Baked Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and comforting meal that combines breaded chicken with melted cheese and rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress.
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Why This Baked Chicken Parmesan Is the Best
- Crispy Breaded Chicken: The chicken is breaded and baked to golden perfection, providing a crispy texture without the need for frying.
- Rich Marinara Sauce: The marinara sauce adds a tangy and savory flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Melted Cheese: The dish is topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, adding a rich and gooey layer of goodness.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be made with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a comforting and delicious dinner option, Baked Chicken Parmesan is the perfect choice. The combination of crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Olive Oil: Used to coat the baking dish and add moisture to the chicken, keeping it tender during baking.
- Garlic & Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a punch of flavor and a bit of heat to the dish, enhancing the Italian-inspired profile.
- Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Halves: Serves as the protein base, providing a lean option for the classic Parmesan preparation.
- Prepared Marinara Sauce: Coats the chicken in a rich tomato flavor, essential for Chicken Parmesan.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic touch that pairs perfectly with the marinara and cheese.
- Shredded Mozzarella & Grated Parmesan Cheese: Creates a melty, golden crust on top, with Parmesan adding a sharper, nuttier note.
- Garlic Croutons: Adds a crunchy topping that complements the tender chicken and creamy cheese.
Tips for Making the Best Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese.
- Bread the Chicken Evenly: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with breadcrumbs for a consistent texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake the chicken just until the cheese is melted and bubbly to prevent it from drying out.
- Garnish Generously: Top the cooked chicken with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Spaghetti: Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan over a bed of spaghetti for a classic Italian meal.
- With a Side Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Enjoy it with garlic bread for an extra touch of flavor.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for a nutritious touch.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect complement to the rich chicken.
- With a Side of Rice: Serve it with a side of rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Baked Chicken Parmesan. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Baked Chicken Parmesan
This Baked Chicken Parmesan combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with rich marinara sauce and a topping of mozzarella and Parmesan, all brought together with garlic croutons for a satisfying crunch. A fresh sprinkle of basil adds brightness, making it an easy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
- 6 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
- 2 cups prepared marinara sauce
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 8 ounce package shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 5 ounce package garlic croutons
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic crushed and finely chopped
- ¼ Tsp crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
Instructions
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drizzle olive oil over the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish, then sprinkle with garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle basil on top. Add half of the mozzarella cheese, followed by half of the Parmesan cheese, and finish with a layer of croutons.
- Add the remaining mozzarella cheese, followed by the rest of the Parmesan cheese on top.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese and croutons turn golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, approximately 35 minutes to an hour.
- The exact time will vary based on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts.
- To ensure the chicken is safe to eat, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part of the breast reaches a minimum temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add extra marinara sauce if desired. Please note that imitation Parmesan won’t provide the same flavor; it's best to get some authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best results!
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Baked Chicken Parmesan