Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that's both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to prepare? Look no further than this sensational Easy Italian Baked Chicken! In just 40 minutes, you'll transform simple chicken thighs into a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine tender, juicy chicken smothered in rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a flavor explosion that's sure to become your new go-to weeknight dinner sensation!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the chicken thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, pour the marinara sauce, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This will serve as a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the marinara sauce. This allows the flavors to meld together as the chicken cooks.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the chicken thighs. This will infuse the chicken with aromatic Italian flavors.
- Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken thigh, ensuring they are well-covered. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cover the skillet or baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the chicken moist while it bakes, preventing it from drying out.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial baking time allows the chicken to cook through.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly and slightly golden.
- Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is melted and golden, remove the dish from the oven.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy chicken.
- Serve the Easy Italian Baked Chicken hot, spooning some of the marinara sauce from the bottom of the dish over the chicken. Pair it with pasta, a side salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and perfect browning.
- Use fresh, high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor profile.
- Don't skip the resting time after baking - it helps keep the chicken incredibly juicy.
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh chopped basil or oregano on top before serving.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
- If you want a more golden cheese topping, switch to the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile - feel free to swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 263kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 73mg
