Cheesy Baked Chicken Parmesan

$To make Baked Chicken Parmesan, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s the list: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 2 large eggs, beaten - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray (or 1 tablespoon olive oil) These ingredients create a delicious dish that is easy to prepare. The chicken is the main star, providing a juicy and tender base. The breadcrumbs add a crunchy texture, while the cheeses bring a creamy and savory flavor. The herbs elevate the dish, giving it warmth and depth. Marinara sauce ties everything together, adding a rich tomato taste. You can find these ingredients at your local grocery store. Choose fresh herbs for the best flavor. Use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra taste without much effort. This recipe is not only tasty but also simple to follow. Enjoy making this delightful dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to getting crispy chicken. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly. In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. This mix adds great flavor. Make sure to stir well so every ingredient blends nicely. Take another bowl and beat the eggs. Dip each chicken breast into the eggs first. Let the extra egg drip off. Then, coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mix. Press down gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you want extra crispiness, spray them lightly with olive oil. Bake the chicken for about 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken is done when the inside reaches 165°F (75°C) and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Once the chicken is baked, take it out of the oven. Carefully pour marinara sauce over each piece. This sauce adds moisture and flavor. Next, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Put the chicken back in the oven for an extra 10 minutes. Bake until the cheese melts and bubbles. After this, remove it and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your dish! To get a great breading on your chicken, press the breadcrumbs down firmly. This helps them stick better. A good coat makes the chicken crispy. I like to use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Using olive oil is key for crispiness. You can spray the chicken lightly with olive oil. If you prefer, drizzle about one tablespoon on top. This adds a nice crunch to the breading. Bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C). This is a perfect temperature for cooking chicken through while keeping it juicy. Cook your chicken for about 20-25 minutes. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is a handy tool for this. Baked Chicken Parmesan pairs well with many sides. I love to serve it with a fresh salad. Garlic bread also makes a great side. For a touch of green, add steamed broccoli or green beans. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. Let It Rest: Allow the baked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy and flavorful. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses such as provolone or fontina for a unique twist. Serve with Sides: Pair your Cheesy Baked Chicken Parmesan with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this recipe. Try using provolone for a sharp taste. Gouda gives a nice creamy texture. You can also mix mozzarella with cheddar for a fun twist. Each cheese adds a unique flavor to the dish. Don't be afraid to experiment! If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also crush gluten-free crackers as a substitute. These work well to create a crunchy coating. Just ensure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free. It's a simple way to enjoy the same great taste. For a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs entirely. Instead, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds. These options keep the crunch without the carbs. You can also add extra cheese to boost flavor. This way, you can enjoy your Baked Chicken Parmesan without the guilt! You can store leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it. This helps keep the chicken moist and tasty. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can last for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat the chicken, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it is hot throughout. This method ensures your chicken stays crispy and delicious. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps the texture better. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them first. Thawing helps the chicken cook evenly. You can thaw in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. After thawing, follow the normal steps in the recipe. The cooking time may change slightly, so check the internal temperature. You can make this dish without breadcrumbs. Try using crushed nuts or ground oats as a substitute. These options add great flavor and texture. You can also use almond flour for a gluten-free choice. Just coat the chicken as you would with breadcrumbs. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Baked Chicken Parmesan pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great choices: - Pasta: Serve with spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in marinara. - Salad: A simple Caesar or mixed green salad adds freshness. - Garlic Bread: This is perfect for scooping up sauce. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed broccoli complements the meal well. - Rice: A side of fluffy rice balances the flavors. These sides enhance the dish and make your meal special. Enjoy! This blog post shared a simple recipe for Baked Chicken Parmesan. We covered key ingredients, detailed steps, and handy tips. You learned how to coat chicken, bake it, and add sauce and cheese. We also discussed variations and storage options to keep it fresh. To enjoy this dish fully, play with cheese and sides that excite you. Cooking should be fun and tasty. Now, you have everything you need to make a great meal!$

Cheesy Baked Chicken Parmesan

A delicious and cheesy chicken dish baked to perfection with marinara sauce and mozzarella.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil spray (or olive oil)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
In another bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly.
Dip each chicken breast first into the egg, allowing excess to drip off, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, lightly spray them with olive oil for extra crispiness.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C) and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and carefully pour marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the marinara sauce on each chicken breast.
Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, spray the chicken with olive oil before baking.

Keyword baked, cheesy, chicken, parmesan