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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned) - 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - 2 eggs (for coating) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper, to taste For this recipe, I focus on fresh and simple items. The chicken breasts are the star. They come out juicy and tender. I like using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. They add a nice flavor. Marinara sauce gives it a rich taste. I often use store-bought sauce, but homemade is great too! The cheese is key. I use shredded mozzarella for that gooey melt. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds a nice crunch. For seasoning, garlic powder and oregano bring warmth and depth. Fresh basil leaves are perfect for garnish. They smell amazing and add color. This list keeps the dish easy and tasty. It’s great for busy nights or family meals. Each ingredient plays a role in making this chicken Parmesan a hit. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats, season your chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Rub the spices on both sides. This adds great flavor. Next, set up your dredging station. In a shallow bowl, place the two beaten eggs. This will help the coating stick. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture gives the chicken a tasty crunch. Now, it’s time to coat the chicken. Dip each breast into the egg first. Let the extra egg drip off. Then, coat it well in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating on the chicken for even coverage. After that, place the coated chicken in the baking dish. Bake the chicken in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Check that it is cooked through. The coating should be golden brown and crispy. Once baked, take the chicken out of the oven. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. This will melt into a gooey layer of goodness. Return the chicken to the oven for another 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it. The cheese should be bubbly and golden. After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy. To get a nice, even coating on your chicken, make sure to follow these steps: - Dredging: Dip each chicken breast in the beaten eggs first. Shake off the extra egg before coating it in the breadcrumb mix. This helps the crumbs stick. - Press Down: After coating in breadcrumbs, press down firmly to ensure they stick well. This gives a thicker, crunchy layer. - Spray Oil: Lightly spray the coated chicken with oil before baking. This helps achieve a crispy texture. Want to boost the flavor? Here are some great tips: - Herbs and Spices: Add more herbs like thyme or parsley to the breadcrumbs. You can also mix in some chili flakes for a kick. - Sauce Choice: Homemade marinara sauce tastes fresh and flavorful. It’s easy to make with just tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Store-bought marinara is fine too, but look for high-quality brands without added sugar. Presentation matters! Here’s how to serve your dish: - Plating: Place the chicken on a large platter. Drizzle extra marinara sauce on top for color. Sprinkle more Parmesan and add fresh basil on top for a gourmet look. - Side Dishes: Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread. Roasted veggies or pasta also make great sides. Enjoy! Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy coating, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They create a lighter and crunchier texture. Marinara Sauce Options: If you have time, try making your own marinara sauce for a fresher taste! Simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and basil can elevate the dish. Let Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different cheeses! Adding provolone or fontina cheese can give a unique flavor and creaminess to your chicken parmesan. {{image_2}} For a twist on the classic, you can change the breading. - Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch. They are light and crisp. - Gluten-free options work great too. Use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs. These changes keep the dish delicious and cater to different diets. Mix up the toppings to make your chicken parmesan unique. - Different cheese options can surprise your taste buds. Try provolone or gouda for a rich flavor. - Adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers boosts nutrition. Layer them before the cheese for a colorful dish. These toppings can enhance both flavor and presentation, making your meal more exciting. The sauce can change the whole dish. - White sauce variations like alfredo can offer a creamy twist. It pairs well with the chicken. - Spicy marinara options can kick up the heat. Add red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños for a fiery touch. Experimenting with sauces keeps every bite fresh and interesting. After you make Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can freeze cooked chicken Parmesan. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then foil. Place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. Thaw chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can also use the microwave for quicker thawing, but it may change the texture. In the fridge, cooked chicken lasts about four days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Look for signs of spoilage, like a bad smell or slimy texture. Discard any chicken that looks or smells off. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to thaw them first. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can also use the microwave. Cook them right after thawing to ensure safety. You can make this recipe healthier by using less cheese. Try using low-fat mozzarella and Parmesan. You can also bake without breading for fewer calories. Add more veggies, like spinach or zucchini, to boost nutrients. You can use several sauces in place of marinara. Try pesto, Alfredo, or even a homemade tomato sauce. If you want a kick, use a spicy marinara or salsa. Each option adds its unique flavor. To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Also, the juices should run clear when you cut into it. Look for a golden brown coating, which is a good sign too. You now have all you need to make a delicious chicken dish. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some handy tips and tricks. Remember to experiment with flavors and textures for a twist on the classic recipe. Storing leftovers correctly keeps your meal fresh longer. Don't hesitate to try variations or alternative ingredients to fit your taste. Enjoy every bite and share your culinary success. Let this meal impress your family and friends!

Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

A delicious and easy-to-make chicken dish topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 pieces eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano on both sides.
  • In a shallow bowl, place the beaten eggs. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down to ensure an even coating.
  • Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven, spoon marinara sauce evenly over each breast, and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a platter, drizzled with extra marinara sauce, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh basil for a vibrant, inviting look.
Keyword baked, chicken, Italian, Parmesan