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Crunchy Baked Chicken Parmesan Delight is a delightful twist on the classic Italian-American dish. This recipe captures the essence of Chicken Parmesan with a focus on achieving a perfect crunch while maintaining the tender juiciness of the chicken. The blend of savory Parmesan and gooey mozzarella cheese creates a rich flavor profile, complemented by the zesty marinara sauce. Ideal for family dinners or social gatherings, this dish promises to impress both adults and kids alike with its deliciousness and satisfying texture.

Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan with Salad

Discover a healthier twist on a classic favorite with this Crunchy Baked Chicken Parmesan Delight recipe. Perfectly breaded with panko for an incredible crunch, this dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich layer of marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, it's simple to prepare and promises to impress everyone. Serve with a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. Experience the joy of delicious home-cooked goodness!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for added crunch)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

For the Salad:

4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cucumber, sliced

¼ red onion, thinly sliced

½ cup balsamic vinaigrette

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup later on.

    Prepare the Chicken: Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts dry. If the chicken breasts vary in thickness, gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking.

      Set Up the Breading Station:

        - In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

          - In a separate shallow dish, beat the two eggs together until well combined.

            - Place the all-purpose flour in a third shallow dish.

              Bread the Chicken:

                - Start by dredging each chicken breast in the flour, removing any excess flour by shaking it off.

                  - Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg mixture to drip off.

                    - Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well to the surface.

                      Bake the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for an extra crispy texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

                        Add the Marinara and Cheese: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece, then top them with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

                          Prepare the Salad: While the chicken is baking, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, mix together the arugula, spinach, romaine, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

                            Serve: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the crispy chicken alongside the vibrant salad for a fresh, satisfying meal.

                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                                15 mins | 50 mins | 4 servings

                                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken on a serving platter, with the salad in a separate bowl for a beautiful contrast of color. Drizzle a bit of extra balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Enjoy!