Name: Baked Chicken Parmesan: 7 Comforting Flavors to Savor Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

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Introduction

Baked Chicken Parmesan is a comforting classic that combines crispy breadcrumb-coated chicken with savory marinara and melted mozzarella. This easy recipe brings together seven delicious flavors to create a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.

The image shows two pieces of breaded chicken breast topped with two layers: the first layer is bright red tomato sauce spread evenly, and the second layer is melted white mozzarella cheese with small golden brown spots. Fresh green basil leaves are placed on top and around the chicken. The chicken rests on a clean white plate with a white marbled surface background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets
1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Coat each chicken fillet evenly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.

Step 4: Place the coated chicken fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating turns golden brown.
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each fillet, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.

Step 7: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving to add a fresh, aromatic touch.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, lightly spray the breadcrumb-coated chicken with cooking spray before baking.

Use homemade marinara or your favorite store-bought brand depending on convenience and flavor preference.
Try adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a subtle heat.
Serve over cooked pasta or alongside a crisp green salad to round out the meal.

Storage

Store leftover baked chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the crisp texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with two pieces of golden-brown breaded chicken breasts topped with layers of bright red marinara sauce, melted white mozzarella cheese, and fresh green basil leaves scattered on top. The chicken is placed on a thin pool of olive oil mixed with red sauce, creating a shiny, slightly oily texture around the edges. The basil leaves add a fresh green color on top of the soft, melted cheese. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Just adjust the baking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the dish safe for gluten-intolerant diners.