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Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and get nice and crispy.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

If your chicken breasts are thick, consider butterflying them or pounding them to an even thickness for quicker and more even cooking. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.

3. Prepare the Breading Station:

In a shallow bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir to combine.

In another bowl, beat the eggs until they’re well mixed.

4. Bread the Chicken:

Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring that it’s well-coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Repeat for each piece of chicken.

For an extra crispy coating, you can also drizzle a little olive oil over the breaded chicken before baking. The oil helps the breadcrumbs crisp up and gives the chicken a beautiful golden color.

5. Bake the Chicken:

Place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the breading is golden brown and crispy.

6. Top with Sauce and Cheese:

Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each chicken breast, spreading it evenly. Top with about 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for each breast, then return the chicken to the oven.

7. Melt the Cheese:

Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping, you can turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

8. Serve:

Once the cheese has melted and the chicken is cooked through, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added burst of color and flavor. Serve the chicken with pasta, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan:

  • Use Thin Chicken Breasts: If you have thick chicken breasts, consider butterflying them or pounding them to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and ensures that it’s tender and juicy.
  • Breadcrumb Options: You can experiment with different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko for extra crunch or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.
  • Make Your Own Marinara Sauce: If you prefer homemade marinara sauce, you can easily make it with crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a few herbs like basil and oregano.
  • Add Extra Flavor: Feel free to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat or fresh garlic to the marinara sauce for extra flavor.
  • Meal Prep Tip: You can prepare the breaded chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the remaining steps for a quick dinner.

Serving Suggestions:

Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

  • Pasta: Serve the chicken with spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine for the ultimate Chicken Parmesan experience. Top with extra marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  • Garlic Bread: For an extra treat, serve your Chicken Parmesan with crispy garlic bread to scoop up any leftover marinara sauce.
  • Salad: A simple green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette or Caesar salad balances the richness of the chicken with freshness and crunch.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or eggplant are great side dishes that complement the flavors of Chicken Parmesan while keeping the meal light.

Why You’ll Love Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan:

  • No Frying Needed: This oven-baked version offers all the crispy goodness of fried Chicken Parmesan without the oil. It’s a healthier alternative that still delivers fantastic results.
  • Quick and Easy: The recipe is straightforward, with minimal prep and cook time. You’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or hosting guests, Chicken Parmesan is always a hit. Its cheesy, savory goodness is sure to leave everyone satisfied.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: You can easily prepare the chicken in advance and store it for later, making this a great recipe for meal prep.

Conclusion:

Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan is a delicious, healthier alternative to the classic fried version, delivering the same amazing flavors with less mess and less oil. The crispy, golden chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese is comfort food at its finest. Whether you serve it over pasta, with a side of salad, or simply enjoy it on its own, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.

So, next time you’re craving a comforting meal, skip the frying pan and try this easy, oven-baked twist on Chicken Parmesan. You won’t regret it!

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