Description
This easy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe features juicy, boneless skinless chicken breasts coated with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick, family-friendly, and healthier twist on the classic Italian-American comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Begin by pounding the chicken breasts gently to an even thickness—this helps them cook evenly and stay tender throughout.
- Set up your breading station: In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This two-step dip will give your chicken that signature crispy coating.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press both sides firmly into the breadcrumb mixture for full coverage.
- Bake the chicken: Place coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes, until the crust is golden and chicken is cooked through.
- Add sauce and cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven, spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece, then top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Final bake for melting: Return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, creating that irresistible cheesy finish.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese for better melting.
- Drizzle olive oil lightly before baking to enhance crispness without frying.
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to avoid overcooking thinner parts.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking to lock in juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Baked Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Easy Chicken Parmesan, Family Dinner, Italian-American Recipe, Healthy Chicken Parmesan
