Easy Baked Chicken Parm Recipe
Craving chicken parmesan but short on time and energy? This easy baked chicken parm recipe delivers all the classic flavors without the fuss of frying. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Coat the Chicken: Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil. One at a time, dredge each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Bake: Place the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Spread a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Broil (Optional): Return the baking dish to the oven and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning. If you prefer, you can just bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve over pasta, with a side salad, or on a toasted roll for a chicken parm sandwich.
Tips and Variations:
- Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
- Add Flavor: Experiment with different spices in the breadcrumb mixture, such as red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use Different Cheese: Substitute provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses for the mozzarella.
- Make it Ahead: Prepare the chicken through step 3 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Add Vegetables: Sauté some vegetables like bell peppers and onions to add to the marinara sauce for an even more flavorful dish.
Enjoy this simple and delicious baked chicken parm recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under an hour.