Best Cheeses For Chicken Marinara: A Flavorful Guide

Chicken marinara is a delicious and comforting meal that can be made in various ways to suit different tastes and dietary needs. The dish typically consists of chicken pieces coated in a tomato-based marinara sauce and topped with cheese. The type of cheese used can vary, but mozzarella and parmesan are popular choices. Some recipes also include breaded chicken or additional ingredients such as pasta or vegetables. Chicken marinara can be baked in the oven or prepared on the stovetop, making it a versatile and convenient option for a weeknight dinner.

Mozzarella and Parmesan

To make chicken marinara with mozzarella and Parmesan, you can follow these steps:

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Marinara sauce
• Fresh basil
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Method:

• Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• In one bowl, combine flour, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. In another bowl, beat eggs.
• Dip the chicken in the egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown.
• Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with marinara sauce.
• Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
• Bake in the oven at 350-450°F for 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with fresh basil and serve with pasta or garlic bread.

This dish is a tasty and comforting option that is relatively easy to prepare and can be adjusted to your preference. It is a great choice for a family meal or when hosting guests.

Cheddar

Choosing the Right Cheddar

When selecting cheddar cheese for chicken marinara, it's important to choose a variety that will melt well and complement the other flavours in the dish. Mature cheddar or sharp cheddar are good options, as they have a strong flavour that can stand up to the marinara sauce. If you prefer a milder taste, a young or medium cheddar will also work.

Preparing the Cheddar

To prepare the cheddar for melting, grate the cheese using a box grater or a food processor. Grating the cheese will help it melt more evenly and smoothly. You can also cut the cheddar into thin slices, which will melt quickly and evenly when heated.

Adding Cheddar to Chicken Marinara

When adding cheddar to chicken marinara, there are a few methods you can use:

• Sprinkle grated cheddar over the chicken and marinara sauce before baking. This will allow the cheese to melt and form a delicious, crispy crust.
• Mix shredded or grated cheddar into the marinara sauce while it's simmering. This will create a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the chicken.
• For a more subtle cheddar flavour, you can add slices of cheddar to the top of the chicken before baking. This will result in melted, gooey cheese on top of the chicken, adding a delicious flavour to each bite.

Cooking Tips:

• To ensure even melting, it's best to heat the marinara sauce before adding the cheddar cheese. This will help create a cohesive dish without layers of cold sauce.
• If you want to brown the cheddar cheese, using a grill can be a quicker method than baking, but be careful not to overdo it, or the sauce may dry out.
• If you're short on time, you can simply heat the marinara sauce on the stovetop, add the cheddar, and cover until melted.

Ricotta

Choosing the Right Ricotta

For chicken marinara, it is best to use part-skim ricotta cheese. This type of ricotta has a slightly lower fat content, which can make the dish healthier without sacrificing taste. You can also use low-fat or skim ricotta if you prefer, but the sauce may end up a little thinner.

Preparing the Ricotta Mixture

To elevate your chicken marinara, try blending ricotta with other ingredients to create a creamy sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine ricotta with ingredients such as garlic, fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and spinach, and other cheeses like Parmesan or cottage cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This ricotta blend will add a creamy texture and a burst of flavor to your dish.

Using Ricotta in Chicken Marinara

There are a few ways to incorporate ricotta into your chicken marinara:

• Bake it: Spread the ricotta mixture over the chicken before baking. This method creates a delicious, creamy coating on the chicken.
• Simmer it: Stir ricotta into your marinara sauce while it simmers. This adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
• Dollop it: Spoon ricotta directly onto your cooked chicken marinara for a creamy accent.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover chicken marinara with ricotta, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, use a low heat setting in a saucepan or microwave to avoid overcooking the chicken or drying out the ricotta.

Remember, ricotta is a versatile cheese, so feel free to adjust the amounts and methods to your taste. Enjoy experimenting and creating your perfect chicken marinara with ricotta!

Chicken preparation

Chicken marinara is a great dish to make when you're in a hurry. It's a simple, comforting meal that can be made in about 30 minutes. The key is in the ingredients, so take the time to make a homemade marinara sauce and garnish the dish with fresh basil. You can also make the marinara sauce a few days in advance to save time.

To prepare the chicken, start by cutting the chicken breasts in half horizontally. This will give you two even, thin pieces of chicken. You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs, which have more flavour. Pat the chicken dry and season well on both sides with salt and pepper.

Next, you'll need to set up a breading station. Beat some eggs in one shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, and then the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs to adhere.

Add oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until golden but not cooked through.

Now it's time to assemble the dish. Pour a little marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Add the browned chicken and spoon more marinara sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Bake at 450 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve over cooked spaghetti noodles, with extra sauce on the side if desired.

You can also make a chicken marinara pasta dish by cooking pasta according to the package directions and adding it to the skillet with the sauce. Top with cooked chicken and shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Serving suggestions

Chicken marinara is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your chicken marinara:

Pasta

Chicken marinara pairs exceptionally well with pasta, creating a hearty and comforting meal. Simply cook your favourite type of pasta according to the package instructions and toss it with the chicken marinara sauce. You can also serve the chicken marinara on top of the pasta and let the flavours meld together. This option is ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial and filling meal.

Salad and Breadsticks

For a lighter accompaniment, consider serving your chicken marinara with a fresh salad and some breadsticks on the side. A Caesar salad or a mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing can complement the richness of the dish. Breadsticks provide a crunchy texture contrast and are perfect for dipping into the sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables make a great side dish for chicken marinara. Try vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. They add a healthy and colourful element to the plate, and their slightly charred flavour can enhance the overall taste experience.

Garlic Bread

If you want to embrace the Italian flavours of the dish, serving it with garlic bread is a delicious option. The garlicky aroma and taste of the bread will enhance the flavours of the marinara sauce. It also provides a convenient way to mop up any extra sauce on your plate!

Spaghetti Squash

For a gluten-free or lower-carb alternative to pasta, spaghetti squash is an excellent option. Simply roast the squash and use a fork to separate the flesh into strands that resemble spaghetti. Top it with your chicken marinara for a tasty and slightly sweeter take on the classic pasta dish.

Crust Buns

Another creative way to serve chicken marinara is to use it as a sandwich filling. Place the chicken marinara inside crusty buns, similar to a chicken Parmesan sandwich. You can also add extra marinara or pesto sauce for a juicy and flavourful bite. This option is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner and is easy to eat on the go.

Frequently asked questions