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Low-Carb Cheesy Marinara Baked Chicken

Tender chicken breasts baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan -- a one-dish low-carb dinner ready in 35 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 370
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1.5 cup marinara sauce up to 2 cups; choose no-sugar-added for best results
  • 1.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese freshly shredded from a block preferred
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh basil or parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Meat mallet

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning.
  3. Spread approximately 1/2 cup of marinara sauce in a thin, even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  4. Arrange seasoned chicken breasts over the sauce. Pour remaining marinara over the chicken, covering each breast well.
  5. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the chicken is nearly cooked through and the sauce is bubbling at the edges.
  6. Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over each chicken breast.
  7. Return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. For golden-brown spots, switch to broil for the final 2 minutes. Confirm internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.
  8. Remove from oven and rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheating: Warm covered at 325°F with a spoonful of extra marinara for 12-15 minutes. Variations: Add fresh spinach under the cheese, or top with pepperoni slices before adding cheese for a pizza chicken twist. Serving: Pairs well with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, roasted broccoli, or whole-wheat pasta.