Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy culinary experience? Prepare to be amazed by our Zesty Baked Italian Chicken - a dish so incredibly delicious, it'll have your family begging for seconds! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from an authentic Italian kitchen. Get ready to impress everyone at your dinner table with this foolproof recipe that combines tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella in one irresistible dish!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and develop a nice, golden-brown color.
- While the oven is heating, prepare the chicken thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the skin crisp up during baking.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This enhances the flavor of the chicken and ensures it is well-seasoned.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, pour 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. This will serve as a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the marinara sauce in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning evenly over the chicken thighs. This adds a delicious herby flavor that complements the marinara sauce.
- Cover the chicken thighs with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly over the top. This will create a gooey, cheesy layer as it bakes.
- Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Serve the zesty baked Italian chicken hot, spooning some of the marinara sauce from the bottom of the dish over the chicken for added flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden skin and better flavor absorption.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the most authentic Italian taste - it makes a huge difference!
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish to allow even heat circulation and proper cooking.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in those delicious juices.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving.
- Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to complete your meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 335kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 100mg
