Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and hearty dish that combines crispy chicken with melty cheese and rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require any frying, making it a healthier option that still satisfies those comfort food cravings.
Why Make This Recipe
This Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan is a fantastic choice for a few reasons. First, it is simple to prepare, making it great for both beginner and experienced cooks. Second, it uses basic ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Lastly, this dish is not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some veggies with the addition of broccoli. You can enjoy the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan without the added calories from frying.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 10 ounces frozen broccoli (1 bag)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F and spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg until well blended.
In a separate shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Shake off any excess egg.
Next, dip the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs onto both sides for an even coat. Place the breaded chicken on the baking sheet. Repeat this step for all four chicken breasts.
Lightly spray the chicken breasts with olive oil spray or baking spray, then place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, carefully take the pan out of the oven and add the frozen broccoli around the chicken. Break apart the broccoli pieces and spread them as flat as possible. It’s okay if they overlap a little.
Put the chicken and broccoli back in the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove from the oven. Spread marinara sauce over the chicken breasts and top each with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
For an extra crispy topping, you can switch the oven to broil for about 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Once done, remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped basil on top, and serve!
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
This dish is best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair it with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. The baked chicken can be plated whole, or you can slice it for easy serving. Enjoy it with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Store Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
- For best results, use fresh breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Feel free to add more spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Variation
If you want to mix things up, you can use different types of cheese like provolone or fontina. You can also add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. They will require the same cooking time.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and breadcrumbs ahead of time, store them separately in the fridge, and assemble them when you’re ready to bake.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Chicken Parmesan. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven for the best result.
Enjoy making this easy and tasty Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan for your next meal!
Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large egg whisked
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs for coating
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 10 ounces frozen broccoli 1 bag, for serving alongside
For the topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce for topping
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg until well blended.
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Shake off any excess egg.
- Next, dip the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs onto both sides for an even coat. Place the breaded chicken on the baking sheet. Repeat this step for all four chicken breasts.
Cooking
- Lightly spray the chicken breasts with olive oil spray or baking spray, then place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, carefully take the pan out of the oven and add the frozen broccoli around the chicken. Spread the broccoli as flat as possible.
- Put the chicken and broccoli back in the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven. Spread marinara sauce over the chicken breasts and top each with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
- For an extra crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for about 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Serving
- Once done, remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped basil on top, and serve hot.
