Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce & Cheese:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Optional:
- Olive oil spray
Let’s Talk Chicken Prep: Setting the Stage for Perfection
Okay, friend, before we even *think* about breading, let’s talk chicken. The key to tender, evenly cooked Baked Chicken Parmesan is starting with chicken breasts that are the same thickness. You don’t want some parts drying out while others are still raw. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Pound It Out: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This tenderizes the chicken and ensures even cooking.
- Pat it Dry: Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts completely dry. This helps the breading adhere better. Trust me, this step is important!
The Breadcrumb Blitz: Achieving Crispy Perfection
Now for the breading! This is where the magic happens. We’re aiming for a golden-brown, crispy coating that complements the tender chicken and cheesy topping. Here’s how we make it happen:
Setting Up Your Breading Station:
This is all about organization. You’ll need three shallow dishes or pie plates:
- Dish 1: Flour – for a dry base that helps the egg stick.
- Dish 2: Beaten Eggs – acting as the glue for the breadcrumbs.
- Dish 3: Breadcrumb Mixture – the crispy, flavorful coating.
Making the Breadcrumb Magic:
- In a medium bowl, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Chicken to Cheesy Dream
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to assemble the best Baked Chicken Parmesan you’ve ever tasted:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Bread the Chicken: Working with one chicken breast at a time, dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Bake: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray (optional, but it helps with browning). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Add the Sauce & Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spread about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Top with about 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese per breast.
- Melt & Bubble: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil (if using). Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions: Make it a Meal!
Baked Chicken Parmesan is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when paired with some delicious sides. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Pasta Perfection: Serve over your favorite cooked pasta – spaghetti, linguine, or penne all work great. Toss the pasta with extra marinara sauce for a complete meal.
- Garlic Bread Bliss: Warm, crusty garlic bread is a must-have for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken parmesan.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast some broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
Troubleshooting Tips: Because We’ve All Been There
Even the best recipes can sometimes have hiccups! Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:
- Breading Isn’t Sticking: Make sure you’re patting the chicken dry before breading. Also, pressing the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken is key.
- Chicken is Dry: Don’t overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the oven immediately. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness also helps prevent dryness.
- Cheese Isn’t Melting Evenly: Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed over the chicken breasts. You can also broil it for a minute or two at the end to get it extra bubbly, but watch it carefully to prevent burning!
Variations: Spice it Up!
Want to put your own spin on this classic dish? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce.
- Herb Heaven: Add some dried thyme, rosemary, or sage to the breadcrumb mixture for a more complex flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Add a layer of thinly sliced eggplant or zucchini under the chicken for a heartier meal.
- Pesto Power: Spread a thin layer of pesto under the marinara sauce for a burst of fresh flavor.
More Chicken Parmesan Inspiration: Explore the Possibilities
If you love Chicken Parmesan, you’re in luck! There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this classic flavor combination. Why not try Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan for a quicker, crispier version? Or, for an even easier family meal, check out Chicken Parmesan Casserole. You can even enjoy the flavors in a wrap with these Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella Wraps! If you’re looking for a lighter take, try Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken, or the amazing Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce. Of course, you can always come back to this Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe!
Storage & Reheating: Making the Most of Your Leftovers
If you happen to have any Baked Chicken Parmesan leftover (which is a big “if” in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storage: Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the breading may not be as crispy.
So there you have it! A simple, satisfying, and downright delicious Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Get in the kitchen and get cooking, friend! You won’t regret it!
Why is it important to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness?
Pounding the chicken to a 1/2-inch thickness ensures even cooking, preventing some parts from drying out while others remain raw. It also tenderizes the chicken.
What is the best way to ensure the breading sticks to the chicken?
Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels before breading. This helps the flour and egg adhere properly. Also, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken.
How do I store and reheat leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is also an option, but the breading may not be as crispy.
What can I serve with Baked Chicken Parmesan to make a complete meal?
Baked Chicken Parmesan is delicious served over pasta with marinara sauce, with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
Perfect Baked Chicken Parmesan
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- 3 shallow dishes or pie plates
- Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
- Plastic wrap or zip-top bag
- Medium bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Spatula
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 6-8 ounces each
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil optional
- Olive oil spray optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Pound each chicken breast to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.
- Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumb mixture.
- In a medium bowl, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Working with one chicken breast at a time, dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray (optional).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spread about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Top with about 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese per breast.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil (if using). Serve immediately.
