Recipes

Baked Chicken Parmesan 2023

 

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Dredging Station:
    • Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow dishes. In another shallow dish, mix the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Dredge Chicken:
    • Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken in the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s well-coated, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
  4. Sauté Chicken:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown. This step helps to achieve a crispy exterior.
  5. Transfer to Baking Sheet:
    • Transfer the sautéed chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
    • Top each chicken breast with a spoonful of marinara sauce, spreading it evenly. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast.
  7. Bake:
    • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
  8. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish the baked chicken with fresh basil before serving. The aromatic basil adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
  9. Serve with Pasta or Salad:
    • Serve the Chicken Parmesan over your favorite pasta or alongside a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
  10. Enjoy:
    • Sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade Baked Chicken Parmesan!

This recipe provides a flavorful and comforting twist on a classic dish, and the baking process ensures a gooey, melted cheese topping. Feel free to customize it to your taste preferences and enjoy a delightful meal!

Here are some tips to make your Baked Chicken Parmesan even more delightful:

  1. Quality Chicken:
    • Choose high-quality, organic chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. This ensures a juicy and tender result.
  2. Pounding the Chicken:
    • Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and reduces the risk of overcooking.
  3. Flavorful Breadcrumbs:
    • Use seasoned or Italian-flavored breadcrumbs for an extra kick of flavor. You can also add additional herbs like basil, oregano, or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Enhance the Parmesan Mixture:
    • Mix freshly grated Parmesan with the breadcrumbs for a richer and more authentic taste. Freshly grated Parmesan has a more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
  5. Let the Breadcrumb Coating Set:
    • After coating the chicken in breadcrumbs, let it sit for a few minutes before cooking. This allows the coating to adhere better to the chicken.
  6. Baking Sheet Trick:
    • Elevate the chicken on a wire rack on the baking sheet. This ensures air circulation around the chicken, keeping the bottom crispy and preventing it from getting soggy.
  7. Homemade Marinara Sauce:
    • Consider making your own marinara sauce for a fresher taste. Add ingredients like garlic, onions, and herbs to your liking.
  8. Fresh Mozzarella:
    • Opt for fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a creamier texture to the dish.
  9. Herb Infusion:
    • Add fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, to the marinara sauce before topping the chicken. This adds a burst of freshness to the dish.
  10. Grated Garlic or Garlic Powder:
    • Mix a bit of grated garlic or garlic powder into the breadcrumb mixture for a flavorful garlic kick.
  11. Serve Over Pasta Al Dente:
    • Serve the Chicken Parmesan over al dente pasta. The contrast between the crispy chicken and tender pasta enhances the overall dining experience.
  12. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
    • After baking, broil the chicken for a minute or two to achieve an extra crispy and golden-brown topping.
  13. Squeeze of Lemon:
    • Before serving, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the chicken to add brightness and balance the richness of the dish.
  14. Pair with a Light Salad:
    • Serve the Chicken Parmesan with a light salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
  15. Make Ahead for Flavor Infusion:
    • Prepare the chicken a few hours in advance or even the night before and let it marinate in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Feel free to incorporate these tips to tailor the recipe to your preferences and create a Baked Chicken Parmesan that is even more delightful. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers related to Baked Chicken Parmesan:

  1. Can I use chicken thighs or tenders instead of chicken breasts?
    • Yes, you can use chicken thighs or tenders. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
  2. How do I prevent the breading from getting soggy?
    • Elevate the chicken on a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation, preventing the bottom from getting soggy.
  3. Can I make Baked Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
    • While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the components ahead and assemble just before baking. This helps maintain the crispiness.
  4. What side dishes pair well with Baked Chicken Parmesan?
    • Baked Chicken Parmesan pairs well with pasta, spaghetti, or a simple side salad. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread are also popular choices.
  5. Can I freeze Baked Chicken Parmesan?
    • While it’s possible to freeze, the texture may change slightly. If freezing, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
  6. How do I reheat leftovers?
    • Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet or microwave, though the breading may not be as crispy.
  7. What type of mozzarella cheese is best?
    • Fresh mozzarella is often preferred for its creamy texture when melted. However, you can use part-skim or whole milk shredded mozzarella as well.
  8. Can I make it gluten-free?
    • Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs. Ensure other ingredients, like the marinara sauce, are gluten-free.
  9. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
    • Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works well. However, you can enhance the flavor by adding garlic, herbs, or a splash of red wine.
  10. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    • While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique twist.
  11. How can I make it spicier?
    • Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce to kick up the heat.
  12. How long should I cook the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked?
    • The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the chicken.
  13. Can I make it without eggs for an egg-free version?
    • Yes, you can use buttermilk or even a mixture of milk and Dijon mustard as an egg substitute for breading.
  14. What can I do if the breading is too thick?
    • Lightly pat the chicken breasts with a paper towel after dipping in the egg to remove excess, or use a thinner layer of breadcrumbs.
  15. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
    • Yes, you can add sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

Feel free to tailor these answers to your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your Baked Chicken Parmesan!

Here are some tips to elevate your Baked Chicken Parmesan to perfection:

  1. High-Quality Ingredients:
    • Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients, including premium chicken, real Parmesan cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce.
  2. Proper Chicken Preparation:
    • Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and a more consistent texture.
  3. Season at Every Step:
    • Season the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs individually. This ensures that every layer of the dish is well-seasoned, enhancing overall flavor.
  4. Freshly Grated Parmesan:
    • Grate Parmesan cheese fresh from a block rather than using pre-grated. Freshly grated Parmesan has a more intense flavor.
  5. Herb-Infused Breadcrumbs:
    • Add dried herbs or fresh herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme work well.
  6. Preheat Your Oven:
    • Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature before placing the chicken inside. This helps achieve the desired crispy texture.
  7. Use a Wire Rack:
    • Elevate the chicken on a wire rack while baking. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy, allowing air to circulate.
  8. Sauce Application:
    • Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-covered. This prevents dry spots and enhances flavor.
  9. Fresh Mozzarella:
    • Use fresh mozzarella slices instead of pre-shredded. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a creamy and gooey texture.
  10. Herb Garnish:
    • Garnish with fresh basil just before serving for a burst of color, freshness, and added flavor.
  11. Broiling Technique:
    • After baking, broil for a couple of minutes to achieve a golden-brown and slightly crispy topping. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  12. Let it Rest:
    • Allow the baked Chicken Parmesan to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
  13. Serve Over Al Dente Pasta:
    • Serve the Chicken Parmesan over al dente pasta for a perfect combination of textures. The pasta will absorb some of the delicious sauce.
  14. Lemon Zest or Juice:
    • Add a hint of fresh lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice over the finished dish just before serving to brighten the flavors.
  15. Create a Flavorful Marinara:
    • If using store-bought marinara sauce, enhance its flavor by sautéing garlic, onions, or a pinch of red pepper flakes before adding the sauce.

By incorporating these secrets into your cooking process, you’ll be on your way to creating a Baked Chicken Parmesan that’s not only visually appealing but also bursting with incredible flavors. Enjoy your perfect meal!