Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan
If there’s one dish that always brings a smile to my face, it’s Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan. I remember the first time I made it; I was experimenting in the kitchen, trying to recreate a beloved Italian restaurant’s flavor. As I layered the crispy, golden chicken with rich marinara and gooey mozzarella, I could already envision the delight on my family’s faces. It’s not just food; it’s a memory, a cozy experience that fills the home with warmth and inviting scents. This dish has become a regular on our dinner table, providing comfort and satisfaction on busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
Recipe Snapshot
45 mins
15 mins
30 mins
Medium
550 kcal
40 g
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
25 g
Oven, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet
The Charm of This Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan
A Comforting Favorite
There’s something about Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan that makes it an instant classic. It’s the kind of meal everyone craves, especially after a long day. The crispy chicken cutlets topped with marinara and cheese create a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.
Easy to Prepare
This recipe takes the stress out of meal prep. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious dinner that feels gourmet without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s a recipe designed for busy lives while still offering a homemade touch.
Perfectly Versatile
What I love most about Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan is its versatility. You can serve it with spaghetti, over a bed of fresh greens, or even as a filling in a sandwich. The opportunities are endless, allowing you to customize it based on your cravings and what you have on hand.
Family-Friendly
This dish is a surefire hit with the whole family. Kids and adults alike are drawn to the delicious combination of chicken, cheese, and tangy marinara. It’s a meal that invites everyone to the table, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
Great for Meal Prep
If you’re looking to simplify weeknight dinners, consider making extra portions of Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan. It reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Just bake a double batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Shopping List
When it comes to the ingredients for Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan, simplicity is key. Each component plays a vital role in creating that cherished flavor profile. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken, but the harmony of Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, and marinara sauce elevates this dish into something truly special.
- 4 chicken breasts – If your chicken breasts are thick, butterfly them or pound them with a meat mallet so they are thinner.
- 1/4 cup butter – Melted, this will create a beautiful golden crust on the chicken.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese – The rich and nutty flavor of this cheese is essential for that authentic taste.
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs – These provide the perfect crunch and flavor to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth and savory notes.
- 1 jar of marinara sauce – For that delicious sauce layer that complements the chicken.
- mozzarella cheese – This melty cheese is key for that gooey, pleasing finish.
Instructions for Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan
Cooking Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan is an enjoyable process that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a fantastic dish ready to impress in no time!
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. It’s crucial to get the oven nice and hot so the chicken bakes evenly and comes out crispy.
Next, line a baking dish with foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
In a shallow dish, mix together the Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, and garlic powder. Ensure these are well-combined – you want every bite to be flavorful!
In another shallow bowl, melt the butter. This is what gives your chicken that golden color and delicious flavor.
Now, dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, coating both sides. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks well. Place the coated chicken onto the prepared baking sheet.
Once all chicken breasts are coated, bake them in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and the coating is golden brown. Keep an eye on them!
During the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking, spoon some marinara sauce over the middle of each piece of chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. This will melt beautifully over the chicken.
When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain its juiciness.
Serve the Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan over cooked spaghetti, drizzling with extra marinara sauce if desired. Enjoy every bite!
Things Worth Knowing
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor.
- Butter vs. Oil: Using butter enhances flavor, but you can substitute with olive oil if preferred.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Freezing: Leftover baked chicken can be frozen for up to three months; just reheat in the oven.
Customization Ideas
There are endless ways to customize Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan to suit your taste. Here are some great ideas!
- Add Veggies: Toss some sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the marinara sauce for added nutrition.
- Spice it Up: Incorporate some red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique twist.
- Herbs Galore: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added as a garnish for a fresh flavor.
- Make it Low-Carb: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb version.
- Serve it Differently: Try serving the chicken on a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a healthier option.
Accompaniments for Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan
When serving Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan, consider these delightful accompaniments:
- Pasta: Serve with spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in extra marinara sauce to soak up all that flavor.
- Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad pairs wonderfully, adding freshness to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: Don’t forget the garlic bread for mopping up any leftover sauce!
- Wine Pairing: This dish goes excellently with a light Italian red wine.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make in advance and reheat in the oven for easy weeknight meals.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings the family together. With its crispy chicken and rich flavors, it’s a dish you’ll want to make time and time again. I encourage you to give it a try tonight and see how it can transform your dinner into something truly special.
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. It’s crucial to get the oven nice and hot so the chicken bakes evenly and comes out crispy.
- Next, line a baking dish with foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, and garlic powder. Ensure these are well-combined – you want every bite to be flavorful!
- In another shallow bowl, melt the butter. This is what gives your chicken that golden color and delicious flavor.
- Now, dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, coating both sides. Then, dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks well. Place the coated chicken onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Once all chicken breasts are coated, bake them in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and the coating is golden brown. Keep an eye on them!
- During the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking, spoon some marinara sauce over the middle of each piece of chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. This will melt beautifully over the chicken.
- When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain its juiciness.
- Serve the Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan over cooked spaghetti, drizzling with extra marinara sauce if desired. Enjoy every bite!
