Looking for an easy homemade chicken Parmesan recipe? You've come to the right place! I remember the first time I made this dish for my husband, Jake. He was so impressed that he declared it the best chicken dinner ever. Now, it's a staple in our home, especially on busy weeknights when we need something quick and delicious.
Why You’ll Love It
- It's a breeze to make, perfect for newlyweds.
- Crispy, cheesy goodness that the whole family will love.
- You can whip it up in under an hour!
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Pure Comfort
This crispy oven-baked chicken Parmesan is pure comfort food. With its golden crust and gooey cheese, it's sure to bring smiles at the dinner table. Plus, it's healthier than frying, so you can feel good about serving it.
What You Need
- 1 lb 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour – For dredging the chicken.
- 2 2 large eggs – Beaten, to help the breadcrumbs stick.
- 1 cup 1 cup breadcrumbs – Use Italian-style for extra flavor.
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for the best taste.
- 1 cup 1 cup marinara sauce – Store-bought or homemade, your choice!
- 1 cup 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For that melty, cheesy topping.
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil – For drizzling on the chicken before baking.
- to taste Salt and pepper – For seasoning the chicken.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a nice, crispy finish on the chicken.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Season the flour with salt and pepper, then dredge each chicken breast in the flour. Shake off any excess flour to avoid a gummy texture.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, coating them well. This step is crucial for that crispy crust.
- Next, coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese. Press gently to make sure the crumbs stick well.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the top for extra crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set a bit and makes it easier to slice.
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, add Italian herbs to the breadcrumbs.
- If you want a lighter version, use whole wheat breadcrumbs.
- Serve with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Don't rush the cooling time; it helps with serving.
Mix It Up
- Try using eggplant instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
- Add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the marinara for extra veggies.
- Swap the mozzarella for provolone for a different flavor.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with spaghetti or a side salad.
- Pair with garlic bread for a complete Italian feast.
- A glass of red wine complements this dish beautifully.
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FAQs
Can I make this chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze chicken Parmesan?
Absolutely! Freeze it before baking for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed crackers or panko for a different texture.
What should I serve with chicken Parmesan?
It’s great with pasta, salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This easy homemade chicken Parmesan is perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. With its crispy coating and cheesy goodness, it's sure to become a favorite in your home. So next time you're wondering what's for supper, give this quick baked chicken Parmesan a try!
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan for Easy Family Dinners
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Main
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts Pound the chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For dredging the chicken
- 2 large eggs Beaten, to help breadcrumbs stick
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Use Italian-style for extra flavor
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
- 1 cup marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For topping
- 2 tbsp olive oil For drizzling before baking
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning the chicken
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Season the flour with salt and pepper, then dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs to coat well.
- Coat the chicken in the mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, pressing gently to stick.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle olive oil on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then top with mozzarella cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the chicken cool for a few minutes before serving to let the cheese set.