Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan, often referred to as "Chicken Parm," is a beloved dish that has carved a special place in the hearts of many home cooks and restaurant-goers alike. This classic Italian-American dish features tender chicken cutlets coated in crispy breadcrumbs, topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey cheese, then baked to perfection. Its appeal lies not only in its delicious combination of flavors but also in its simplicity and adaptability, making it a favorite for families looking to satisfy their appetites without spending hours in the kitchen.

Discover the joy of cooking with this easy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe that transforms classic flavors into a simple, comforting dish. Tender chicken cutlets are coated in a crispy breadcrumb layer, topped with rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all baked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that brings everyone together. Serve it alongside pasta or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience everyone will love.

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Olive oil spray (or 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot enough for baking.

Prepare the Chicken: Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts dry, which helps the coating stick better. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.

Set Up a Battering Station: In three shallow bowls, arrange your ingredients – place the flour in the first bowl, the beaten eggs in the second, and in the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese.

Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and first dredge it in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs for a thorough coating. Lastly, press the chicken into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, ensuring an even coating adheres well.

Arrange the Chicken: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the coated chicken breasts on it. If you're using olive oil, either lightly drizzle or spray the tops of the chicken for a deliciously crispy texture.

Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). The breadcrumbs should look golden and crispy.

Add Sauce and Cheese: After baking, carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese and some chopped basil for extra freshness.

Broil for a Perfect Finish: Return the chicken to the oven and switch the setting to broil. Broil for an additional 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning, until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully golden.

Serve and Enjoy: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices. Garnish with extra basil if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta or a crisp, fresh salad.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

- Prep time: 15 minutes

- Total time: 40 minutes

- Servings: 4