Baked Chicken Parmesan with Melty Cheese
This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and always hits the spot. If you’re looking for a recipe that combines crispy, golden chicken with a gooey, cheesy topping, look no further. Not only is it satisfying and delicious, but it also has that comforting, homey feeling that makes it perfect for a family meal or even a special dinner for guests.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil (for drizzling)
For the Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for drizzling on top before baking)
For the Marinara Sauce:
2 cups homemade or store-bought marinara sauce (I recommend using a high-quality, chunky marinara sauce)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
STEP 1: PREPARE THE MARINARA SAUCE
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add your marinara sauce to the saucepan, followed by the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the sauce at the end using an immersion blender or regular blender.
STEP 2: PREPARE THE CHICKEN
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Pound the Chicken: To ensure that your chicken cooks evenly, place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.
Set up a dredging station: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another, whisk the eggs and milk together. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, making sure it’s coated on both sides. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Repeat this process for each chicken breast.
STEP 3: COOK THE CHICKEN
Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Chicken: Once the chicken breasts are on the baking sheet, drizzle a small amount of olive oil on top (optional for extra crispness) and bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
STEP 4: ADD THE TOPPINGS
Top with Marinara Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara sauce, followed by some grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake Until Cheese Melts: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
STEP 5: GARNISH AND SERVE
Once the chicken is out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve the Baked Chicken Parmesan with a side of spaghetti, a fresh green salad, or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
Tips for Success:
Chicken Thickness: Pounding the chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. If the breasts are too thick, they can cook unevenly, leading to dry edges and undercooked centers.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be used for extra crunch and texture. If you prefer a more classic texture, go for regular seasoned breadcrumbs.
Homemade Sauce: If you have the time, make a homemade marinara sauce by cooking canned tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. It adds extra richness and flavor to the dish.
Mozzarella Quality: Fresh mozzarella is delicious in this recipe, but for a more budget-friendly option, pre-shredded mozzarella works just fine. Just make sure to use a generous amount!
Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, gouda, or fontina, for a unique flavor profile.
Variations:
Stuffed Chicken Parmesan: For an extra twist, stuff the chicken breasts with a mixture of spinach, ricotta cheese, and herbs before breading and baking. This makes for a gooey, cheesy center that complements the crispy crust.
Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add a bit of heat by incorporating red pepper flakes into the breadcrumbs or using a spicy marinara sauce.
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: For a twist on the classic, serve the chicken on a toasted bun with extra marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese to make a Chicken Parmesan sandwich.
Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb version, swap the traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles (zoodles). They’re a light, refreshing base for the chicken parmesan and add some extra veggies to your meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
(Note: This is an approximation based on standard ingredients.)
Calories: 400-500 kcal (depending on portion size and cheese used)
Protein: 45g
Carbohydrates: 25g (mostly from the breadcrumbs and marinara sauce)
Fat: 20g (from the chicken, breadcrumbs, and cheese)
Fiber: 3g (from the marinara sauce and any added vegetables)
Sugar: 5g (mainly from the marinara sauce)
Why This Recipe is So Popular:
Crowd-Pleaser: Chicken Parmesan is one of those classic comfort foods that everyone loves. It’s hearty, satisfying, and flavorful. You can serve it for a family dinner, meal prep for the week, or even impress your guests.
Easy to Make: With a few simple ingredients and a few quick steps, you can have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in less than an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.
Cheese Lovers’ Dream: This dish is essentially a cheesy lover’s dream come true. Between the mozzarella and Parmesan, the cheese to sauce ratio is perfection.
Versatile: The recipe is easily customizable, whether you want to add more veggies, use different types of cheese, or serve it with different sides. You can even turn it into a sandwich or serve it over zoodles for a lighter alternative.
Final Thoughts:
This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe has everything you could want in a meal – crispy chicken, melty cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef, this dish is a no-brainer. It’s perfect for any occasion, and I’m sure it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too. Don’t forget to try some of the variations to make it your own, and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal!
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