Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Baked Chicken Parmesan—it’s a family favorite that brings back such warm and cozy memories for me! I grew up in a household where Italian food was practically its own food group, and nothing quite hit the spot like a delicious, cheesy, and perfectly baked Chicken Parmesan. I remember the aroma wafting through the house whenever my mom made it; all of us kids would come running to the kitchen with our mouths watering!
What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to throw together on a busy weeknight, yet it feels special enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, it’s a healthier twist on the classic, without sacrificing any of that cheesy, saucy goodness we all crave. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
What’s in Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! I always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy handling and cooking. Make sure they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer using seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor. You can also use panko for extra crunch. Just be careful not to skip this, as the breadcrumbs add that delightful crispy texture!
Parmesan Cheese: You can’t have Chicken Parmesan without this! Freshly grated Parmesan works best, but the pre-grated kind is perfectly fine too. It adds that salty, nutty flavor we love.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or feel free to whip up a homemade marinara if you’re feeling adventurous! This adds moisture and a rich tomato flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: The melty goodness that takes it all over the top. I usually go for whole milk mozzarella for that extra creaminess.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs adds a burst of flavor to the chicken. It usually includes basil, oregano, thyme, and sometimes parsley—but you can customize according to your taste!
Is Baked Chicken Parmesan Good for You?
Absolutely! While deep-fried versions might not win any health awards, my baked take is much lighter.
Chicken Breasts: Lean and full of protein, chicken breasts make for a filling and wholesome option.
Breadcrumbs: Using whole wheat breadcrumbs can boost fiber content, making this dish more filling.
Marinara Sauce: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is fantastic for heart health!
So go ahead, enjoy a generous serving of this yumminess without the guilt.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (serves 4)
– 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
– Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
2. In a bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
3. Coat each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it down well to adhere.
4. Place the coated chicken breasts snugly in the greased baking dish.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown.
6. Remove from the oven and pour marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot!
Serve it Up, My Way!
Now, you can always play around with this recipe! Try adding sautéed spinach or even roasted bell peppers to the marinara for extra veggies. Also, if you’re feeling indulgent, serve it alongside a side of pasta or over a mound of creamy polenta. And don’t forget the garlic bread—let’s face it, it just makes everything better!
I hope you give this Baked Chicken Parmesan a try! I promise that with every bite, you’ll be reminded of love-filled family dinners and the happiness that comes from a delicious home-cooked meal. Let me know how it turns out, or if you have any fun variations!