Life gets busy, but nothing beats the joy of sharing a meal with family. The smell of baked chicken parmesan brings back happy memories of family dinners. It’s more than food; it’s a celebration of love and togetherness.
This dish is a hit with its rich, tangy flavors. It makes any weeknight feel special. Baked Chicken Parmesan is a go-to for busy days, bringing everyone together with its delicious taste.
Key Takeaways
- Baked chicken parmesan is a comforting dish loved by families.
- Preparation takes only 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- It serves as a healthy chicken parmesan alternative to fried options.
- This recipe can easily be adapted to suit personal taste preferences.
- With its rich flavors, it creates unforgettable meal memories.
Introduction to Baked Chicken Parmesan
Baked Chicken Parmesan comes from Italian cooking traditions. It has become a favorite comfort food in many American homes. This dish mixes chicken, marinara sauce, and cheeses, making a tasty meal for families.
The dish is loved for its taste and healthier cooking method. Unlike frying, baking uses less oil. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a nutritious meal.
Each serving of baked chicken parmesan is packed with 189 calories, 17 grams of protein, and important nutrients. It’s a guilt-free treat that’s both tasty and healthy.
This article will cover the key ingredients for this classic dish. You’ll learn about the chicken and parmesan cheese recipes. Plus, get tips for a crispy, golden crust.
For those wanting to improve their cooking, there are step-by-step baking instructions. These will help you master the dish.
Baked chicken parmesan is a hit with families for its flavors and easy baking. Dive into the next sections to learn more and improve your cooking skills.
Key Ingredients for Baked Chicken Parmesan
Making the perfect baked chicken parmesan needs top-notch ingredients. This dish is loved by many for its mix of flavors and textures. Knowing what goes into it helps you make a dish that everyone will enjoy.
Chicken and Parmesan Cheese Recipes
The heart of baked chicken parmesan is the chicken and cheese. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 8 ounces each, for tenderness. For cheese, mix freshly grated Parmesan with part-skim mozzarella for a tasty blend.
The Parmesan brings a nutty flavor, while the mozzarella adds creaminess. This mix makes the dish even better.
Baking Essentials and Seasonings
Other ingredients are key to the dish’s texture and taste. Seasoned breadcrumbs are essential for a crispy coating. A mix of Italian seasoned and whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs works best for a crunchy outside and a juicy inside.
Marinara sauce, about 1 cup, adds depth, along with herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder. These herbs bring aromatic flavors. Baking at 450°F for 25 minutes ensures everything cooks well. The chicken should reach 160°F for safety and tenderness.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake Chicken Parmesan
Baking chicken parmesan at home is easy and tasty. This guide shows you how to prepare and cook it. You’ll make a meal that everyone will love. With the right steps, simple ingredients become a delicious dish.
Preparation and Cooking Instructions
First, heat your oven to 425°F. Start by getting your ingredients ready. Use 2 to 2.5 pounds of chicken breast, pounded evenly.
In one bowl, mix three large eggs. In another, combine 2 cups of panko bread crumbs, 3 ounces of parmesan cheese, 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for the breading.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring thorough coverage.
- Next, dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Use ½ cup of olive oil, divided, to coat a baking dish.
- Arrange the breaded chicken in the dish, ensuring they do not overlap.
Place the dish in the oven and bake. The chicken needs about 15 minutes to lightly brown. Then, pour 1.5 cups of marinara sauce over it and add mozzarella slices. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes to get a golden crust.
Tips for Perfectly Breaded Chicken
Getting the breading right is key. Here are some tips:
- Double-dip the chicken in the egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker coating.
- Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before baking. This helps the breading stick better.
- Keep an eye on the temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F for safety.
- Adjust cooking times for larger chicken pieces. They might need a bit longer.
Storing leftovers is easy. Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for later. These steps will help you make a great chicken parmesan every time.
Why Baked Chicken Parmesan is a Family Favorite
Baked Chicken Parmesan is a hit in many homes. It’s healthier than fried versions because it uses less oil. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a lighter option.
When baked at 415°F, the chicken stays juicy and the cheese gets all melty. Each serving has about 240 kcal, much less than fried chicken. This means you can enjoy it without feeling guilty.
The flavors in Baked Chicken Parmesan are amazing. It combines marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. You can also add fresh basil or crushed red pepper to make it your own.
It’s perfect with spaghetti or zucchini noodles, making it a hit with everyone. Families love it because it’s easy to make and tastes great. It’s a dish that brings everyone together.
It only takes about 50 minutes to cook. This makes it a quick and nutritious meal for families. As they learn how to cook it, they discover a dish that’s both healthy and delicious. It’s a favorite that’s here to stay.
Baked Chicken Parmesan has established itself as a staple in many households, and for good reason. It’s the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults alike. One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is how easy it is to prepare. For families pressed for time, knowing how to bake chicken parmesan in the oven enables them to whip up a flavorful, satisfying meal without the mess of frying. Simply coat the chicken in breadcrumbs and top it off with marinara sauce and cheese before popping it in the oven.
The baking process transforms the chicken, locking in moisture while creating a lovely, golden crust that everyone loves. When wondering how long to cook chicken parm, families can rely on baking times of around 25-30 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through yet tender. This makes it accessible for parents to prepare alongside teaching their kids valuable cooking skills. There’s something special about cooking together as a family, and this dish provides an excellent opportunity for bonding in the kitchen.
Another reason for Chicken Parmesan’s popularity is its versatility. It can be served over pasta, alongside a fresh salad, or even in a hearty sandwich. This adaptability allows families to customize the meal based on their preferences and dietary needs. When considering how long cook chicken parmesan, they can discover various methods, experimenting with different cheeses or sauces to cater to individual taste buds.
Ultimately, Baked Chicken Parmesan isn’t just a meal; it’s a delicious tradition that brings families together. Its ease of preparation, appealing flavors, and adaptability make it a cherished recipe that families will continue to enjoy for years to come. As they learn how to master this dish, they create lasting memories around the table, reinforcing its status as a family favorite.
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Baked Chicken Parmesan: A Flavorful Family Favorite
- Total Time: 30minutes mins
- Yield: 4 pieces 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Baked Chicken Parmesan, a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for any family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 12 ounces each
- ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large egg whites
- 4 ounces part-skim mozzarella
- ½ cup high-quality jarred tomato sauce plus extra for serving as desired
- Fresh basil thinly sliced or chopped
- Optional for serving: prepared whole wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles, or just enjoy on its own!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise, so you have 4 pieces total. Pound each piece to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Set aside.
In a wide, shallow bowl (a pie dish works well), combine the Italian breadcrumbs, whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg whites until lightly foamy. Cut the mozzarella into 4 slices, or grate and divide into four equal portions.
Arrange your workstation in the following order: pounded chicken, egg whites, breadcrumb mixture, then the baking sheet. Working one at a time, dip each piece of chicken into the egg whites, shaking off any excess, then the breadcrumbs, gently patting the chicken as needed so that the crumbs stick to all sides.
Place on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly coat the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness) and the crumbs are brown, about 15 minutes. (Per the FDA, chicken is cooked through at 165°F, but its temperature will continue to rise after it is removed from the oven.)
Remove from the oven, spoon 2 tablespoons of sauce over each piece of chicken, and top with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 3-5 additional minutes.Sprinkle with basil and enjoy immediately, topped with extra sauce as desired.
Notes
- TO STORE: This recipe is best enjoyed the day it is baked, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.
- TO REHEAT: Leftover chicken can be reheated in a lightly greased pan over medium heat.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze chicken in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10minutes mins
- Cook Time: 20minutes mins
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken parmesan oven baked recipe