If you’re looking for a meal that’s pure comfort, family-friendly, and bursting with Italian flavors, this Italian Chicken Recipe will quickly become a weeknight staple in your kitchen. Imagine tender chicken breasts, perfectly seasoned with a blend of classic herbs, nestled under a blanket of marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. The result is a mouthwatering dish that’s simple to make, yet feels like a special treat every time you serve it. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or just craving something delicious after a long day, this Italian Chicken Recipe checks all the boxes for taste, ease, and pure satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Italian Chicken Recipe such a crowd-pleaser is its reliance on a handful of pantry staples that work together beautifully. Each ingredient brings its own magic, from the juiciness of the chicken to the aromatic herbs and the irresistible cheesy finish.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless pieces for quicker cooking and easy serving; pat them dry for the juiciest results.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the seasonings stick to the chicken while keeping everything moist during baking.
- Garlic powder: Offers that signature garlicky warmth without any chopping needed.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor and brings a gentle sweetness to the seasoning blend.
- Dried basil: Gives a classic Italian aroma and a slight peppery kick.
- Dried oregano: Adds earthiness and depth that’s essential in Italian-inspired dishes.
- Dried thyme: Provides a subtle lemony note that brightens up the chicken.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Just enough for a gentle heat and balance.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for a tangy, saucy base.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that classic stretchy cheese effect.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and helps the cheese brown perfectly.
- Fresh basil or parsley: For a pop of color and herby freshness as a garnish (optional, but so pretty!).
How to Make Italian Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Take a minute to lightly grease your baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. This step sets you up for success and ensures your Italian Chicken Recipe bakes evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these together before seasoning the chicken ensures every bite is packed with balanced Italian flavor.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to help the olive oil and seasoning stick. Rub each piece with olive oil, then coat them generously with your herb blend. This step is where the magic really starts, infusing the chicken with tons of flavor.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Arrange your seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over the top of each piece, making sure every bite will be saucy and flavorful. Cover the dish with foil to keep the chicken moist as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake and Add Cheese
Bake your chicken in the oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over each chicken breast. Pop the dish back in, uncovered, for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature is the goal!).
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let your Italian Chicken Recipe rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping your chicken tender and juicy. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Italian Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats the vibrant touch of fresh herbs on top of this dish. A handful of chopped basil or parsley not only adds beautiful color, but also brightens up the flavors, making your Italian Chicken Recipe look as irresistible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with all sorts of sides. Classic pasta, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad make wonderful partners, soaking up that extra marinara and cheese. For a lighter option, try serving it over zucchini noodles or alongside steamed broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy, try slicing the chicken and layering it over toasted garlic bread for a fun twist, or serve it sliced on top of a bed of creamy polenta. It’s also fantastic tucked into a crusty roll for an Italian-inspired chicken sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Italian Chicken Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the chicken cool completely before storing to preserve its moisture and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! After cooling, wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Italian Chicken Recipe in a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 15 minutes. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but covering it with a damp paper towel will help prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Italian Chicken Recipe. They’re just as flavorful and often even juicier. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a few extra minutes to reach the right temperature.
What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Any good-quality jarred marinara sauce will do, or you can use your own homemade version. Look for one with simple ingredients and plenty of tomato flavor, since it’s a key part of this Italian Chicken Recipe’s appeal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You sure can! You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the baking dish a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the chill.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Italian Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your marinara sauce and cheeses to make sure they don’t contain any hidden gluten, especially if serving to someone with celiac disease.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Italian Chicken Recipe enough—it’s the kind of meal you’ll turn to again and again for its simplicity, big flavors, and sheer comfort. Give it a try and watch it become a star on your dinner table. Happy cooking!
Print
Italian Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Chicken Recipe features juicy, baked chicken breasts seasoned with classic Italian herbs and spices, topped with marinara sauce and a delicious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare and pairs well with pasta or vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauces and Cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub each breast with olive oil, then evenly coat them with the seasoning blend to infuse flavor.
- Assemble for Baking: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece to cover thoroughly. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in.
- Bake Covered: Bake the chicken covered for 20 minutes to allow it to cook through while staying moist.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Serve alongside pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh side salad to complete your meal.
- For a variation, add sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts; adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
