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Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil | Best way to bake chicken parmesan, Best chicken parmesan recipe oven baked, Baked chicken parm recipe
Easy baked chicken Parmesan is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner with a crisp Parmesan breadcrumb coating, rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil. It is simple enough for a weeknight yet satisfying enough for a family meal or casual gathering.
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Why Make This Recipe
- Simple preparation: A few basic ingredients create a flavorful, oven-baked meal.
- Rich, comforting flavor: Crispy breadcrumbs, savory Parmesan, marinara sauce, and bubbly mozzarella deliver classic chicken Parmesan taste.
- Less messy than frying: Baking keeps the process easy while still creating a deliciously golden coating.
- Easy to serve: Add a simple side dish, and you have a complete family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
How to Make It
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your oven so it reaches the correct temperature before the chicken goes in.
In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are evenly combined. This mixture forms the savory coating for the chicken.
Dip each chicken breast in olive oil, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each chicken breast is covered as evenly as possible so the coating bakes into a crisp, flavorful crust.
Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the baking sheet and bake until the coating begins to turn golden.
Remove from oven, spoon marinara sauce on top of each chicken breast, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella. Spread the sauce over the chicken, then cover it with the shredded mozzarella.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly. Continue baking until the cheese melts and bubbles and the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Add fresh basil leaves just before serving for a bright color and fresh flavor.
How to Serve It
- Serve the chicken Parmesan with pasta tossed in marinara sauce for a classic pairing.
- Add a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the rich, cheesy topping.
- Garnish with extra fresh basil and a little grated Parmesan before serving.
How to Store It
Store leftover chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven until warmed through to help preserve the breadcrumb coating and melted cheese.
For longer storage, place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container and freeze. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before reheating it in the oven. Reheating gently helps prevent the chicken from drying out and keeps the cheese flavorful.
Helpful Tips
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on the baking sheet so they cook evenly.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture for a more consistent crust.
- Add the marinara sauce and mozzarella only after the first bake so the coating has time to crisp before becoming covered.
- Garnish with fresh basil just before serving to keep its flavor and color bright.
Optional Variations
- Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs in place of plain breadcrumbs for extra herb flavor.
- Add dried Italian herbs or garlic seasoning to the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
- Try a blend of shredded mozzarella and another melting cheese for a richer topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but cooking results may vary because they differ in size and thickness.
Can I prepare this chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
You can coat the chicken and prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Add the marinara sauce and mozzarella during the baking process as directed.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should be cooked through, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly before serving.
Can I freeze baked chicken Parmesan?
Yes. Cool the leftovers completely, place them in a freezer-safe container, and thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with baked chicken Parmesan?
Pasta, a green salad, or steamed vegetables all pair well with the marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan coating.
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Easy baked chicken Parmesan is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner with a crisp Parmesan breadcrumb coating, rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Use Italian-seasoned for extra flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste salt and pepper
- Olive oil olive oil To coat the chicken.
Toppings
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves fresh basil leaves For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your oven so it reaches the correct temperature before the chicken goes in.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Dip each chicken breast in olive oil, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven, spoon marinara sauce on top of each chicken breast, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Serve with pasta tossed in marinara sauce or a crisp green salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
