Baked Chicken Parmesan

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs - 1 cup marinara sauce - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided) - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Olive oil spray Each serving of baked chicken parmesan has about 400 calories. It packs around 30 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, and 25 grams of carbs. This dish is filling and offers a good balance of nutrients. You can enjoy it as a hearty meal. For more detailed nutritional breakdowns, check the Full Recipe. I love these ingredients because they work together so well. The chicken stays juicy and tender. The bread crumbs give a nice crunch. The cheese melts beautifully, creating that gooey texture we all crave. Don't forget to season well; it makes a big difference! Preheat the Oven and Prep Baking Dish First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, grab your baking dish. Lightly spray it with olive oil. This helps the chicken not stick and gives it a nice golden color. Prepare and Season the Chicken Use a paper towel to pat the chicken breasts dry. This step is key to getting the seasonings to stick. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This adds great flavor to the chicken. Set Up the Breading Station Now, it’s time to create a breading station. You need three shallow dishes: - In the first dish, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. - In the second dish, crack open 2 large eggs and whisk them well. - In the third dish, mix 1 cup of Italian-seasoned bread crumbs with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This mix gives the chicken extra taste. Bread the Chicken Thoroughly Take a seasoned chicken breast and dip it in the flour. Make sure to shake off the extra flour. Next, dip it in the eggs, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Finally, coat it with the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick. Arrange in Baking Dish and Spray Place the breaded chicken breasts in your baking dish in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. Bake the Chicken and Add Marinara Sauce Put the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). When it’s done, take it out and spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Top with Cheese and Final Bake Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara. Add the rest of the grated Parmesan on top. This combo will melt beautifully. Rest and Garnish Put the dish back in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Wait until the cheese is melted and bubbly. After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil for a pop of color. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above! To boost flavor, try adding herbs like oregano and thyme. These herbs add depth and freshness. You can also mix in some fresh parsley for a bright touch. Different cheeses can change the taste too. Use provolone for a sharper bite or ricotta for creaminess. Experimenting with cheese keeps the dish exciting. To keep your chicken moist, start by patting it dry. This helps the seasoning stick. Also, avoid overbaking. Check the chicken's internal temperature; it should be 165°F (75°C). For a crispy crust, use olive oil spray. This helps the breading crisp up without excess grease. Bake until golden for the best crunch. Pair your baked chicken parmesan with sides that complement its flavors. A simple arugula salad adds a nice touch. Serve it on a bed of sautéed spinach for vibrancy. For plating, drizzle extra marinara sauce around the chicken. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for color and aroma. This makes the dish look as great as it tastes! For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_4}} You can make baked chicken parmesan even healthier with simple swaps. - Whole wheat bread crumbs: These add fiber and nutrients. They also keep the dish crunchy. - Turkey or plant-based options: Turkey is leaner than chicken. Plant-based options like tofu or tempeh can also work well. They absorb flavors nicely. You have options for how you cook this dish. - Air frying vs. baking: Air frying gives you a crispy texture with less oil. It cooks faster too. Baking is more traditional and allows for a juicy chicken. - Grilling for a lighter option: Grilling adds a smoky flavor. It also reduces the fat content. Just season your chicken well before grilling. You can switch up the flavors for a new twist. - Adding different sauces: Try using pesto or alfredo instead of marinara. They bring unique tastes to the dish. - Incorporating vegetables for nutrition: Mix in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. They add color and nutrients. Plus, the veggies pair well with the cheese and sauce. Explore these variations to make baked chicken parmesan truly your own. For a complete guide, check the Full Recipe to see how these changes fit in! To store leftover baked chicken parmesan, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it moist and tasty. You can refrigerate it for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to freeze the dish, first wait for it to cool. Cut it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag. This helps keep out air. Baked chicken parmesan can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This helps it heat evenly and stay crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the oven gives better results. This dish is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time for busy weeks. Just freeze portions after baking. When you’re ready to serve, reheat and enjoy! Serve it with a side of pasta or a fresh salad. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. You can also drizzle more marinara sauce on top for extra flavor. How long does baked chicken parmesan take to cook? Baked chicken parmesan takes about 50 minutes in total. This includes 15 minutes for prep and 35 minutes for baking. You want to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F inside. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free bread crumbs. These swaps work well and keep the dish tasty. What should I serve with baked chicken parmesan? Serve it with a simple salad or pasta. Garlic bread also makes a great side. You can also add sautéed veggies for extra flavor. What can I substitute for marinara sauce? You can use pesto or Alfredo sauce instead of marinara. Both add their unique flavors and make the dish special. Alternatives for chicken breasts? You can use chicken thighs for more flavor. You can also try turkey cutlets or even eggplant for a plant-based option. How to tell if the chicken is fully cooked? Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F. The juices should also run clear. Can I store leftovers? How long do they last? Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container. They last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. In this post, I covered how to make baked chicken Parmesan from start to finish. We explored the needed ingredients, the step-by-step cooking process, and tips for serving. I shared ways to adjust flavors, explore variations, and properly store your dish. You can now create a delicious meal that pleases many. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share your tasty results!$

Baked Chicken Parmesan

Get ready to impress with this Cheesy Baked Chicken Parmesan! This dish features tender, breaded chicken topped with rich marinara and gooey cheese, making it a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it's easy to prepare with simple ingredients. Follow our step-by-step guide to create a delicious masterpiece that your loved ones will rave about. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

1 cup marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, prep your baking dish by lightly spraying it with olive oil. This will prevent sticking and help achieve a golden finish.

Prepare the Chicken: Using a paper towel, pat the chicken breasts dry to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for enhanced flavor.

Set Up the Breading Station: Create a breading assembly line:

- In a shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour.

- In a separate bowl, crack the two eggs and whisk them until fully combined.

- In a third dish, mix the Italian-seasoned bread crumbs with 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.

Bread the Chicken: Take each seasoned chicken breast and dredge it first in the flour, ensuring to shake off any excess. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any drips to fall back into the bowl. Finally, coat in the bread crumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick well.

Arrange in Baking Dish: Lay the breaded chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil, which will help them achieve a crispy crust.

Bake the Chicken: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Add the Marinara Sauce: After baking, remove the chicken from the oven. Generously spoon marinara sauce over each piece, ensuring they are evenly coated for mouthwatering flavor.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara, followed by the remainder of the grated Parmesan.

Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has developed a beautiful golden color.

Rest and Garnish: After baking, take the dish out and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped basil for a pop of color and freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the cheesy chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or on a plate alongside a simple arugula salad for a delightful contrast. Drizzle with extra marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil for an eye-catching presentation.