Description
This baked chicken parmesan recipe delivers crispy, golden chicken coated in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. A lighter, oven-baked twist on a classic Italian favorite—perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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2 eggs, beaten
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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Olive oil spray or drizzle
For the Topping:
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2 cups marinara sauce
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil spray.
Prepare the Chicken:
Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness for even cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Set Up Breading Stations:
Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a third bowl.
Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken breast in flour, then egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure even coverage.
Bake the Chicken:
Place chicken on the prepared sheet. Spray lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Add Sauce and Cheese:
Remove from oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and top with mozzarella. Return to oven for 10 minutes until bubbly and melted.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh basil over the top and serve hot with spaghetti or a crisp salad.
Notes
Make Ahead:
Bread chicken breasts up to one day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add sauce and cheese just before baking.
Customizing the Flavor:
Add a pinch of red chili flakes for spice or substitute provolone for mozzarella for a richer, smokier flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 410kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg