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Best-Ever Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
This easy oven-baked chicken Parmesan is a comforting, family-friendly dinner with tender chicken, a crisp seasoned coating, rich marinara sauce, and bubbly melted mozzarella. It is simple enough for a weeknight meal yet satisfying enough to serve when guests are coming over.
Prep Time: Not provided
Cook Time: Not provided
Total Time: Not provided
Servings: Not provided
Why Make This Recipe
- Simple preparation: A short ingredient list and straightforward steps make this chicken Parmesan easy to prepare.
- Classic comfort-food flavor: Seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan, marinara sauce, and mozzarella create a rich and satisfying combination.
- Perfect for busy nights: The chicken bakes in the oven, making this a convenient alternative to frying.
- A crowd-pleaser: Serve it with pasta, salad, or vegetables for a complete meal the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How to Make It
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the oven before assembling the chicken so it reaches the correct temperature for baking.
In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the seasonings and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Turn each piece so the egg covers the chicken, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture to create an even coating.
Place the coated chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Arrange the chicken in a single layer so it bakes evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The coating should become lightly golden, and the chicken should be fully cooked.
Remove from the oven and pour marinara sauce over each piece of chicken. Spread the sauce over the chicken so each portion is covered.
Top with mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the marinara sauce.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch for the cheese to become fully melted and lightly golden around the edges.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve. Add basil just before serving for a fresh finishing touch.
How to Serve It
- Serve the chicken Parmesan over spaghetti, linguine, or another favorite pasta.
- Add a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for freshness and balance.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve with warm garlic bread to complete the meal.
How to Store It
Allow leftovers to cool, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them. For best quality, enjoy refrigerated leftovers within a few days.
To freeze, place the cooled chicken Parmesan in a freezer-safe container and separate portions if desired. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Reheat Chicken Parmesan in the Oven
For the best texture, reheat chicken Parmesan in the oven. Place the leftovers in a baking dish, cover loosely to help prevent the chicken from drying out, and warm them in an oven until heated through. Remove the covering near the end if you want the cheese to become bubbly again. Avoid overheating, as this can make the chicken tough and the coating less crisp.
Helpful Tips
- Use an even coating of breadcrumbs so the chicken browns consistently and holds the marinara sauce well.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the baking dish to promote even cooking.
- Add the marinara sauce and mozzarella only after the initial bake so the breadcrumb coating has a chance to become crisp before being covered.
- Let the chicken rest briefly after baking so the cheese can settle and the juices can redistribute.
Optional Variations
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mix extra Italian seasoning or dried basil into the breadcrumbs for a stronger herb flavor.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan on top for a deeper, cheesier finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare chicken Parmesan in a pan?
Yes. Place the coated chicken breasts in a greased baking dish or oven-safe pan, then follow the same baking and topping instructions.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it is cooked through. The exact time can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes. Store-bought marinara sauce works well and makes this recipe especially convenient.
How can I keep the coating from becoming soggy?
Bake the coated chicken before adding the marinara sauce and mozzarella. This helps the breadcrumb coating firm up before the toppings are added.
Can I reheat chicken Parmesan in the oven?
Yes. Reheating it in the oven helps warm the chicken evenly and remelt the cheese while preserving more of the coating’s texture than microwave reheating.
Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan
This easy oven-baked chicken Parmesan features tender chicken with a crisp coating, rich marinara sauce, and bubbly mozzarella, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce Store-bought works well.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg Beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- optional Fresh basil for garnish Add just before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before preparing the chicken.
- In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed.
- Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
Cooking
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and pour marinara sauce over each piece, covering completely.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve over pasta, with a salad or vegetables.
Notes
For best texture, reheat leftovers in the oven covered loosely. This prevents drying out and helps retain crispness. Enjoy within a few days; freeze for longer storage if needed.
