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For this dish, you will need the best ingredients to get great flavor. Here’s a list of what you need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish These items help create layers of flavor. The chicken serves as the main protein, while the cheeses add richness. The breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. You might not have some ingredients on hand. Here are some easy swaps: - Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor. - Swap the marinara sauce for any tomato sauce you like. - If you lack Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, mix plain breadcrumbs with Italian herbs. - You can use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free option. These substitutes keep the dish tasty while making it easier for you. Want to make your dish even better? Consider adding these ingredients: - Red pepper flakes for spice - Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness - A splash of lemon juice for brightness - Sliced mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies These optional ingredients can elevate your meal and cater to your taste. Feel free to get creative! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps the chicken cook evenly. While the oven heats, take a large baking dish. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil. This step keeps the chicken from sticking. Next, grab your chicken breasts. Place them on a clean cutting board. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add garlic powder and dried oregano for extra flavor. Make sure each piece gets an even coating. Now it's time to prepare your dredging station. In a shallow bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth. In another bowl, mix the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Combine them well for a uniform flavor. Take each chicken breast. Dip it into the egg mixture first. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to help the crumbs stick. Arrange the breaded chicken in your greased baking dish. Make sure they do not touch. This helps them cook evenly. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The coating should be golden brown and crispy. Carefully take the baking dish out of the oven. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken breast. After that, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven for an extra 10-12 minutes. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added color and flavor. To get that perfect crispy coating, use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs. These add flavor and texture. Mix them with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra crunch. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken. This helps the coating stick well during baking. Bake the chicken without overcrowding the pan. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp it up evenly. For juicy chicken, do not overbake it. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the inside reaches 165°F (74°C). Season the chicken breasts well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. This adds flavor and keeps the moisture locked in. Let the chicken rest after baking. This helps retain juices before serving. Presentation matters! Serve the chicken on a large platter. Drizzle extra marinara sauce on top for color. Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Finish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of green. This makes the dish look appealing and inviting. The vibrant colors will make your meal feel special and delicious. Pro Tips Choose the Right Chicken: For the juiciest results, opt for free-range or organic chicken breasts. They tend to have better flavor and texture. Make It Crispy: For an extra crispy coating, consider double-dipping the chicken in the egg and breadcrumb mixture. Homemade Marinara: If time permits, try making your own marinara sauce for a fresher flavor that elevates the dish. Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. {{image_4}} You can easily make a gluten-free version of this dish. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You may also want to check your marinara sauce for gluten. Most store-bought versions are safe, but it's good to read the label. This simple switch keeps the flavor while catering to those who need gluten-free meals. You don’t have to stick to just mozzarella. Try mixing cheeses for a new twist! Provolone, fontina, or gouda can add unique flavors. You can even blend different cheeses for a richer taste. Just ensure you use the same amount so the dish cooks the same. If you want a vegetarian option, swap chicken for eggplant. Slice the eggplant into rounds and follow the same steps as the chicken. The eggplant needs to be salted first and let sit for about 30 minutes. This removes excess moisture and bitterness. Coat it with the same breadcrumbs and cheese for a tasty meal. Serve it hot with marinara sauce and enjoy! To keep leftover chicken parmesan fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. To reheat chicken parmesan, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until it’s warm and the cheese is melted. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the coating less crispy. For long-term storage, freeze the chicken parmesan in a freezer-safe container. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This method helps keep the flavors intact and the chicken tender. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Check that it reaches 165°F (74°C). The coating should turn golden and crisp. This ensures your chicken stays juicy and safe to eat. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but thaw them first. Thawing helps them cook evenly. You can place them in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, use the microwave. Make sure they are fully thawed before seasoning. You can use pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a homemade tomato sauce. Each sauce brings a unique flavor. Choose what you like best to match your taste. You can also mix sauces for a fun twist. To make it healthier, try using whole wheat breadcrumbs. You can also bake the chicken without cheese or use less cheese. Adding spinach or zucchini to the marinara sauce boosts nutrition. These small changes keep the flavor while reducing calories. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also bake it, let it cool, and then store it. Just reheat it in the oven before serving for best results. Oven-baked chicken parmesan is easy and tasty. We covered key ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to make it crispy and juicy, plus some fun variations. Remember, you can store and reheat leftovers easily. Feel free to experiment with flavors too. Enjoy the cooking process and share the dish with others. You might end up with a family favorite!

Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Delight

A delicious and crispy chicken parmesan baked to perfection with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • to garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • Season the Chicken: On a clean cutting board, season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano, ensuring an even coating.
  • Prepare Dredging Station: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well blended. In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, combining them thoroughly for an even flavor.
  • Coat the Chicken: Take each seasoned chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture first, letting any excess drip off. Next, coat the chicken thoroughly in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
  • Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they aren’t touching to allow even cooking.
  • Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the coating should be golden brown and crispy.
  • Top with Sauce and Cheese: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, until the cheese has melted, is bubbly, and lightly browned.
  • Rest and Garnish: Once baked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

For an inviting display, serve the chicken on a large platter, drizzled with extra marinara sauce.
Keyword baked, chicken, Italian, Parmesan