a simple bed of al dente pasta, fluffy white rice, or alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter touch. Garlic bread is always a winner and lets you savor every last bit of marinara and melty cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, slice the baked chicken into thick strips and layer them over cooked zoodles or sautéed spinach for a lower-carb spin. For parties, cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks and skewer them with mozzarella for a fun twist on classic Italian Chicken Recipe appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them (sauce included) to an airtight container. The Italian Chicken Recipe will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag with a bit of sauce. The cheese might lose a little of its gooey stretch, but all that flavor holds up beautifully for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm leftover chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil to keep everything moist, for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in short bursts, adding extra marinara if things look dry. The key is not to overcook so the chicken stays tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay super juicy and are just as delicious. You may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes since thighs are thicker, so always check that they reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
What’s the best marinara sauce for this Italian Chicken Recipe?
Use your favorite store-bought brand or make homemade marinara if you have the time. Look for a sauce with minimal added sugar and robust tomato flavor—this will make the whole dish sing. Garlic, basil, and oregano notes are a bonus!
Can I prep this dish ahead?
Definitely! You can season and assemble the chicken with sauce in the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. When you’re ready to cook, pull it out about 20 minutes before baking to take the chill off and proceed as directed.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, this Italian Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten free, as there’s no breading or flour involved. Double-check your marinara sauce ingredients just to be safe, since some brands may add traces of gluten.
How can I add extra veggies?
Easy! Layer in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach on top of the chicken before adding the sauce. They become sweet and tender as everything bakes, adding color and nutritional variety to your Italian Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Give this Italian Chicken Recipe a try and see how effortlessly it turns a handful of everyday ingredients into something truly special. It’s warm, cheesy, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for casual dinners or when you crave a taste of Italy at home. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Italian Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Chicken Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken breasts with flavorful Italian seasonings, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season Chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble: Place seasoned chicken in the baking dish and pour marinara sauce over each piece.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Add Cheese: Remove foil, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over chicken, and bake uncovered for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Rest for a few minutes, garnish with basil or parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad.
- You can customize by adding mushrooms or olives before baking.
- Store-bought or homemade marinara sauce both work well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
