Introduction:
Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan is a healthier and easier take on the traditional Chicken Parmesan. By baking the chicken instead of frying it, you get the same crispy crust and deliciously melted cheese with less oil.
This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner, especially if you’re looking for a lighter version of a classic Italian favorite.
Paired with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil, it’s sure to please anyone at the table!
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Olive oil spray
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil spray.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs.
In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated, then dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides evenly.
Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray for a crispier texture.
Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
Once the chicken is cooked, spoon about ¼ cup of marinara sauce onto each piece of chicken.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.
Description:
Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a crispy breadcrumb crust and a generous amount of melted mozzarella cheese.
Topped with marinara sauce and fresh basil, this dish is a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
It’s much lighter than the traditional fried version, but still just as satisfying and packed with savory goodness. Whether served with pasta or a side of vegetables, this Chicken Parmesan is sure to become a family favorite!
Tips:
For an extra crispy crust, you can toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a pan before coating the chicken.
Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before breading to ensure the coating sticks better.
If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil or parsley as a garnish.
For an even healthier option, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour.
You can make this dish ahead of time by breading the chicken and refrigerating it before baking.
Just bake it fresh when ready to serve.
For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a mild kick.
Variations:
Eggplant Parmesan: Swap the chicken breasts for eggplant slices for a vegetarian version.
Bread and bake the eggplant the same way as the chicken.
Chicken Parmesan with Pasta: Serve the chicken Parmesan over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni, for a heartier meal.
Chicken Parmesan Sub:
Make a sandwich by placing the baked chicken Parmesan on a toasted sub roll with extra marinara and cheese.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
Corrections:
If the chicken breasts are too thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
This ensures the chicken cooks through evenly.
If the breadcrumbs are browning too quickly while baking, you can cover the chicken with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking and remove it for the final few minutes to crisp up.
Enjoy:
Enjoy your homemade oven-baked Chicken Parmesan with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad! This dish is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a classic Italian meal without all the extra oil from frying. Enjoy!
