🥘🍗 Baked Chicken Parmesan: The Ultimate Italian Chicken Recipe Delight 🍝🧀
1. Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite chicken parmesan bake. This crispy baked chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a crispy breadcrumb crust and gooey melted cheese, creating a satisfying dinner that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for an easy chicken recipe or a comforting Italian-inspired meal, this baked chicken parmesan is perfect. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to fried chicken, thanks to baking instead of frying. Let’s dive into the wonderful flavors of this Italian chicken recipe that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress!
2. Ingredients for the Chicken Parmesan Bake
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan Bake
Preparing the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and a tender bite.
Breading the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
Dip each chicken breast into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat generously with the seasoned bread crumbs. This layering process creates a crispy baked chicken crust that enhances the chicken parmesan bake texture.
Baking the Chicken
Place the breaded chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet or a wire rack placed over a baking sheet for even crispiness. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). For perfectly crispy baked chicken, consider using the Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1.
Assembling the Chicken Parmesan
Once baked, spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.
Serving Your Italian Chicken Recipe
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes. For a complete meal, check out this fantastic chicken and broccoli pasta or a crisp salad.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until hot and bubbly. For best results, reheat in the Ninja Air Fryer for a crispy finish.
5. Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This chicken parmesan bake pairs beautifully with classic Italian sides such as spaghetti, garlic bread, or a light side salad. For a wholesome dinner, pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Its flavors also complement a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water infused with lemon.
6. FAQs About Baked Chicken Parmesan
Q: How do I make my chicken parmesan crispy without frying?
Opt for baking breaded chicken in the oven or using an air fryer. Baking at high heat ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
Q: Can I prepare this chicken parmesan bake ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the breaded chicken and store it in the refrigerator unbaked. Bake fresh before serving to ensure the crispiness and cheese melt perfectly.
Q: What are good side dishes for a chicken parmesan bake?
Pair it with pasta, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Check out our pasta recipes for more ideas.
7. Benefits of Making a Chicken Parmesan Bake
This Italian chicken recipe offers a balanced mix of hearty flavors and health-conscious ingredients. Baking reduces oil and fat intake, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with your favorite cheeses and sauces.
8. Conclusion
Enjoy this delicious chicken parmesan bake as a centerpiece for your family dinner or special occasion. With its crispy coating, savory sauce, and melted cheese, it captures the essence of traditional Italian chicken recipes in every bite. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, this baked chicken parmesan is sure to become a staple in your weekly menu rotation. Try it today and indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy at home!
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Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free substitutes)
Description
Indulge in this delicious Baked Chicken Parmesan, a healthier yet equally flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring crispy chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions, this oven-baked classic offers a crispy crust, tender interior, and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Mix flour with salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Beat eggs in another bowl. Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and basil in a third bowl.
- Dip chicken in flour, then eggs, then coat generously with seasoned bread crumbs.
- Place breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet or wire rack and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove from oven, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, and bake an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For a quicker meal, assembled chicken can be prepared ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with cheese and sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
