Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

Baked Chicken Parmesan is a simple and comforting dish that combines crispy breaded chicken with savory marinara and melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.

The image shows a close-up of chicken parmesan served on a white plate with spaghetti. The dish has three main layers on the chicken: a golden-brown crispy breaded base, a vibrant red marinara sauce layer on top of the chicken, and a white melted mozzarella cheese layer with slightly browned spots, garnished with small green parsley leaves. The spaghetti sits to the right side of the chicken, coated with more red marinara sauce. A silver fork rests partly on the plate near the spaghetti. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
  2. Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap.
  3. Step 3: In a shallow bowl, crack the egg and add 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk until combined.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. Step 5: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
  6. Step 6: Place the breaded chicken breasts evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Step 8: Spoon 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each chicken breast and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella.
  9. Step 9: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  10. Step 10: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking to brown the cheese.
  • Use seasoned Panko breadcrumbs or add Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
  • Swap marinara sauce for a spicy arrabbiata sauce to add a kick.
  • Serve over cooked pasta or with a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to keep the breading crispy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a black plate holding a serving of spaghetti with tomato sauce and a piece of chicken parmesan. The spaghetti forms the bottom layer, light yellow and slightly twisted, topped in several spots with bright red chunky tomato sauce. On one side rests a breaded chicken cutlet, golden brown with a thick layer of melted white cheese and a bit of tomato sauce underneath. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top for garnish. A fork leans on the right edge of the plate. The background features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper breading adhesion.

What can I use instead of Panko breadcrumbs?

You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or crushed cornflakes for a different texture, though Panko provides the crispiest result.

Print

Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic favorite by baking crispy, breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this dish is simple to prepare and delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures without the need for frying.

  • Author: Luna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Breading

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it lightly with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Pound Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them until they have an even thickness. This ensures even cooking.
  3. Prepare Egg Wash: Crack the egg into a shallow bowl, add 1 tablespoon of water, and whisk together until well combined.
  4. Mix Breadcrumb Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring them thoroughly.
  5. Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently to adhere well onto the chicken.
  6. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow proper heat circulation.
  7. Bake Initial Layer: Bake the chicken for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Finish Baking: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm and delicious.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
  • If you prefer a crispier crust, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in the oven to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Baked Chicken, Italian-American Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipes, Healthy Chicken Parmesan

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