Description
This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Italian-American dish, featuring tender pounded chicken breasts coated with a flavorful mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy, oven-baked meal perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Toppings
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Make Egg Wash: Crack the egg into a shallow bowl, add 1 tablespoon of water, and whisk with a fork until fully combined; this will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing well.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the egg wash, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the coating adheres evenly on all sides.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken breasts evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow even cooking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each chicken breast and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Using Panko breadcrumbs adds a light, crispy texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- For extra flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the breadcrumb mix.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Serve with pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but the crust may lose crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Baked Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Oven Baked Chicken, Italian Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner
