Baked Chicken Parmesan

$- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless - Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (whole wheat recommended) - Grated Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup - Marinara Sauce: 1 cup (homemade or store-bought) - Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon - Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons - Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon - Eggs: 2 large - Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons - Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup - Fresh Basil: for garnish (optional) - Salt and Pepper: to taste To make baked chicken parmesan, gather these ingredients first. The chicken breasts should be boneless and skinless. This helps keep the dish simple and tender. Whole wheat breadcrumbs add a nice crunch and flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese gives a salty kick. Marinara sauce, whether homemade or store-bought, brings moisture and taste. Italian seasoning adds a herbal touch. Garlic and onion powder enhance the overall flavor. Eggs help the coating stick. Olive oil is key for crispiness. Shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully on top. Fresh basil can brighten the dish if you choose to add it. Make sure to have salt and pepper on hand to enhance your dish. With these ingredients, you will create a delicious and satisfying meal. - Step 1: Preheat Oven Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat will crisp the chicken well. - Step 2: Prepare Egg Mixture In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 eggs. This will help the coating stick. - Step 3: Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture In another bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper. Stir it well. - Step 4: Dipping the Chicken Take a chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure it is fully coated. - Step 5: Bread the Chicken Breasts Transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the crumbs stick well. Repeat this for all chicken breasts. - Step 6: Place Chicken in the Oven Lay the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over each piece. - Step 7: Add Marinara and Cheese After baking for 25 minutes, take the chicken out. Spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce over each piece. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. - Step 8: Final Baking & Garnishing Bake the chicken for another 5-7 minutes. Wait until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it cool. Add fresh basil on top if you like. - Using Olive Oil for Crust Drizzling olive oil on the chicken helps it crisp up. This oil gives the breadcrumbs a nice golden color. It also adds flavor. Make sure to coat each piece well. - Adjusting Oven Rack Position Place your oven rack in the middle. This helps the chicken cook evenly. If you want extra crispiness, move the rack higher for the last few minutes. Just watch it closely to avoid burning. - Presentation Suggestions Serve your chicken on a bed of spaghetti. This makes a lovely display. You can also pair it with a fresh garden salad. A colorful plate looks great and tastes even better. - Drizzling Marinara for Enhanced Flavor Spoon some marinara sauce over the chicken before serving. This boosts the flavor and keeps the chicken moist. A drizzle of extra sauce adds a nice touch, too. - Storing Leftovers Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh for up to three days. Store it in the fridge to prevent spoilage. - Best Methods for Reheating Reheat the chicken in the oven for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, it stays crispy and warm. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may lose some crunch. {{image_2}} You can easily make baked chicken parmesan healthier. Here are two simple swaps: - Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: Whole wheat breadcrumbs add more fiber. They also give a nice nutty taste. You can find them in most stores or make your own by blending whole wheat bread. - Low-Fat Cheese Options: Choosing low-fat cheese cuts down on calories. You still get that creamy texture and flavor. Look for low-fat mozzarella and parmesan for a lighter dish. To change up the flavor, consider these ideas: - Adding Spices or Herbs: You can mix in spices like paprika or cayenne for heat. Fresh or dried herbs like oregano and thyme can add depth too. Experiment to find your favorite mix! - Alternative Sauces: While marinara is classic, try pesto or Alfredo sauce. Each gives a new twist to this dish. You might discover a new favorite that your family loves! If you have special dietary needs, here are some options: - Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten allergies. Check the label to ensure they are certified gluten-free. - Vegan Substitutions: For a vegan option, replace chicken with eggplant or tofu. Use vegan cheese and egg substitutes like flaxseed meal. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty meal! - Serving Size: One chicken breast with sauce and cheese. - Macronutrient Count: - Protein: 37g - Fat: 18g - Carbohydrates: 28g Each serving provides a good balance of protein, fats, and carbs. This makes it a satisfying meal. - Health Benefits of Chicken: Chicken is a great source of lean protein. It helps build muscles and keeps you full longer. It also provides essential vitamins like B6 and niacin, which support energy and metabolism. - Benefits of Whole Wheat vs. Regular Breadcrumbs: Whole wheat breadcrumbs add more fiber than regular ones. Fiber aids digestion and helps you feel full. Plus, whole wheat has more nutrients, making your meal healthier. - Adaptations for Caloric Maintenance: If you're watching calories, cut the cheese or use less oil. You can also serve it with a side salad instead of pasta to lower calories. - Adjustments for Protein Intake: To boost protein, add more chicken or serve it with a side of beans or lentils. You could also use a higher protein cheese like cottage cheese in the recipe. Can I make Baked Chicken Parmesan ahead of time? Yes, you can prep Baked Chicken Parmesan ahead. Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you are ready to eat. This keeps it fresh and tasty. What can I substitute for breadcrumbs? If you don’t have breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers or ground oats. Both alternatives give a nice crunch. You can also use panko for extra crispiness. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Check the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should look white with no pink inside. Can this be made in an air fryer? Yes, you can make Baked Chicken Parmesan in an air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 15-20 minutes. The chicken will be crispy and delicious. What side dishes go well with Baked Chicken Parmesan? Many side dishes pair well with Baked Chicken Parmesan. Consider serving it with spaghetti, a fresh salad, or garlic bread. These sides add flavor and make a full meal. What to do if the coating falls off? If the coating falls off, try pressing it back on before baking. You can also add an extra layer of marinara sauce to help it stick. How to avoid dry chicken? To keep chicken moist, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. You can also brine the chicken before using it for more flavor and moisture. Baked Chicken Parmesan is a simple yet delicious dish. We covered the essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and key tips to ensure perfect results. Whether you choose healthier options or variations, you can make this meal fit your needs. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste. Enjoy creating a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also delights your family. You can easily adapt this recipe to make it even more special!$

Delight your dinner table with this Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe! This easy-to-follow guide shows you how to create juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful, crunchy breadcrumb mixture, topped with marinara and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for a weeknight meal or impressive gatherings, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your cooking game today!

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Ingredients

4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat for added flavor)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 eggs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet lightly with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.

In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and set aside.

In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Take each chicken breast and dip it into the egg mixture first, ensuring it is completely coated. Then, transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture and press gently so the breadcrumbs adhere well.

Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top of each chicken breast to aid in crisping.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating turns golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Once the chicken is almost done, remove it from the oven and carefully spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.

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

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a bed of spaghetti or alongside a fresh garden salad. Drizzle with extra marinara and sprinkle some basil on top for added visual appeal!