The Starring Role: Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce & Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil cooking spray
Why This Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe Rocks!
Forget the frying! We’re making this a Parmesan Chicken Recipe that’s both healthier and easier to clean up. Baking the chicken allows it to stay incredibly moist while developing a beautifully golden and crispy crust. Plus, it frees up your hands to prep the rest of the meal. We’re making this the ultimate Baked Chicken Parmesan experience.Prep Like a Pro: Before You Get Started
Before diving into the recipe, let’s get organized. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Also, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures they cook evenly and quickly – key for Fast Dinner Recipes. If you don’t have a meat mallet, you can use a rolling pin or even the bottom of a heavy skillet. Just be gentle!Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Setting Up Your Breading Station
- Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour.
- In the second, whisk the eggs.
- In the third, combine the Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 2: Breading the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the egg mixture adhere better.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Finally, press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered on both sides. Press firmly to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection
- Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil cooking spray. This helps them get nice and golden brown.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: The Grand Finale: Adding Sauce and Cheese
- Remove the chicken from the oven.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
- Top with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if using) and serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for Chicken Parmesan Success
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Dry chicken is the enemy! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Use High-Quality Parmesan: The flavor of Parmesan really shines in this dish, so use a good quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
- Customize Your Breadcrumbs: Feel free to add other seasonings to your breadcrumb mixture, such as Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (for a little kick), or onion powder.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce or breadcrumb mixture for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
This Baked Chicken Parmesan is delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:- Pasta: Serve it over spaghetti, linguine, or penne pasta. Toss the pasta with the remaining marinara sauce from the baking sheet for extra flavor.
- Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment to Chicken Parmesan.
- Salad: A simple green salad or Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini are healthy and delicious side options.
Making It Healthy: Lightening Up Your Chicken Parmesan
Craving Chicken Parmesan but watching your waistline? No problem! This recipe can easily be adapted to be a Healthy Chicken Parmesan option. Here’s how:- Use Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: These add fiber and nutrients.
- Choose Lean Chicken: Opt for chicken breast and trim off any excess fat.
- Go Light on the Cheese: Use part-skim mozzarella and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese slightly.
- Load Up on Veggies: Serve your Chicken Parmesan with a large side salad or roasted vegetables to increase your vegetable intake.
- Bake, Don’t Fry: Of course, this recipe already avoids frying, which is a HUGE win!
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make Ahead Tips
Baked Chicken Parmesan is a fantastic dish for meal prepping! You can prepare the breaded chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also assemble the entire dish (sauce and cheese included) and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the chicken is heated through. This makes it a lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you need a Fast Dinner Recipes on the table.Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the crust may not be as crispy.Variations on a Theme: Chicken Parmesan Your Way
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so versatile! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature Chicken Parmesan.- Add Veggies: Layer sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions under the sauce for added flavor and nutrients.
- Use Different Cheeses: Try using provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses instead of mozzarella.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your breadcrumb mixture or marinara sauce.
- Try Different Sauces: Experiment with pesto, vodka sauce, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Masterpiece!
There you have it – the ultimate guide to making the best Baked Chicken Parmesan! This recipe is easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal. Bon appétit!What makes this Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe better than fried versions?
Baking the chicken is healthier and easier to clean up. It also allows the chicken to stay moist while developing a golden and crispy crust.
How can I ensure the chicken cooks evenly?
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch before breading. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
What are some ways to customize the flavor of this Chicken Parmesan?
You can add different seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture, like Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different cheeses, sauces, or add vegetables under the sauce.
How long can I store leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
BEST BAKED CHICKEN PARMESAN EVER
This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy, golden Parmesan crust, all swimming in a rich marinara sauce. Baking the chicken ensures it stays moist while offering a healthier and easier-to-clean alternative to frying. It’s the perfect satisfying and surprisingly easy weeknight meal.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper (or olive oil cooking spray)
- Meat mallet (or rolling pin or heavy skillet)
- 3 shallow dishes
- Whisk
- Oven
- Meat thermometer
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 6-8 ounces each
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil cooking spray.
- Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered on both sides. Press firmly to help the breadcrumbs stick.
- Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil cooking spray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
- Top with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves (if using) and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Customize breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or onion powder. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Add red pepper flakes for spice. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave. To lighten it up, use whole wheat breadcrumbs, lean chicken breast, part-skim mozzarella, and serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables. Make ahead by preparing the breaded chicken up to 24 hours in advance or assembling the entire dish up to 8 hours before baking. Variations include adding vegetables under the sauce, using different cheeses, or trying different sauces.
