If you’re looking for a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish to serve at your next gathering, look no further than the ultimate baked chicken parmesan recipe. This classic Italian dish combines tender chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese to create a mouthwatering meal that will leave everyone craving for more. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of creating this delectable dish from start to finish.
Preparing the Chicken
To begin, you’ll need to gather the necessary ingredients for your baked chicken parmesan. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, all-purpose flour, and your favorite marinara sauce. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Next, it’s time to prepare the chicken breasts. Begin by pounding them gently with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet until they are about ½ inch thick. This step helps tenderize the chicken and ensures even cooking throughout.
In three separate bowls or shallow dishes, set up your breading station. In one bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs until well beaten. Finally, place the flour in the third bowl.
Dip each chicken breast into the flour first, making sure it is coated evenly on both sides. Shake off any excess flour before dipping it into the beaten eggs and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly so that each breast is fully coated with breadcrumbs.
Baking and Assembling
Once all of your chicken breasts are breaded and ready to go, place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the marinara sauce. If you have a homemade recipe, feel free to use it. Otherwise, store-bought marinara sauce works just as well. Heat the sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce onto each breast. Be sure to cover them evenly with sauce. Top each breast with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, and if desired, sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Finishing Touches
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese has melted and turned slightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows time for the flavors to meld together.
To serve your baked chicken parmesan, transfer each breast onto individual plates or a large platter if serving family-style. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley for added freshness and color.
Serving Suggestions
Baked chicken parmesan pairs perfectly with pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions while your chicken bakes in the oven. Once cooked and drained, toss it with some extra marinara sauce before serving alongside your cheesy chicken breasts.
For a complete meal, consider adding a side salad dressed in vinaigrette or garlic breadsticks for dipping into leftover marinara sauce.
In conclusion, this ultimate baked chicken parmesan recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering. With its tender chicken breasts coated in crispy breadcrumbs, smothered in tangy marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese, it’s a dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, with its simple preparation and cooking process, it’s a recipe that even novice cooks can master. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your guests with this crowd-pleasing dish.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
