Baked Chicken Parmesan
A classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in crispy breadcrumbs, topped with marinara and mozzarella cheese, offering a delicious and healthier alternative to fried versions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) For extra crunch
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: In one shallow dish, add the flour; in a second dish, whisk the eggs; in a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning.
Breading and Baking
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour first, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
- Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced apart for even baking.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with pasta, salad, or crusty bread.
Notes
Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking. Use high-quality marinara for best flavor. Allow chicken to rest for moisture retention. You can prepare the chicken earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to bake.