Baked Chicken Parmesan is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken with rich marinara and gooey cheese, creating a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine biting into tender chicken, enveloped in a crispy, golden crust, topped with savory sauce and melted mozzarella that stretches for miles. Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to throw an impromptu dinner party just so you can impress your friends and family with your culinary prowess.
Let me take you back to a chilly winter evening when I first attempted this recipe. My kitchen smelled like an Italian trattoria, and I was convinced I’d unlocked the secret to happiness. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a romantic date night, Baked Chicken Parmesan is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Get ready for an incredible flavor experience that will leave everyone begging for seconds! For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Baked Chicken Parmesan is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The layers of flavor create a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.
- It’s visually stunning, with its golden crust and vibrant red sauce, sure to impress any guest.
- Enjoy it over pasta or with a side salad for a complete meal that fits any occasion.
Ingredients for Baked Chicken Parmesan
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll need about 3-4 chicken breasts; they should be uniform in size for even cooking.
- Italian Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor; they create the perfect crunchy coating.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese works best; it adds richness and depth to your dish.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Go for fresh mozzarella if possible; it melts beautifully and enhances the overall texture.
For the Sauce:
- Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade adds a personal touch that elevates the dish.
- Fresh Basil: A handful of basil leaves brightens up the sauce and adds aromatic notes.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, grab your baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray – we want those chicken breasts sliding right out later!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Then coat them in flour before dipping into beaten eggs – this ensures our crispy breadcrumb coating sticks like glue.
Step 3: Dredge in Breadcrumbs
In another bowl, mix together Italian breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Take those egg-coated chicken breasts and roll them in this delicious mixture until fully covered.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the breaded chicken on your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown. Your kitchen will start smelling like heaven!
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece. Top off with sliced mozzarella – because more cheese equals more happiness! For more inspiration, check out this Baked Apples with Feta recipe.
Step 6: Final Bake
Pop the dish back into the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Finally, sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional marinara if desired for that perfect finishing touch.
Now you are armed with everything you need to impress at dinner! Enjoy every cheesy bite of your homemade Baked Chicken Parmesan!
You Must Know
- This amazing Baked Chicken Parmesan offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in those delicious juices, then cook the pasta while preparing the sauce. This efficient sequence ensures your Baked Chicken Parmesan comes together beautifully, saving time and maximizing flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or add fresh basil for an extra herbaceous kick. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone to create your perfect version of Baked Chicken Parmesan.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F until heated through, ensuring that crispy topping remains deliciously crunchy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken at 165°F without drying it out.
- Let your cooked chicken rest before slicing for juicier meat.
- Don’t skip the cheese—it’s essential for that gooey goodness and flavor explosion!
I still remember the first time I made Baked Chicken Parmesan for my family. They practically did a happy dance around the kitchen, and my mom declared it her new favorite dish!
FAQs:
What is Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Baked Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. This comforting meal combines crispy, juicy chicken with rich flavors that appeal to many. The dish is often served with pasta or a side salad, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or special occasions.
How do I make Baked Chicken Parmesan healthier?
To make Baked Chicken Parmesan healthier, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs and low-fat cheese. You can also opt for baking rather than frying the chicken, which reduces the amount of oil used in preparation. Adding more vegetables to the marinara sauce can increase nutritional value while still delivering delicious flavor.
Can I prepare Baked Chicken Parmesan in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Baked Chicken Parmesan in advance. To do this, bread and bake the chicken ahead of time, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the oven and add your marinara sauce and cheese before baking until bubbly.
What sides pair well with Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Baked Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Additionally, pasta tossed in olive oil or garlic complements the dish nicely, allowing you to enjoy all those delicious flavors together. Classic Caesar Salad.
Conclusion for Baked Chicken Parmesan:
In summary, Baked Chicken Parmesan is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with savory marinara sauce and gooey cheese. Its versatility makes it suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests. By making simple adjustments to ingredients or preparation methods, you can tailor this recipe to fit your dietary needs while still savoring its rich flavors. Enjoy this beloved comfort food today!
Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Baked Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. This comforting meal combines juicy chicken and savory flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its inviting aroma and stunning presentation, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge the chicken in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then roll in a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan until evenly coated.
- Place the breaded chicken in the baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and top each piece with marinara sauce and sliced mozzarella. Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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