This oven-baked chicken parmesan is a delicious and healthier twist on the classic dish. Featuring tender chicken breasts coated in breadcrumbs and topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, it offers a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
The recipe is straightforward and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Overview of Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan
This dish offers a delightful twist on the traditional chicken parmesan, focusing on a healthier preparation method.
With tender chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, it is baked to perfection, resulting in a golden-brown crust.
The addition of rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese creates a satisfying flavor profile that is sure to please anyone at the dinner table.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish
To create this mouthwatering chicken parmesan, gather the following ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Seasonings such as garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper enhance the flavor, while marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese provide the classic topping.
A drizzle of olive oil adds moisture and helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken, ensuring a crispy finish.
Preparation Steps
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
While the oven heats, prepare the chicken by patting the breasts dry and mixing the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and seasonings in a shallow dish.
Brush the chicken with olive oil and coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.
Baking the Chicken to Perfection
Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it cooks through and achieves a beautiful golden color.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and generously spoon marinara sauce over each piece, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
Finishing Touches
Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble.
This final step adds a deliciously gooey texture to the dish.
For an appealing presentation, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This oven-baked chicken parmesan pairs wonderfully with a side of spaghetti, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad.
The vibrant colors and rich flavors make it a perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
This chicken parmesan features juicy chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, baked until golden, and topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. The dish takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Brush each chicken breast with olive oil, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Finish Baking: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot with pasta or a salad.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g