Spoon Marinara And These 4 Ingredients Over Chicken for Easy Baked Dinner

Introduction

When you need a dinner that practically makes itself, it is hard to beat a dish where you simply spoon marinara and these 4 ingredients over chicken. I am talking about a five ingredient baked chicken that comes out tender, cheesy, and full of flavor with almost no hands on time. This is the kind of weeknight recipe that saves you after a long day. Just a jar of good marinara, some mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning transform plain chicken breasts into something special. You get a rich sauce, melted cheese, and juicy meat all from one baking dish. It is easy to adapt and uses pantry staples you probably already have.

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Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of roasted vegetables, this meal comes together quickly. I have made it countless times, and it never fails to satisfy. Let me show you exactly how to do it.

5 Ingredient Oven Baked Sliced Chicken Breast Parmesan

This recipe strips chicken Parmesan down to its essentials. No breading, no frying, no complicated steps. Just sliced chicken breasts topped with marinara and cheese, then baked until bubbly. It is perfect for busy families, meal prep, or anyone who wants a comforting dinner without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts)
• 1 cup jarred marinara sauce (choose a high quality brand for best flavor)
• 1 cup shredded low moisture mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

That is it. Five main ingredients plus a few pantry basics. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like heat.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
3. Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
4. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the prepared dish. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
5. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
6. Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken, spreading it to cover each piece.
7. Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning over the sauce.
8. Top with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
9. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer.
10. For a golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely so it does not burn.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices inside.

The result is juicy chicken with a rich tomato cheese sauce. Serve over hot pasta, rice, or alongside a crisp green salad.

Variations & Tips

This dish is very forgiving. Here are some easy ways to change it up and my best tips for success.

Easy Variations

• Add crunch: Sprinkle 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs or panko over the cheese before baking.
• Use chicken thighs: Boneless skinless thighs work great and stay even moister. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Add vegetables: Tuck sliced zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach around the chicken. Toss them with a little olive oil and salt first.
• Go spicy: Use a spicy arrabbiata marinara or add red pepper flakes.
• Creamier version: Dollop a spoonful of ricotta or cream cheese over the chicken before adding the mozzarella.
• Dairy free: Omit the cheeses and use a thick layer of seasoned breadcrumbs, or try a vegan mozzarella shred that melts well.
• Lower sodium: Choose a low sodium marinara sauce and reduce the added salt.

Pro Tips for the Best Bake

• Use a meat thermometer. This is the only way to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken. Insert it into the thickest piece and pull the dish when it reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Do not overcook. Chicken breast dries out fast. The 25 to 30 minute window at 375 degrees Fahrenheit is usually spot on, but ovens vary.
• Rest before serving. Letting the dish sit for 5 minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute and makes the chicken more tender.
• Fresh herbs make a difference. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the dish right before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Leftovers keep well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

One of my favorite tricks is to use a high quality jarred marinara instead of spending time on homemade sauce. Look for one with simple ingredients and no added sugar. It shaves off prep time without sacrificing taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oven Baked Sliced Chicken Breast Parmesan

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🍗 A no-fuss baked chicken Parmesan with just 5 main ingredients — no breading or frying needed.
🧀 Tender chicken cutlets topped with marinara, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan for an easy weeknight dinner.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts)

1 cup jarred marinara sauce

1 cup shredded low moisture mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1-Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.

2-Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.

3-Slice the chicken: Slice chicken breasts horizontally into 1/2-inch cutlets.

4-Arrange and season the chicken: Arrange chicken in a single layer and season with salt and pepper.

5-Add the garlic: Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the chicken.

6-Spoon the marinara: Spoon marinara over chicken, covering each piece.

7-Season with Italian herbs: Sprinkle dried Italian seasoning over the sauce.

8-Top with cheese: Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

9-Bake the dish: Bake uncovered 25–30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and chicken reaches 165°F.

10-Broil for a golden top: Broil 1–2 minutes until golden, watching closely.

11-Rest before serving: Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌡️ Use a meat thermometer to pull the dish when the thickest piece reaches 165°F — this guarantees juicy chicken.
⏱️ Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking so the juices redistribute and the chicken stays tender.
🍅 Choose a high-quality jarred marinara with simple ingredients and no added sugar for the best flavor with minimal effort.

• Author: Ruby Bennett
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dishes
• Method: Oven Baked
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet with toppings
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 49g
• Cholesterol: 110mg