Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan

$To make Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan, you need the following ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients blend together to create a dish that is both simple and tasty. The chicken breasts provide the base, while the breadcrumbs and cheese add crunch and flavor. The marinara sauce brings a nice, rich taste that ties everything together. I enjoy using fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish a winner. You can adjust the amounts based on your taste, but I recommend sticking to the recipe for the best results. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. - Prepare the chicken by drizzling olive oil over the breasts. Rub the oil in well. This helps the breading stick and adds flavor. - Mix the breadcrumb mixture in a medium bowl. Combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture gives the chicken a tasty crust. - Dredging process: Take each chicken breast and dip it in the breadcrumb mix. Press down firmly so the crumbs stick well. This adds a nice crunch when cooked. - First baking phase for chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink. - Adding marinara and mozzarella: Carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. - Final baking phase: Return the chicken to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This makes the dish rich and creamy. To ensure even cooking, flatten the chicken breasts. This helps them cook at the same rate. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. To achieve a crispy coating, use seasoned breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken. This way, they stick well while baking. A drizzle of olive oil adds flavor and helps with browning. If you want alternatives for breadcrumbs, try crushed cornflakes or panko. Both give a nice crunch. For a gluten-free option, use ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs. When it comes to cheese, you can swap mozzarella for provolone or gouda. Both melt nicely and add a unique taste to your dish. Pair your chicken Parmesan with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A side of pasta also works well. For presentation, serve the chicken on a bright plate. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for color and flavor. {{image_2}} You can add heat to your dish with spices. Try using crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Just a pinch can give the chicken a nice kick. Mix these spices into your breadcrumb mixture before coating the chicken. The heat will blend well with the cheese and sauce, creating a bold flavor. If you want a lighter meal, opt for low-fat alternatives. Use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also replace some cheese with a lower-fat option. Try using part-skim mozzarella cheese to cut down on fat. This way, you get all the taste without the extra calories. For a meat-free meal, substitute chicken with eggplant. Slice the eggplant into thick rounds. Salt the slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and dry them before dipping in the breadcrumb mix. Bake as you would the chicken. This option is just as tasty and offers a unique flavor twist. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won't forget when you made it! If you want to freeze your chicken Parmesan, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put it in a freezer bag or container. It will last up to three months in the freezer. For best results, freeze it right after it cools down. This keeps the taste and texture nice. To reheat, the best method is using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the cheese melty. You can also use a microwave, but it may not be as crispy. If you use the microwave, heat for one minute at a time until warm. It takes about 40 minutes total. You need 10 minutes to prep. The first baking phase takes 20 minutes. Then, the cheese melts for 10 more minutes. Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just follow these steps: - Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Skip the first baking step. - Spread marinara sauce and cheese on cooked chicken. - Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese melts. Chicken Parmesan pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Spaghetti with marinara sauce - Garlic bread for a crunchy side - Steamed broccoli for a healthy touch - Caesar salad for a refreshing bite These sides add flavor and balance to your meal. You learned how to make Chicken Parmesan step-by-step in this post. From prepping ingredients to baking, each part matters. Remember to follow the tips for a crispy crust and tasty results. You can mix things up with spicy, healthy, or vegetarian options. Store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Experiment with sides to enhance your meal. Now, you're ready to enjoy Chicken Parmesan at home whenever you want!$

Discover the deliciousness of Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan, a simple yet mouthwatering dinner that the whole family will love! With juicy chicken breasts coated in flavorful breadcrumbs, topped with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella, this recipe is a must-try. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight meal. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table tonight!

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup marinara sauce

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a medium bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in to coat them evenly.

Dredge each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure they are well-coated.

Place the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet or a baking dish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Remove the chicken from the oven and evenly spread marinara sauce over each piece.

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauced chicken breasts.

Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before plating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4