Oh, let me tell you about my love for Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan! This dish has a special spot in my heart because it’s not just delicious; it’s also super simple to whip up. I remember the first time I made it for a cozy family dinner. The aroma of the marinara sauce bubbling in the oven and the cheese melting on top filled the kitchen, and it felt like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, it’s the kind of meal that turns a regular weekday into something magical!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforwardness. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a meal that feels fancy but is really just so easy to pull off. I love how the tender chicken pairs perfectly with the rich marinara and gooey cheese, making every bite an absolute delight. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser! Whether I’m serving it to guests or just treating my family, this Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan never fails to impress.
So, if you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the recipe and make some magic happen!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here’s everything you’ll need to create this mouthwatering Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan. Trust me, having all your ingredients ready to go makes the process even smoother and more enjoyable!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (the gooier, the better!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that extra cheesy goodness)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (I love using Italian-style for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (because we want all the flavor we can get!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for that perfect sear)
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal in no time. Let’s keep the momentum going!
How to Prepare Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan
Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s get into the exciting part—preparing this scrumptious Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step, and I promise it’s easier than you think!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is key because it ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that beautiful golden crust. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Season the Chicken
Next up, it’s time to season the chicken breasts. Grab those tender beauties and sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t hold back! This is where all the flavor starts. I like to rub the seasoning into the chicken a bit, so it really gets into all that delicious meat. Yum!
Sear the Chicken
Now, let’s get that skillet sizzling! Heat up the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot (but not smoking!), carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step is super important because it locks in those juices and gives the chicken a lovely flavor. Ooh, just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
Assemble the Dish
Alright, now it’s time for the fun part! Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the top, making sure to cover the chicken nicely. Then, sprinkle that shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese all over! I like to go a little heavy on the cheese because, well, who doesn’t love extra cheese? It’s going to melt beautifully in the oven!
Baking Instructions
Now, pop that baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you have a meat thermometer, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). But be careful—don’t just dive in right away; let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving!
Serving Suggestions
And voila! You’ve got yourself a stunning Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan. I love serving it with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, don’t forget some garlic bread to mop up that marinara sauce. Trust me, your family (or guests!) will be raving about this dish long after the plates are cleared!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! It’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body, especially when it’s as delicious as this Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 30g
These values can vary a bit depending on your specific ingredients, but this gives you a solid idea of what to expect. I love that you get a good amount of protein along with some tasty carbs from the breadcrumbs and marinara. It’s a satisfying dish that won’t leave you feeling guilty! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Tips for Success
Now, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan turns out absolutely perfect! These little nuggets of wisdom can really elevate your dish and make the cooking experience even more enjoyable.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken breasts and high-quality marinara sauce. Trust me, fresh ingredients make a world of difference in flavor. If you can, pick up some fresh basil to sprinkle on top just before serving for an aromatic touch!
- Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken might seem like an extra step, but it’s totally worth it! That quick caramelization locks in moisture and adds a lovely depth of flavor. Plus, it gives the chicken a beautiful golden color!
- Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to mix it up! Try adding provolone or a sprinkle of smoked gouda for a different twist. Cheese lovers, rejoice!
- Let it Rest: After baking, let your chicken rest for a few minutes before diving in. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken. Patience pays off!
- Make it Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare this dish a day in advance! Just assemble everything and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, pop it in the oven and you’ll have a delicious meal in a flash!
- Pair it Right: Think about what you’re serving alongside your Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan. Pasta, a crisp salad, or even some roasted veggies all make great accompaniments. Balance is key!
- Clean as You Go: To make your cooking experience smoother, try to clean up as you work. It keeps your space organized and makes the whole process feel less chaotic. Plus, you’ll appreciate it when it’s time to enjoy your meal!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make a fantastic Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan that’ll impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
FAQs About Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are the classic choices, feel free to get creative with your cheese options. Provolone adds a nice stretch and flavor, and smoked gouda can give your dish a delightful twist. You can even mix in some cheddar for a sharper taste. The key is to choose cheeses that melt well, so you still get that ooey-gooey goodness!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing them is super easy. Just let the chicken cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but I recommend the oven for that crispy cheese topping!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You bet! This dish is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble everything up to the baking stage a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, remove the cover and bake as directed. It’ll save you time on busy days, and the flavors have a chance to meld together, making it even more delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation Time: You can whip up this delicious dish in just 15 minutes of prep! Perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal pots and pans involved, cleanup is a breeze. You can focus on enjoying your meal instead of scrubbing dishes!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, rich marinara, and gooey melted cheese creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a go-to for family dinners or gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the cheese or add your favorite veggies for a personal touch. The possibilities are endless!
- Healthy Option: With lean chicken and plenty of protein, this dish is a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down.
- Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul and brings everyone to the table.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can easily make this dish ahead of time, perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd!
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan: 7 Secrets for Deliciousness
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan is a simple and delicious dish. It combines tender chicken breasts with marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot with pasta or a side salad.
Notes
- Use your favorite marinara sauce.
- For extra flavor, add fresh basil on top before serving.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Baked Chicken