The aroma of Baked Chicken Parmesan wafts through the kitchen, swirling around like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly baked until golden brown, smothered in rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese that stretches with every bite. Your taste buds are in for a delightful rollercoaster ride of flavors. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience! Picture yourself enjoying it during a cozy family dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering. The anticipation of digging into that cheesy goodness will have everyone singing your praises before they’ve even taken their first bite. For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy Baked Chicken Parmesan makes meal prep a breeze, allowing for effortless weeknight dinners
- Its irresistible flavor profile will have everyone begging for seconds
- The beautiful presentation makes it perfect for serving guests or enjoying a family feast
- It’s versatile enough to pair with pasta, salad, or even crusty bread for a complete meal
I once made this dish for my family reunion and witnessed several food comas and happy tears—definitely a memorable culinary moment!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano adds authentic Italian flavor to the chicken.
Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for the best results; it truly makes the dish shine.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for fresh mozzarella if possible; it melts beautifully and enhances the overall flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds that extra kick of nuttiness and depth to the topping; don’t skimp on this!
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil helps keep the chicken juicy while adding rich flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and melted cheese.
Fresh Basil (optional): A sprinkle of fresh basil right before serving elevates both appearance and taste; it’s like confetti on your plate!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky disasters.
Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for maximum flavor impact.
Bread the Chicken: In one bowl, beat an egg. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken breast in egg, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture.
Sear for Flavor: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear each breaded chicken breast until golden brown on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side—creating that delicious crust.
Add Marinara Sauce: Once browned, place each chicken breast in your prepared baking dish. Spoon generous amounts of marinara sauce over each piece, ensuring they’re well covered but not swimming.
Melt the Cheeses: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauced chicken breasts evenly. Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. If using fresh basil, sprinkle some on top before serving for added color and freshness.
Now that you’ve mastered Baked Chicken Parmesan! Enjoy every cheesy bite while basking in compliments from friends and family!
You Must Know
- Baked Chicken Parmesan is not just a delicious dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser that can make any dinner feel special
- The crispy coating and gooey cheese create a delightful experience
- Serve it with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal, and watch everyone smile!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bread the chicken, then bake while preparing your favorite marinara sauce for maximum flavor and efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional breadcrumbs for panko for extra crunch. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone, depending on your tastes.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, ensuring the crust stays crisp.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To get that perfect golden crust, let the chicken rest after breading
- Always season your breadcrumbs well; they add flavor!
- For juicier chicken, pound it to an even thickness before cooking
Creating my first Baked Chicken Parmesan was a game-changer; my friends devoured it and asked for seconds, making me feel like a culinary rock star!
FAQ
What can I serve with Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Can I make Baked Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it beforehand and bake when ready to serve.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Pound the chicken evenly and avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Chicken Parmesan is a comforting classic that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish promises to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. The blend of flavors and textures, from the crunchy panko topping to the savory cheese, creates an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In one bowl, beat an egg; in another, combine panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan.
- Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear each chicken breast for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Place chicken in baking dish, top with marinara sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella evenly over each piece.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (160g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Feel free to mix cheeses; provolone can be a delicious alternative to mozzarella.