Description
This Italian Chicken Parmesan recipe features crispy breaded chicken breasts baked to perfection with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. A classic Italian-American dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Toppings
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even ½-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for flavor.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in all-purpose flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and thoroughly coat in the mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This layering creates a crispy crust when cooked.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy, forming a flavorful crust that will hold up during baking.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish coated with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece, then top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh chopped basil for a bright herbal note. Serve hot, ideally paired with pasta or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use store-bought marinara sauce or prepare your own homemade version for freshness and customization.
- For a crispier cheese topping, broil the chicken for 2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve over pasta or alongside a fresh salad to complete the meal.
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly to achieve uniform cooking and tenderness.
- This recipe is nut-free but not suitable for gluten-free diets due to breadcrumbs and flour.
