![- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Olive oil spray When I make Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan, I love to use fresh and tasty ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star here. They should be boneless and skinless for easy cooking. I prefer panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. They give the chicken a nice crispy texture. Mixing the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese adds flavor. Italian seasoning and garlic powder bring warmth and depth to the dish. Salt and pepper are must-haves to enhance the taste. The marinara sauce is the next key ingredient. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own. Homemade sauce adds a personal touch. It can elevate the dish even more. For the cheesy goodness, I use shredded mozzarella. It melts beautifully on top of the chicken. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves gives a bright finish. - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Shallow dish for mixing breadcrumbs - Measuring cups and spoons - Meat thermometer (for perfect cooking) In the kitchen, the right tools make cooking easier. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps with cleanup. It keeps the chicken from sticking, which is a big win. A shallow dish is perfect for mixing the breadcrumbs and cheese. Measuring cups and spoons are essential for getting the quantities just right. A meat thermometer is a smart tool too. It helps ensure the chicken cooks to the ideal temperature. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients blend. - Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. - Lightly spray each chicken breast with olive oil. Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down to ensure the crumbs stick well on both sides. - Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and crispy. - Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Be generous with the sauce. - Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce-covered chicken. - Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. - Once done, take it out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. You can find the full recipe to guide you through this delicious dish. Choosing the right breadcrumbs makes a big difference. I love using panko breadcrumbs. They create a light and crispy coating that adds great texture. Regular breadcrumbs can work, but they won’t give the same crunch. Another key to crunch is olive oil spray. It helps the breadcrumbs brown nicely. A light spray ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken moist inside. Don’t skip this step! For a flavor boost, add herbs or spices to your breadcrumb mix. Try mixing in dried oregano or parsley. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. These small changes can make a tasty difference. If you want to up your sauce game, think about homemade marinara. A simple blend of tomatoes, garlic, and onion can make your dish shine. It adds freshness and deep flavor that store-bought sauces might lack. Cooking time can vary based on chicken thickness. Thicker breasts may need more time. Always check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F for safe eating. This is where a meat thermometer comes in handy. It ensures your chicken is fully cooked, juicy, and safe to eat. With these tips, you can make your Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan a crunchy and tasty dish. For the full recipe, check the link provided. {{image_2}} You can make your Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan even more cheesy. Try using different cheeses. Provolone adds a nice flavor. Gouda gives a smoky taste. Both melt well and taste great. If you want creaminess, add a layer of ricotta cheese. Spread it on the chicken before the sauce. This step makes every bite rich and smooth. Want to add some greens? Spinach is a great choice. You can mix it in with the marinara sauce. It boosts nutrition and adds color. Mushrooms are another tasty addition. They bring a nice earthy flavor to the dish. For sides, think about serving with roasted vegetables. Broccoli or zucchini pairs well. You can also add a simple salad for a fresh crunch. If you need gluten-free options, don’t worry! You can swap regular breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. They work just as well for crunch. Another option is almond flour. It creates a crispy coating that tastes great. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish, no matter their diet. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. After enjoying your Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan, let it cool down. This helps keep the flavors intact. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just remember to separate the chicken from the marinara sauce for the best results. To reheat your chicken, use an oven or an air fryer for the best crunch. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 8-10 minutes. For a quick option, you can use a microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, but keep in mind it may not stay crispy. You can freeze unbaked chicken for meal prep. Just coat the chicken breasts as per the recipe and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, bake it according to the Full Recipe instructions. This lets you enjoy a fresh meal without the hassle! To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. The safe temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for visual cues. The chicken should be golden brown and the juices should run clear. No pink should remain inside. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken, add the sauce and cheese, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This will keep it crunchy. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the breadcrumbs. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. For the sauce, try adding sautéed onions or garlic. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth to your marinara. You can make Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan healthier by adjusting the recipe. Use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Reduce the amount of cheese or swap for a low-fat version. For less sodium, make a homemade sauce with fresh tomatoes and herbs. This way, you control the ingredients. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan. We discussed key ingredients, useful tools, and step-by-step instructions. You learned tips for achieving the perfect crunch and some appealing variations. In conclusion, this simple dish offers great flavor and flexibility. You can enjoy it tonight or prep it for later. Explore different ingredients to make it your own. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so give it a try!](https://recipespursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/efa63c54-6971-4772-9189-02376f95ee7e-250x250.webp)
Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan
Discover a delicious and easy recipe for Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan that will impress your family and friends! This flavorful dish features juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it's ready in just 40 minutes. Click to explore the full recipe and make your next meal unforgettable!