Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work wonderfully in this recipe. For even cooking, either pound them to an even thickness or slice larger breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly - use your meat thermometer to determine doneness.

How can I make my own marinara sauce for this recipe?

Making homemade marinara is simple! Sauté one diced onion and 3-4 cloves minced garlic in olive oil until soft. Add a 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon each of dried oregano and basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Use this in place of jarred sauce for an extra special touch.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the chicken and sauce in your baking dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving for best results.

What's the best way to tell when the chicken is done cooking?

A meat thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked chicken. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F, but I recommend removing it from the oven at 155°F before adding cheese and broiling, as it will continue cooking to reach the safe temperature through carryover cooking and the broiling step.

Chicken Marinara Recipe

Name: Chicken Marinara Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 32 ounces marinara sauce, divided (1 jar); 12 boneless, skinless chicken tenders; 2-3 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish); Chopped fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish); 16 ounces dry spaghetti (1 box)

This family-favorite Chicken Marinara is a restaurant-quality meal that comes together with minimal effort. Tender chicken tenders nestled in rich marinara sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, all served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s an Italian-inspired comfort dish that’s ready in less than an hour – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something spectacular – no fancy shopping required!
Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters will devour this dish. The combination of tender chicken, rich marinara, and melty cheese is absolutely irresistible.
Weeknight Wonder: Despite looking and tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen, this meal comes together in under an hour with minimal hands-on time.
Restaurant Quality: This dish rivals what you’d get at your favorite Italian restaurant, but at a fraction of the cost.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Marinara Sauce: The foundation of flavor in this dish – use a good quality jar for best results. The rich tomato flavor infuses the chicken as it bakes.
Chicken Tenders: Perfect for even cooking and ideal portion sizes. They stay juicy and tender while baking in the sauce.
Spaghetti: The classic pasta pairing for marinara sauce. It soaks up all that delicious sauce beautifully.
Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, stretchy top layer that everyone fights over. Freshly shredded melts much better than pre-shredded.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish that elevates the entire dish. The nutty flavor complements the marinara perfectly.
Fresh Basil: Optional but highly recommended for that fresh pop of color and flavor that brings everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious twists on this classic:

Protein Swap: Try using chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness), chicken thighs, or even turkey cutlets.
Pasta Options: While spaghetti is classic, this works beautifully with fettuccine, linguine, or even penne.
Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the marinara for extra nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into your marinara sauce for a spicier version.
Cheese Variations: Try using provolone or fontina instead of (or alongside) the mozzarella for different flavor profiles.

How to Make Chicken Marinara

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 2: Arrange Chicken and Add Sauce

Place the chicken tenders evenly in the casserole dish on top of the sauce layer. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-covered.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 155°F at this stage.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken bakes, cook your spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping

Once the chicken reaches 155°F, remove the dish from the oven and switch to BROIL. Place a generous mound of mozzarella on each chicken piece and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Broil and Finish

Return to the oven and broil just until the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly. Watch carefully as this happens quickly! The chicken should reach a final temperature of 160-165°F.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving over the cooked spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cheese Strategy: Shred your own mozzarella rather than using pre-shredded. The anti-caking agents in packaged shredded cheese prevent that perfect melt.
Sauce Matters: While any marinara will work, choosing a high-quality sauce with minimal ingredients makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time – no more guessing or cutting into your chicken to check!
Pasta Timing: Start your pasta water when the chicken has about 15 minutes left to bake so everything finishes at the same time.
Broiler Watch: Don’t walk away during the broiling step – cheese can go from perfectly melted to burnt in seconds.

How to Serve

This Chicken Marinara shines as the star of your dinner table. Here are my favorite serving suggestions:

Main Meal

Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of spaghetti, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. The presentation is stunning with the golden, cheese-topped chicken nestled against the pasta.

Side Dishes

Pair with garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf to soak up extra sauce. A simple green salad with Italian dressing makes the perfect accompaniment.

Drink Pairings

A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato sauce beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or a crisp iced tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chicken marinara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the pasta separately from the chicken and sauce for best results.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Freeze the chicken and sauce (without pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. The cheese topping may change texture slightly but will still be delicious.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the microwave until warmed through, or cover with foil and heat in a 325°F oven until hot. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Always prepare fresh pasta for serving with reheated chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work wonderfully in this recipe. For even cooking, either pound them to an even thickness or slice larger breasts horizontally into thinner cutlets. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly – use your meat thermometer to determine doneness.
How can I make my own marinara sauce for this recipe?

Making homemade marinara is simple! Sauté one diced onion and 3-4 cloves minced garlic in olive oil until soft. Add a 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon each of dried oregano and basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Simmer for 20-30 minutes. Use this in place of jarred sauce for an extra special touch.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the chicken and sauce in your baking dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving for best results.
What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is done cooking?

A meat thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked chicken. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F, but I recommend removing it from the oven at 155°F before adding cheese and broiling, as it will continue cooking to reach the safe temperature through carryover cooking and the broiling step.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Marinara recipe has been my go-to for years when I need something comforting yet impressive. The simplicity of the ingredients lets their natural flavors shine, while the melty cheese topping creates that wow factor that makes everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight – I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!