Baked Chicken Parmesan

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 2 large eggs - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gathering these ingredients is simple and fun. Start with the chicken. I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their ease. Then, grab that cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs. They bring great flavor and crunch to the dish. Next, get some Parmesan cheese. I recommend freshly grated for the best taste. You’ll also need garlic powder and dried oregano. These spices add depth and warmth to your meal. Don’t forget the salt and pepper for seasoning. You’ll need two large eggs to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Marinara sauce is next. Use homemade sauce if you can; it adds a personal touch. Finally, grab mozzarella cheese. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully on top. If you want, you can add fresh basil leaves for garnish. They add color and a fresh taste to your dish. This is everything you need to make an amazing Baked Chicken Parmesan. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Start by setting your oven to the right temperature. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Lining the baking sheet with parchment makes cleanup easy. It also keeps the chicken from sticking. - Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. - Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices. Mix them well so every bite is tasty. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are smooth. This egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. - Dip chicken in eggs then coat with breadcrumb mixture. - Arrange coated chicken on the baking sheet. Take each chicken breast and dip it in the egg. Let any extra egg drip off. Next, press it into the breadcrumb mix. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. Place the coated chicken on your baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. This helps them cook well. - Bake initial layer for 25-30 minutes until golden. - Add marinara and mozzarella, bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden color on top. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken hits 165°F (75°C). Once done, take it out and spoon marinara sauce on each piece. Top with mozzarella cheese. Return it to the oven for 5-7 more minutes. The cheese should melt and become bubbly. Now, you have a delicious Baked Chicken Parmesan ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check the details provided earlier. - Use fresh ingredients for best flavor. Fresh herbs and cheese make a big difference. - Ensure chicken is pounded to even thickness for uniform cooking. This helps it cook evenly. - Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray before baking. This adds a nice crunch. - Broil the chicken at the end for extra crispiness. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. - Serve with pasta or a fresh salad. These sides balance the dish well. - Pair with crusty bread for a delightful meal. It’s perfect for soaking up the sauce. For detailed steps on preparing this dish, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can make simple swaps to change this dish. Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs are juicier and add more flavor. If you want a gluten-free option, use crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs. They give a nice crunch too! Add some heat to your dish by including red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can make a big difference. Fresh herbs also add great flavor. Try thyme or parsley for a tasty twist. These herbs brighten the dish and make it more aromatic. The cheese you choose can change the whole dish. Provolone cheese melts beautifully and has a nice flavor. You can also mix mozzarella with cheddar for a richer taste. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment! For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan section. To keep your baked chicken parmesan fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain moisture and flavor. Consume it within 3-4 days for the best quality. If you wait too long, it may lose its taste and texture. You can freeze baked chicken parmesan, either before or after baking. To do this, securely wrap it in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents freezer burn. It stays good for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat, reheat it properly in the oven. This helps restore its crispy texture and yummy flavor. Yes, it can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge before baking. This makes meal planning easy. Just follow the steps up to coating the chicken. Then, cover it tightly. When you’re ready, bake it right from the fridge. This saves time on busy nights. This baked version uses less oil and is lower in calories. Baking gives it a crispy texture without frying. You still enjoy the same great taste. Plus, you add more nutrition with fresh ingredients. This makes it a smart choice for families. Serve with steamed vegetables, spaghetti, or garlic bread. These sides balance the meal nicely. You can also add a fresh salad for some crunch. A side of garlic bread soaks up the extra sauce too. It creates a delightful dining experience. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. This step ensures the chicken is safe to eat. If it’s golden brown outside and juicy inside, you have a winner! Baked Chicken Parmesan is simple and delicious. We covered easy ingredients and clear steps to make this dish. Remember to use fresh items for the best taste. You can mix it up with different cheeses or add spices. Don’t forget to check the chicken’s temperature to ensure it's safe. Enjoy this meal with your favorite sides for a complete dinner. By following these tips, you’ll impress your family and friends every time you cook!$

Elevate your dinner with this delightful Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe that's easy to make and absolutely delicious! This dish features succulent chicken breasts coated in Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, layered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, follow our simple steps to impress your family and friends. Click through to discover all the delicious details and get cooking!

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 large eggs

1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To simplify cleanup later, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are evenly mixed.

Prepare the Eggs: In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them vigorously until the yolks and whites are fully blended.

Coat the Chicken Breasts: Take each chicken breast and dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Next, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated by gently pressing the crumbs onto the surface.

Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t too crowded. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help achieve a crispier texture.

Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it has a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C).

Add Marinara and Cheese: Carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece, ensuring they are well covered, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese atop the sauce.

Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Rest and Garnish: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. For an added touch of flavor and color, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a vibrant plate, drizzling extra marinara sauce around the edges and placing a sprig of fresh basil atop each chicken breast for an elegant finish.