Baked parm chicken is the ultimate comfort food, a dish that brings back memories of cozy family dinners and the satisfying combination of crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. This recipe makes it easy to get the classic chicken parmesan experience without all the fuss. Forget complicated breading procedures; this baked parm chicken recipe streamlines the process, delivering delicious flavor with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This baked parm chicken Recipe
Baked Parm Chicken: The Easiest Chicken Parmesan Bake EVER!
An easy and delicious baked chicken parmesan recipe with crispy breaded chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition:
Protein: 40g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 25g
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a shallow dish, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Place the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and spread marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting into the pieces and serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, pan fry it before baking. Use high quality marinara sauce for best flavor. Freshly grated cheese is recommended.
This baked parm chicken recipe is a weeknight winner. It offers the comfort of classic chicken parmesan without requiring hours in the kitchen. I remember my grandma always making a similar version for potlucks, and it was always the first dish to disappear! The simple prep and baking method make it incredibly convenient, and the taste is always a crowd pleaser. The juicy chicken coated with seasoned breadcrumbs and smothered in a bubbly cheese topping is utterly irresistible. It’s also very budget friendly and customizable with different cheeses or by adding veggies.
Ingredients Needed for This baked parm chicken Recipe
- Chicken breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Italian breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese: ½ cup
- Dried Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten
- Marinara sauce: 1 ½ cups
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 ½ cups, shredded
How to Make This baked parm chicken Recipe
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- 2. In a shallow dish, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- 3. In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs.
- 4. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- 5. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- 6. Bake for 2025 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- 7. Remove the baking dish from the oven and spread marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
- 8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce.
- 9. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 510 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 10. Let chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting into the pieces and serving.
How to Serve This baked parm chicken Recipe
Serve this baked parm chicken hot, directly from the oven. It pairs perfectly with spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. A side of garlic bread or a simple salad complements the dish beautifully. For a more elegant presentation, garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Serve with a glass of your favorite red wine to complete the meal. Find inspiration for the perfect side dish on our blog.
How to Store This baked parm chicken Recipe
Leftover baked parm chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave. To retain crispiness when reheating in the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Tips to Make This baked parm chicken Recipe
For extra crispy chicken, you can pan fry the breaded chicken breasts in a skillet with a little olive oil for a few minutes per side before baking. If you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add extra Italian seasoning. To add more flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes before breading and baking. Avoid overcrowding the baking dish to ensure even cooking. Remember to allow the chicken to rest briefly after baking to retain its juices.
Helpful Notes for This baked parm chicken Recipe
Using high quality marinara sauce will significantly improve the flavor of this dish. It is important to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. If using thicker chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness for more even cooking. Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese provide the best flavor and melting qualities. For more cheesy recipes, visit our website.
Variation of This baked parm chicken Recipe
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce. You can also add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the baking dish before adding the chicken for a vegetable packed version. For a creamy version, try adding a dollop of ricotta cheese under the mozzarella cheese. In the summer, use garden fresh tomatoes to make your own marinara sauce. Check out other similar recipes online!
FAQs About This baked parm chicken Recipe
What is baked parm chicken?
Baked parm chicken is a simplified version of chicken parmesan where the chicken is baked instead of fried. It typically involves coating chicken in parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, then baking it with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
How do you keep baked parmesan chicken from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy baked parmesan chicken, ensure the chicken is dry before coating it with breadcrumbs. Also, bake the chicken on a slightly elevated rack to allow air to circulate and crisp the bottom.
What goes well with baked parmesan chicken?
Baked parmesan chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, including pasta (such as spaghetti or penne), roasted vegetables (such as broccoli or asparagus), and a fresh garden salad.
Can I freeze baked parm chicken?
Yes, you can freeze baked parm chicken. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Conclusion
That’s it! Learning how to make baked parm chicken has never been easier. Once you put a fork into that cheesy, saucy goodness, you might just want to make this recipe every night of the week. If this baked parm chicken inspires you, please give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Remember to Follow us on Pinterest for more tasty recipes and cooking tips!