Description
Hearty chicken parmesan bake delivers classic Italian comfort with crispy breaded chicken smothered in marinara and melted cheese. Delicious layers promise a satisfying meal that draws family together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Coating and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
Sauce and Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious baking vessel and warm the kitchen oven to a toasty 375°F, ensuring the cooking surface is lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Create a flavorful coating by thoroughly blending dry seasonings – breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper – in a comprehensive mixing bowl.
- Submerge each chicken piece into whisked egg, ensuring complete coverage, then carefully roll through the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to secure an even, robust exterior.
- Activate a skillet with olive oil over medium thermal intensity, strategically browning chicken pieces for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crisp exterior, recognizing complete cooking will occur during baking.
- Carefully arrange the partially cooked chicken pieces within the prepared baking dish, creating an organized layer that allows for even heat distribution.
- Generously cascade marinara sauce across the chicken, ensuring each piece receives a luxurious coating of tangy tomato goodness.
- Liberally distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauced chicken, creating a molten, appetizing blanket of dairy deliciousness.
- Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven, allowing it to bake uncovered for roughly 20 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, irresistible golden landscape.
- Extract from the oven, adorn with delicate fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Ensure even coating by patting chicken dry before dipping in egg to help breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
- For gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free panko crumbs to maintain crispy texture.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium marinara sauce and reducing added salt in breadcrumb mixture.
- Prevent soggy chicken by briefly pan-frying to create a crisp exterior before baking, which locks in moisture and creates delightful golden crust.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg