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For this easy and tasty dish, you need these main ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) - Olive oil spray These ingredients come together to create a rich flavor. The chicken stays juicy, and the topping gets crispy. I love using specific brands for great results. For breadcrumbs, I recommend using Progresso or Italian-style Panko. These brands give a nice crunch. For cheese, look for freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella. Brands like BelGioioso or Sargentos work well. Fresh cheese melts better and enhances the taste. Want to kick up the flavor? Try these optional ingredients: - Fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley - Lemon zest for a bright touch - Red pepper flakes for heat - Spinach for added nutrition These extras can make your meal more exciting. You can mix and match based on your taste. Feel free to experiment! For the full recipe, refer to the provided details. To start, gather all your ingredients. You need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a cup of breadcrumbs, and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget the garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. These spices add depth to the flavor. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for getting that crispy texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Next, take a large bowl and mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper together. This mixture creates a tasty coating. To prepare the chicken, pound each breast gently between two sheets of plastic wrap until it's about half an inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Now, coat each chicken breast well in the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to make sure the coating sticks. Place the coated chicken on your baking sheet. Finally, spray the tops of the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil. This will help them crisp up in the oven. Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Check for doneness; the chicken should be cooked through, and the coating should be golden brown. After the first bake, remove the baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the baking sheet to the oven for 5 to 7 more minutes. This second bake melts the cheese and makes it bubbly. Let the chicken cool for a few minutes once it’s done baking. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Baked Chicken Parmesan pairs well with a side of pasta, salad, or garlic bread. You can enjoy this dish with family and friends. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To get a crispy coating, use seasoned breadcrumbs. They add flavor and texture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken. Make sure every part is covered. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray before baking. This helps them crisp up. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and browning. Place the chicken on parchment paper. This keeps it from sticking and makes cleanup easy. Cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Baked Chicken Parmesan pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with pasta tossed in marinara. A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. Garlic bread makes a great side too. For a healthy option, serve with steamed veggies. These sides balance the rich flavors of the chicken. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. You can even make your own using ground oats or nuts. Just mix in some herbs to keep the flavor strong. This way, you can enjoy the same crispy texture without the gluten. If you like heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This adds a nice kick that pairs well with the marinara sauce. The spicy flavor complements the cheese and chicken perfectly. It’s a simple twist that can make the dish exciting. For a tasty vegetarian option, use eggplant instead of chicken. Slice the eggplant into rounds and salt them to remove excess moisture. After letting them sit, rinse and pat dry. Then follow the same steps as the chicken. Coat the eggplant slices with breadcrumbs and bake until golden. This gives you a hearty meal that still feels indulgent. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for the classic version of this dish. Store your baked chicken Parmesan in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This keeps moisture in and stops the chicken from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This way, the chicken stays juicy and the cheese melts nicely. You can also use a microwave, but it may not stay as crispy. You can freeze baked chicken Parmesan for later use. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. It will keep well for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat it as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal any time! Baked Chicken Parmesan can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. To keep it fresh, let it cool before putting it away. The chicken may lose some crispness over time, but it will still taste great! Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more flavor and stay juicy. They may take a few extra minutes to cook fully. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. Enjoy the rich taste they bring to the dish. If you don't have marinara sauce, you can use other options. Try pizza sauce, pesto, or alfredo sauce. Each option adds a unique twist to the dish. If you like a bit of heat, you can add crushed red pepper to your sauce for a spicy kick. You’ve learned how to make Baked Chicken Parmesan from start to finish. We covered key ingredients and gave brands to trust for breadcrumbs and cheese. I shared great tips to achieve a crispy coating and suggested tasty sides. We explored fun variations, like gluten-free and spicy options. Lastly, I provided easy storage and reheating tips to keep your meal fresh. Enjoy your cooking experience!

Baked Chicken Parmesan

Savor the deliciousness of Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan with this easy recipe! Perfectly seasoned, golden chicken breasts are baked to crispy perfection and smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. This dish is quick to prepare and ideal for family dinners. Ready in just 40 minutes, it's sure to impress everyone at the table. Click now to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

      Lightly pound the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) for uniform cooking.

        Coat each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure an even coating. Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

          Lightly spray the tops of the chicken breasts with olive oil spray to enhance crispiness during baking.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

              Remove the baking sheet from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

                Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                  Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4