Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Whenever I think of comfort food, Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan comes to mind. It’s one of those dishes that instantly transports me back to cozy evenings spent in the kitchen, with the aroma of sizzling chicken filling the air. My love for this recipe began when I was looking for a simple yet satisfying meal that I could whip up in no time, perfect for those busy weekdays or a quiet night in with someone special. This dish has the crispy texture of baked chicken, layered with rich red sauce and melted cheese, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

The beauty of Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a culinary degree to make this delicious meal. All you need are a few ingredients, some basic cooking skills, and a desire to enjoy something hearty and wholesome. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that you can share with loved ones, creating memories around the dining table.

As the chicken bakes and the cheese melts, you can almost taste the anticipation. I often serve this up with a side of pasta or a crisp salad to balance the flavors. The first bite is always a moment of bliss—the tender chicken, savory sauce, and cheesy goodness meld together perfectly, creating a comforting sensation that wraps around you like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding the whole family, Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan is guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients to Make Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan

The ingredients for Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan are not only simple but also work harmoniously together to create a delightful meal. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken, which provides a juicy and tender base. Layered with a homemade or store-bought red sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is a classic for good reason.

• 1 (8-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast – The main protein in this dish. It’s lean and cooks beautifully, absorbing all the delicious flavors around it.
• 1/3 cup milk – Used to coat the chicken, helping the breadcrumbs adhere and adding moisture.
• 1/3 cup panko – These Japanese breadcrumbs provide a light, crispy texture that can’t be beaten!
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken and the breading.
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper – Adds a subtle warmth to the dish.
• 4 ounces fettuccine noodles – A delicious pasta option to serve alongside the chicken.
• 1 1/2 cups your favorite red sauce – The heart of this dish that brings it all together; choose a sauce you love!
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella – Melts beautifully on top of the chicken, creating a gooey layer.
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan – Adds a sharp, salty flavor that complements the mozzarella perfectly.

Step by Step Guide for Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Cooking Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan is a delightful experience that brings joy to your kitchen! Follow these simple steps to create a meal that’s sure to impress. From preparing the chicken to baking it to perfection, I’ll guide you through each part of the process.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. This step ensures that your chicken gets that crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside. Line a baking tray with foil for easy cleanup and grease it well to prevent sticking.

2. While the oven is heating up, fill a medium pot with lightly salted water and place it on high heat to boil for the fettuccine noodles. This will save you time later since you want everything to come together simultaneously.

3. Take two dishes out—one for the milk and one for the panko. Pour the milk into one dish, and in the second, add the panko along with the salt and pepper. Stir well to combine the seasonings evenly throughout.

4. Next, take your chicken breast and cut it in half horizontally. This means you’ll want to butterfly the breast, creating two thinner pieces. This ensures quicker cooking and a delightful texture.

5. Now it’s time to coat the chicken! First, dip each piece into the milk, allowing it to soak up the moisture before rolling it in the seasoned panko. Make sure each piece is well-coated for that perfect crunch.

6. Place the coated chicken onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out enough to allow heat circulation for even cooking. Bake these beauties in the oven for 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 150°F.

7. While your chicken is cooking, return to that pot of boiling water and add the fettuccine noodles. Cook according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.

8. Once your chicken is at 150°F, it’s time to add the sauce! Spoon about two tablespoons of your favorite red sauce over each piece of chicken. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

9. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

10. When done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring that each bite is succulent and flavorful.

11. To serve, plate your fettuccine noodles, top them with the remaining red sauce, and then place the chicken on top. Enjoy your meal with family or friends, and savor each delicious bite!

Recipe Notes about Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Every recipe has its secrets to success. Here are some valuable tips to ensure your Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan turns out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze the prepared chicken before cooking. Just coat and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw and bake when you’re ready!
• Pairing: Serve this dish with a crisp garden salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.
• Variations: Feel free to switch up the type of cheese; provolone or cheddar can also be delicious!
• Cooking for a crowd: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings; just make sure to adjust cooking times as necessary.

How to Enjoy Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan

When it comes to serving Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan, there are countless delicious options to consider. This dish shines just as brightly during a cozy weeknight dinner as it does on a festive occasion.

• With Pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of freshly cooked fettuccine or any pasta of your choice, allowing the sauce to soak into the noodles for a satisfying meal.
• Side Salads: A light garden salad or Caesar salad pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the chicken, adding freshness and balance.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is a classic accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
• Romantic Dinners: This dish is great for date nights at home. Just set the table nicely, perhaps add some candles, and you’re all set for an intimate evening.
• Meal Prep: This dish is excellent for meal prepping. You can make a larger batch and portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Seasonal Pairings: Consider serving with seasonal vegetables, like roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach, to keep things fresh and colorful.

FAQ

Conclusion

Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan stands out as a delightful meal that combines simplicity with incredible taste. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the dinner table, creating memories and satisfying cravings. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed! It’s a meal that feels special without the fuss, making it perfect for any day of the week.

Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan brings together juicy chicken, rich sauce, and melted cheese for an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent. Perfect for sharing with loved ones!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1/3 cup milk any percentage
• 1/3 cup panko
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 4 ounces fettuccine noodles
• 1 1/2 cups your favorite red sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Large Pot
• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. This step ensures that your chicken gets that crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside. Line a baking tray with foil for easy cleanup and grease it well to prevent sticking.
2. While the oven is heating up, fill a medium pot with lightly salted water and place it on high heat to boil for the fettuccine noodles. This will save you time later since you want everything to come together simultaneously.
3. Take two dishes out—one for the milk and one for the panko. Pour the milk into one dish, and in the second, add the panko along with the salt and pepper. Stir well to combine the seasonings evenly throughout.
4. Next, take your chicken breast and cut it in half horizontally. This means you’ll want to butterfly the breast, creating two thinner pieces. This ensures quicker cooking and a delightful texture.
5. Now it's time to coat the chicken! First, dip each piece into the milk, allowing it to soak up the moisture before rolling it in the seasoned panko. Make sure each piece is well-coated for that perfect crunch.
6. Place the coated chicken onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out enough to allow heat circulation for even cooking. Bake these beauties in the oven for 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 150°F.
7. While your chicken is cooking, return to that pot of boiling water and add the fettuccine noodles. Cook according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
8. Once your chicken is at 150°F, it’s time to add the sauce! Spoon about two tablespoons of your favorite red sauce over each piece of chicken. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
10. When done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring that each bite is succulent and flavorful.
11. To serve, plate your fettuccine noodles, top them with the remaining red sauce, and then place the chicken on top. Enjoy your meal with family or friends, and savor each delicious bite!

Notes

Every recipe has its secrets to success. Here are some valuable tips to ensure your Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan turns out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: You can freeze the prepared chicken before cooking. Just coat and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw and bake when you’re ready!
• Pairing: Serve this dish with a crisp garden salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.
• Variations: Feel free to switch up the type of cheese; provolone or cheddar can also be delicious!
• Cooking for a crowd: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings; just make sure to adjust cooking times as necessary.

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Meet Juliet Sterling

Creating rich, complex flavors is my obsession, though I am just as passionate about capturing them through the lens. I develop recipes that taste like they simmered all day but are actually achievable for any home cook. I cooked and styled this dish to ensure the flavors are balanced and the presentation inspires you.