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One breezy Sunday afternoon, my grandmother’s kitchen echoed with laughter and tantalizing aromas. That’s where I first fell in love with homemade Italian cuisine. The centerpiece of our family gatherings? Her legendary chicken with marinara sauce is an easy chicken recipe that never fails to bring smiles to our faces.
As we gathered around the table, plates laden with this hearty family dinner, I realized that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about savoring simple, quality ingredients and the love that goes into cooking. Let me share this tradition with you, so you too can create cherished memories around a delicious meal.
Introduction to the Best Chicken with Marinara Sauce Recipe
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’ll be sharing one of my family favorite recipes,
perfect for those who adore classic Italian flavors.
This Chicken with Marinara Sauce recipe celebrates the heart and soul of Italian cooking.
It’s a staple in my home, known for its tender chicken and savory, homemade marinara sauce.
It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings families together. Every bite is a trip to Italy.
This recipe embraces simplicity and quality ingredients, essential to any great dish.
Let me guide you through the secrets of creating a meal that brings joy to your table.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you’ll find the steps easy and enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create authentic, mouthwatering chicken with marinara sauce, the ingredients play a pivotal role. Let’s break down the must-haves into main ingredients, seasonings and herbs, and additional components.
Main Ingredients
Start with the freshest ingredients for the best results. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
Seasonings and Herbs
The secret to a flavorful dish lies in its seasoning. Utilize these to bring out rich, enticing flavors:
- 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs (a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Components
Round out your recipe with some extra sauce components to enhance the overall flavor and texture.
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chicken with Marinara Sauce
Welcome to the heart of crafting the perfect Chicken with Marinara Sauce! In this kitchen guide, I’ll show you essential cooking techniques, sauce preparation, and all the recipe steps needed to combine your ingredients flawlessly.
Preparing the Chicken
Begin your culinary journey by preparing the chicken. Make sure to trim any excess fat and pat the chicken breasts dry. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian herbs.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside while you prepare the marinara sauce.
Making the Marinara Sauce
The magic truly begins with proper sauce preparation. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Sauté finely chopped onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together beautifully.
Combining Everything
Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the marinara sauce, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the rich flavors of the sauce.
Serve your masterpiece hot, topped with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.
Follow these steps, and you’ll master this dish effortlessly. With these cooking techniques, your kitchen guide is complete, leading you to a delicious, homemade Chicken with Marinara Sauce!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken with Marinara Sauce Recipe
When it comes to completing your chicken with marinara sauce recipe, the right accompaniments can elevate your entire meal. From delicious pasta pairings to Italian-inspired sides, here are my top recommendations.
Pairing with Pasta
Pasta pairings are a classic choice to complement the rich flavors of marinara sauce. I love to serve this dish with al dente spaghetti or linguine. These options allow the sauce to cling to the pasta, creating a harmonious bite every time. Fettuccine and penne are also great choices that soak up every drop of sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes to Complement
Complementing this dish with Italian-inspired sides can bring variety to your plate. A crisp Caesar salad with a sprinkle of Parmesan is a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the marinara sauce. Garlic bread or a rustic, crusty baguette works wonders for mopping up any remaining sauce. For a heartier option, consider serving steamed vegetables or a simple Caprese salad drizzled with balsamic glaze. These accompaniments add depth and balance to your meal.
By considering these pasta pairings and side dishes, you will create a memorable, well-rounded dining experience that celebrates the flavors of Italy.
Cooking Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Dish
Achieving recipe perfection isn’t just about following steps; it’s about embracing culinary secrets. Let me share some cooking advice that will elevate your chicken with marinara sauce.
First, always use high-quality, fresh ingredients. Fresh chicken and ripe tomatoes make a world of difference in flavor.
Next, sear your chicken at medium-high heat to lock in the juices. This creates a tender, flavorful base for your dish.
Don’t rush the marinara sauce. Simmer it slowly to let the flavors meld beautifully. Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
For a richer taste, incorporate a splash of red wine into your sauce. It adds depth and complexity.
Lastly, let the chicken rest after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, making each bite incredibly succulent.
These tips, along with personal touch and passion, ensure not just recipe perfection but a memorable culinary experience every time you cook.
Chicken with Marinara Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- List of Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can of crushed tomatoes 28 ounces
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs basil, oregano, and thyme mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional Components:
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preparing the Chicken:
- Trim excess fat from chicken breasts and pat dry.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian herbs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Making the Marinara Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed.
- Sauté chopped onions until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, and stir in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combining Everything:
- Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the marinara sauce.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve hot, topped with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of our culinary journey, I hope you’re as excited as I am about trying this authentic chicken with marinara sauce recipe. Summing up our adventure, we’ve delved into selecting the finest ingredients, crafting a rich marinara sauce, and perfectly balancing flavors to create an unforgettable dish.
In my final thoughts, I’d like to highlight the simple joys of homemade Italian cooking. There’s something incredibly satisfying about sharing a lovingly prepared meal with family and friends. This dish not only bursts with authentic flavors but also brings everyone together around the table.
So, here’s my invitation to cook: Don your apron, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the rewarding process of making this recipe your own. Embrace every step, from preparing the chicken to savoring the last bite. Buon appetito!