If you’re looking for an easy meal for newlyweds, this Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan is just the ticket! I remember the first time I made this for my husband, Jake. He couldn’t believe how crispy and delicious it was, and I felt like a superstar in the kitchen. This recipe is perfect for quick baked chicken parmesan that the whole family will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a breeze to whip up, even on busy weeknights.
- The crispy coating adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
- You can customize it with your favorite cheeses and herbs.
Pure Comfort
This dish is pure comfort food, bringing warmth and joy to the dinner table. The aroma of baking chicken fills your kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in. Plus, who can resist that cheesy, gooey goodness on top?
What You Need
- 4 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Pounded to an even thickness for even cooking.
- 120 g 1 cup all-purpose flour – For dredging the chicken.
- 2 2 large eggs – Beaten, to help the coating stick.
- 100 g 1 cup breadcrumbs – Use Italian-style for extra flavor.
- 240 g 1 cup marinara sauce – Store-bought or homemade works well.
- 4 oz 1 cup mozzarella cheese – Shredded, for that melty topping.
- 2 oz 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For added flavor.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp dried oregano – Or Italian seasoning for a twist.
- to taste Salt and pepper – For seasoning the chicken.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Total: 40 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and coating a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken will bake evenly and get crispy.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs mixed with oregano.
- Take each chicken breast and coat it first in the flour, shaking off the excess. This step is crucial for a crispy crust.
- Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. This helps the breadcrumbs stick.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. You want a nice, even coating for maximum crunch.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. The aroma will be irresistible!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle, making each bite tender and juicy.
Make It Perfect
- For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken tenders.
- Pair this dish with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Mix It Up
- Swap marinara sauce for pesto for a fresh twist.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms on top of the chicken before adding cheese.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with spaghetti for a classic pairing.
- A side of garlic bread complements the meal perfectly.
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FAQs
Can I make this chicken parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coating a day in advance. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze chicken parmesan?
Absolutely! Freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. It will last up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed cornflakes or ground almonds for a gluten-free option.
What makes this the best ever chicken parmesan?
The combination of crispy chicken, rich marinara, and gooey cheese creates a comforting dish that everyone loves.
Conclusion
This Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan is not just an easy dinner family recipe; it’s a meal that brings everyone together. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. So, what’s for supper? You can’t go wrong with this classic!
Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan for Easy Family Dinners
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Bowls
Ingredients
Main
- 4 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pounded to an even thickness for even cooking
- 120 g all-purpose flour For dredging the chicken
- 2 large eggs Beaten, to help the coating stick
- 100 g breadcrumbs Use Italian-style for extra flavor
- 240 g marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade works well
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese Shredded, for that melty topping
- 2 oz Parmesan cheese Grated, for added flavor
- 1 tsp dried oregano Or Italian seasoning for a twist
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning the chicken
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with oregano.
- Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Return chicken to oven and bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.