Italian Chicken Breast with Marinara Sauce
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Category: Chicken Breast
Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Less than 4 hours
Description
This Italian-inspired chicken breast dish is an irresistible combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken topped with a rich, savory marinara sauce. Served best with pasta—whether you choose bow-tie pasta, rigatoni, fettuccini, or spaghetti—this dish is perfect for family dinners or any occasion that calls for a hearty, comforting meal. Pair it with a fresh, crisp salad and some crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Dried parsley flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves | 8 pieces |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 large |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Diced tomatoes | 8 oz |
| Tomato sauce | 1 1/4 cups |
| Green bell peppers (chopped) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Dried rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano leaves | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 687.2 kcal |
| Fat Content | 26.3 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 11.2 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 184.3 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1489.3 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 59.8 g |
| Fiber Content | 6.1 g |
| Sugar Content | 12 g |
| Protein Content | 53 g |
Instructions
For the Chicken Breasts:
-
Prepare the Coating Mixture:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, dried parsley flakes, grated Parmesan cheese, and a packet of Italian dressing mix. This mixture will create a flavorful and cheesy crust for the chicken. -
Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until smooth and well-combined. -
Coat the Chicken:
Place the remaining cup of flour in another shallow bowl. Take each chicken breast, first coating it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip the chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the cheese mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly covered with the cheesy coating. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat about 1/8 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
For the Marinara Sauce:
-
Prepare the Sauce Base:
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper. Sauté the mixture for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the vegetables are soft and aromatic. -
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried rosemary, dried oregano leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
To Serve:
-
Assemble the Dish:
To serve, cook your chosen pasta (bow-tie, rigatoni, fettuccini, or spaghetti) according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is ready, place it in a large pasta bowl or serving platter. Pour some of the marinara sauce over the pasta to coat it generously. -
Add the Chicken:
Lay the cooked chicken breasts on top of the pasta. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is generously covered with the flavorful sauce. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the delicious, hearty flavors of this Italian chicken dish with pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired, and don’t forget to add a side salad and crusty bread for the perfect meal.
Tips & Variations:
- Cheese Variations: For a slightly different flavor, you can substitute the mozzarella with provolone cheese or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Add Veggies: If you prefer a heartier marinara, you can add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce as it simmers.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce to give it a nice heat.
This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a satisfying and flavorful meal. The combination of crispy chicken with a rich marinara sauce offers a comforting, Italian-inspired dinner that will surely become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a cozy night in with your family, this dish promises to deliver hearty, savory goodness in every bite.
