Cheesy Chicken Marinara Bake
Indulge in this hearty Cheesy Chicken Marinara Bake, featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich spaghetti sauce and topped with ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish not only satisfies your cravings but also delights your taste buds with its savory flavors. Serve it alongside your favorite pasta or a fresh side salad for a complete meal everyone will love.
4
Servings
160
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (trimmed of any excess fat)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for browning chicken)
spaghetti sauce
680 ml (store-bought or homemade)
mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2
Add the trimmed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
3
Once the chicken is browned, pour the spaghetti sauce over the chicken.
4
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, allowing the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
5
Uncover the skillet and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
6
Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted bubbling.
7
Serve hot, optionally over a bed of pasta or alongside a fresh salad.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
3g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken Marinara Bake?
It is a hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich spaghetti sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, spaghetti sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
How many calories are in each serving?
There are approximately 160 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 12.5g of protein.
How many grams of fat are in this dish?
There are 7.5g of fat per serving.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, it contains only 3g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for browning the chicken.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
The recipe uses 680 ml of either store-bought or homemade spaghetti sauce.
How much mozzarella cheese should I add?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How do I brown the chicken?
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side.
What is the required internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How long does the chicken simmer in the sauce?
The chicken should simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes over low heat.
How do I melt the mozzarella cheese?
Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
What are some suggested side dishes?
This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad or a bed of your favorite pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and an easy dinner option.
Can I use homemade marinara?
Yes, the recipe allows for either store-bought or homemade sauce.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
It is categorized under Italian cuisine.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is explicitly tagged as a comfort food dish.
Can I substitute the chicken breasts?
While the recipe specifies breasts, you could use other cuts like thighs, though cooking times may vary.
Do I need to trim the chicken?
Yes, it is recommended to trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts before cooking.
Can I add other toppings?
While the recipe focuses on mozzarella, you could add herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
What heat setting is used for browning?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat for browning.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
The heat should be reduced to low once the sauce is added.
How long is the total cooking time?
Total active cooking time is approximately 35-40 minutes.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The specific sugar content is not listed, though it would depend on the sauce used.
Is there fiber in this dish?
The fiber content is not specified in the nutritional information.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you could substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or monterey jack.
Should the skillet be covered during simmering?
Yes, the instructions state to cover the skillet while the chicken simmers in the sauce.