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Baked Chicken Parmesan

Baked Chicken Parmesan
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Baked Chicken Parmesan is a comforting and impressive dish that features crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and rich marinara sauce. Ready in under 45 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe combines pantry staples and fresh ingredients to deliver a cheesy, savory, and tender meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. If the breasts are thick, gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch for consistent cooking.
  2. Set up the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create the flavorful crust.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides completely. Place the breaded chicken onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack for even crisping.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Lightly drizzle the coated chicken breasts with olive oil or spray with cooking oil spray to help browning. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is golden brown.
  5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece, then top with slices or shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Final Broil: For a caramelized cheese topping, switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking and to avoid dryness.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for better meltability and creamier texture.
  • Do not skip the olive oil or cooking spray to achieve a crispy crust without frying.
  • Allow baked chicken Parmesan to rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices and tenderness.
  • Homemade marinara sauce can elevate the dish with fresher tomato flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken parmesan, easy chicken parmesan, gluten-free chicken parmesan, crispy chicken parmesan, cheesy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/baked-chicken-parmesan/