Garlic Knot Chicken Bake: Your New Favorite Cheesy Dinner

Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! If there’s one thing I love, it’s taking two incredible comfort foods and smashing them together into something even more glorious. That’s exactly what we’re doing today with this Garlic Knot Chicken Bake. Imagine tender, juicy chicken swimming in a rich marinara sauce, all topped with golden, buttery garlic knots. It’s a match made in culinary heaven and quickly becoming a staple in my kitchen for those nights when I crave something hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is pure genius because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a true one-dish wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. The combination of savory chicken, tangy marinara, and those irresistible garlic knots makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It’s the kind of comforting meal that feels special enough for a weekend, but easy enough to pull off on a busy Tuesday night. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this incredible Garlic Knot Chicken Bake to life:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 (11.3-ounce) can refrigerated (Pillsbury or similar) biscuit dough, cut into 1-inch pieces (each biscuit cut into 4 pieces)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced (for garlic knots)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for even more tender results. Ground chicken or turkey could also work, just brown them well before adding the sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite homemade marinara if you have some on hand!
• Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan, would be delicious.
• Biscuit Dough: If you can’t find the smaller biscuit cans, you can use a regular-sized can and cut each biscuit into 6-8 pieces.
• Extra Veggies: Want to sneak in more vegetables? Sauté some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onion.
• Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the marinara for a little heat.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prep the Chicken & Sauce Base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven (one that has a lid or can be covered with foil), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine & Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
4. Prepare Garlic Knots: While the chicken simmers, prepare the garlic knots. In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic. Set aside. Take your biscuit dough pieces and lightly toss them in a separate bowl with half of the melted garlic butter.
5. Assemble the Bake: Uncover the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce. Arrange the buttered biscuit pieces on top of the cheese, leaving a little space between each one to allow them to puff up.
6. Bake: Drizzle the remaining melted garlic butter over the biscuit pieces. If you like, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Final Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the biscuit knots are golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot directly from the skillet.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd: When browning the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.
• Biscuit Placement: Arrange the biscuit pieces so they are relatively evenly spaced. This helps them cook through and get that beautiful golden crust.
• Watch the Knots: Keep an eye on the garlic knots during the last few minutes of baking. They can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly.
• Oven-Safe Skillet: Ensure your skillet is truly oven-safe, including its handle, if you plan to transfer it directly from stovetop to oven. A cast-iron skillet works wonderfully here.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Garlic Knot Chicken Bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are some ideas to complement it:

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette will offer a nice fresh contrast to the rich bake.
• Steamed Green Beans: A quick side of steamed green beans or broccoli adds a healthy touch.
• Extra Garlic Bread: If you’re a true garlic bread enthusiast (and who isn’t?), a side of extra garlic bread for dipping into the sauce is always a good idea.
• Beverage Pairings: A crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red like a Sangiovese would pair nicely. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling cider or even just a tall glass of water with lemon is perfect.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of this Garlic Knot Chicken Bake are delicious! Store any cooled portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend using the oven or an air fryer to help the garlic knots crisp up again. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, covering loosely with foil if the knots are browning too quickly.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the ease and comfort of this Garlic Knot Chicken Bake, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other chicken-centric and easy dinner recipes:

• For another fantastic cheesy chicken dish that’s a hit with everyone, try these Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• Looking for a unique appetizer that’s super addictive? These Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive are incredible.
• If you’re craving some serious comfort food with a kick, my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is a must-make.
• And for a flavorful one-pan dinner that’s always a success, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is perfect for busy nights.
• Finally, for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal, you can’t go wrong with these Chicken Enchiladas.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Knot Chicken Bake truly embodies everything I love about home cooking: it’s simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles to faces and happy sighs around the dinner table. Give it a try this week – I promise it won’t disappoint!

What are your favorite comfort food mash-ups? Let me know in the comments below! And for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.