Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

Craving a classic Chicken Parmesan but want to skip the deep frying? This Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers all the crispiness and flavor you love with a healthier twist. Juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy breadcrumb topping, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, make for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Total Time: 30 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

Author: Siddhanath Metkari

Tools for this recipe:

1. Garlic Press
2. Wire whisk
3. a big pot
4. Sharp knife
5. bowl
6. skillet
7. kitchen tongs
8. oven

Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe Video:

Ingredients:

1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
3. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
5. 1 teaspoon onion powder
6. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
8. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
9. 2 large eggs, beaten
10. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
11. 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
12. 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
13. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
14. 2 tablespoons olive oil
15. Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Drizzle a little olive oil onto the baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Set up three shallow bowls:

• One with flour, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• The second with the beaten eggs.
• The third with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning mixed together.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Start by coating each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Put the breaded chicken breasts on the baking sheet you got ready. Drizzle the tops with a little olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Step 5: Add Marinara and Cheese

Take the chicken out of the oven and drizzle marinara sauce on top of each breast, making sure to spread it out nicely.  Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan on top of the sauce.

Step 6: Broil Until Golden

Turn your oven to broil. Place the chicken back into the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Make sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t get burnt.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the chicken from the oven. Give it a few minutes to chill. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Step 8: Serve

Serve your Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan with a side of spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy while it’s hot.

Tips:

• Make it Crispy: For an even crispier texture, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular Italian breadcrumbs, or a mix of both.
• Thicker Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them in half or pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
• Leftovers: Keep any leftover food in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it crispy, just pop it in the oven to reheat.

This Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan gives you all the classic flavors of the beloved dish with less oil and less fuss. It’s a perfect family dinner that feels like a special meal without the effort of frying.

Any vegetable pairings?

Here are some delicious vegetable side dishes that pair perfectly with Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan:

• Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Roast them until crispy at the edges for a crunchy, savory side that balances the richness of the Chicken Parmesan.
• Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sauté fresh spinach with garlic and a splash of lemon juice for a light, flavorful green that complements the cheesy, saucy chicken.
• Roasted Asparagus: Coat the asparagus with olive oil, add a dash of salt, pepper, and Parmesan, then place it in the oven to roast. It’s a fresh and simple side that adds a nice crunch.
• Grilled Zucchini: Slice zucchini lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and grill or roast. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness, while the char from grilling enhances the flavor.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan, and a tangy dressing works well to lighten up the meal.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy and caramelized. TThe mild bitterness of Brussels sprouts balances the indulgent flavors of Chicken Parmesan perfectly.
• Caprese Salad: Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a light and fresh side that mirrors the Italian flavors of Chicken Parmesan.

These sides add freshness, color, and texture to your meal, making it both hearty and balanced.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

Health Benefits:

1. High in Protein: Chicken breast is a lean source of protein that helps with muscle building and repair.
2. Calcium-Rich: Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are high in calcium, promoting strong bones and teeth.
3. Heart Health: Olive oil contains healthy fats that may help improve heart health.
4. Immune Support: Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add antioxidants to boost your immune system.
5. Bone Health: The Parmesan cheese provides a good amount of calcium and vitamin D, crucial for bone strength.
6. Weight Management: Lean chicken breast is low in calories, helping with weight control while providing satiety.
7. Digestive Health: The fiber from the breadcrumbs and marinara sauce supports a healthy digestive system.
8. Eye Health: Parmesan and mozzarella are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for eye health.
9. Blood Pressure Regulation: Basil and parsley garnishes contain compounds that may help regulate blood pressure.
10. Mood Enhancement: Chicken contains tryptophan, an amino acid that helps in the production of serotonin, improving mood.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigeration: Keep any leftover food in a sealed container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the baked chicken Parmesan (without pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat & Reuse Instructions:

Reheating:

• Oven: To maintain crispiness, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Reheat in the microwave, but the breading might become soft. To avoid drying out, cover the dish and heat in short intervals.

Reuse:

• Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: Place reheated chicken in a crusty roll with extra marinara and mozzarella for a quick sandwich.
• Chicken Parmesan Wrap: Slice the chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for a tasty wrap.
• Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Chop the chicken, mix with cooked pasta, extra marinara, and cheese, and bake for a hearty casserole-style dish.

This Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan provides all the flavor and texture of the traditional dish with a healthier twist, making it an easy and satisfying meal any night of the week.

FAQ’s

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