Description
Enjoy the irresistible crunch and cheesy goodness of Baked Chicken Parmesan! This healthier twist on the classic Italian-American dish features baked breaded chicken topped with marinara and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 thin boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1–1 ¼ lbs total)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped basil or parsley (for garnish)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Make the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium bowl, melt the butter.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, ensuring full coverage. Press into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray and drizzle any remaining butter for extra crispiness.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Add Marinara and Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and top with mozzarella slices.
- Broil: Turn on the broiler and return the chicken to the oven for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For even cooking, use chicken breasts of uniform thickness or pound them to an even size.
- To enhance the flavor, use a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American