Easy Ovenbaked Chicken Parmesan
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Fancy Some Baked Chicken Parmesan ?
Honestly, who doesn’t love a bit of Chicken Parmesan ? Are you craving that classic Italian comfort food but dreading the greasy mess of frying? This Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is the answer.
It's Healthy Chicken Parmesan and still totally scrumptious.
Brief Overview: Classic with a Twist
Oven Baked Chicken Parmigiana originated in Italian American kitchens. It takes a much loved but labor intensive dish, and makes it doable at home.
This Chicken Parmesan without frying is an easy recipe, perfect for a Chicken Parmesan Weeknight Meal . It feeds 4 people and takes around an hour.
Main Benefits: Taste Good and Do You Good!
This Quick Chicken Parmesan is lower in fat than the traditional fried version. It makes it a delicious and relatively Health Dinner .
It's a cracking way to get a hearty meal on the table without slaving away. What makes it special? It's a guilt free version of pure indulgence!
Ready to ditch the frying pan and get that Baked Chicken Parmesan fix? Let's dive into what you'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make some amazing Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe at home. I remember the first time I tried making Chicken Parmesan without frying , honestly, it was a disaster! The ingredients are key to any successful Chicken Parmesan Weeknight Meal .
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 4 (about 6 oz/170g each). Make sure they're boneless and skinless. Pounding them thin is a must!
- Flour: 1 cup (120g) . All-purpose works great.
- Eggs: 2 . Large and lightly beaten.
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1 ½ cups (150g) . The star of the show.
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (50g) grated and more for topping.
- Marinara sauce: 2 cups (475ml) . Use your favorite. I personally go for a good store-bought one. I have to say that I've already bought everything I need for making the best Healthy Chicken Parmesan from scratch.
- Mozzarella cheese: 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella, sliced. Makes all the difference.
- Olive oil: ¼ cup (60ml) .
- Seasoning: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp garlic powder and ½ tsp onion powder.
Seasoning Notes
The Italian seasoning is essential for that classic Chicken Parmesan taste. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, you know? Salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
Easy peasy! For a more homemade flavor, try adding fresh herbs like oregano or basil to your breadcrumb mix.
Equipment Needed
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this Oven Baked Chicken Parmigiana .
- Shallow dishes: For dredging.
- Baking sheet: The workhorse of this recipe.
- Parchment paper: Makes cleanup a breeze.
- Meat mallet: Optional, but highly recommended for pounding those chicken breasts evenly.
Honestly, using these Quick Chicken Parmesan will save you time in the kitchen. Let's do it and enjoy a health dinner at home! Making Baked Chicken Parmesan is a joy!
Easy & Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan: The Classic Comfort Food Reimagined
Oh my gosh, who doesn't love Chicken Parmesan ? Honestly, it's pure comfort food bliss. But let’s be real, the traditional fried version can be a bit much, especially for a weeknight.
This Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is all about getting that same deliciousness, but with a healthier and less messy twist.
We're baking it, baby!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Moment
First things first, let's get organised. This is where the "mise en place" comes in! Pound those 4 chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness.
This ensures they cook evenly. No one wants a thick bit in the middle. Next, prepare three shallow dishes. One for the seasoned flour (1 cup flour + 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder) , one for the 2 beaten eggs , and one for the seasoned panko (1 ½ cups panko + ½ cup grated Parmesan + 1 tsp Italian seasoning + ½ tsp garlic powder) .
This time saving step makes the whole process way smoother! And remember to keep those raw chicken hands away from your face!
Baked Chicken Parmesan : The step-by-step
- Flour Power : Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour. Make sure it's fully covered.
- Egg Dip : Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs. Coat it well.
- Panko Party : Coat thoroughly with the panko mixture. Press gently to make sure it sticks. Seriously, press it.
- Chill Out : Rest the breaded chicken in the fridge for 15 minutes . This helps the breading stay put.
- Bake Time : Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle the chicken with ¼ cup olive oil . Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Sauce It Up : Remove the chicken from the oven. Spread 2 cups of marinara sauce over each breast. Top with 8 ounces of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese .
- Melt and Serve : Bake for another 5- 10 minutes , until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with basil and serve!
Health Dinner Pro Tips and Tricks
Honestly, a little trick that makes Oven Baked Chicken Parmigiana better is don't overcrowd the pan! use two pans to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Another thing; If you are short on time, feel free to sub ingredients or buy pre-breaded chicken from the deli.
Want to make this a Chicken Parmesan Weeknight Meal ? Assemble everything ahead of time and keep it in the fridge! You know? Then, just pop it in the oven when you get home.
Boom! Dinner is served. I often put the breaded chicken cutlets in the fridge in the morning, then when I get home it's basically a Quick Chicken Parmesan , and I have more time to spend watching the soaps.
Recipe Notes
So, you're about to make Baked Chicken Parmesan ? Ace! Before you get started on this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe , let's run through a few notes to make sure this Chicken Parmesan Weeknight Meal is a winner.
I've made this bad boy so many times. Honestly, every time I try something new. One time I almost burned the house down! Don't be like me.
Pay attention!
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro!
Okay, so your Oven Baked Chicken Parmigiana is out of the oven. Let's talk presentation. Don't just sling it on a plate! Think about this:
- Plating and presentation ideas : How about serving it on a bed of spaghetti? Twirl that pasta, my friend. Place the Baked Chicken Parmesan proudly on top. A sprinkle of fresh basil does wonders. For extra credit, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over it.
- Complementary sides or beverages : A simple side salad with a vinaigrette is a must. It cuts through the richness. And a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio? Perfection. If you are doing Health Dinner , try a side dish of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
- Refrigeration guidelines : Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days. I've been known to eat it cold straight from the fridge. Don't judge me.
- Freezing options (if applicable) : You can freeze this! Wrap each Baked Chicken Parmesan portion individually in cling film. Then put them in a freezer bag. It'll last for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating instructions : To reheat, bake in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Or, you know, microwave it if you're impatient.
Variations: Remix It Up!
Let's get creative with this Chicken Parmesan Recipe Baked .
- Dietary adaptations : Want a Healthy Chicken Parmesan ? Use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs. Swap regular mozzarella for part skim. You could even grill the chicken first.
- Seasonal ingredient swaps : In the summer, use fresh, ripe tomatoes to make your own marinara sauce. Oh my gosh, the flavor is incredible.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Let's keep it real. This isn't exactly diet food. But hey, life's too short to skip Chicken Parmesan without frying ! Per serving, we're looking at roughly:
- Calories: Approximately 550
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
It's packed with protein, which is good for you. And the calcium from the cheese? Bonus.
Right then, that's it. You're armed with all you need to make this Quick Chicken Parmesan a smash hit. Don't be scared to experiment. And most importantly, have fun! You've got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Baked Chicken Parmesan isn't crispy enough, what am I doing wrong?
Ah, the quest for the perfect crisp! First, make sure your oven is hot enough 400°F (200°C) is usually the sweet spot. Secondly, don't overcrowd the baking sheet; give each piece of chicken some space.
Finally, a light drizzle of olive oil on both sides of the breaded chicken before baking helps with browning. You can also try broiling it for the last minute or two, but watch it like a hawk!
Can I prepare Baked Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
You certainly can! Bread the chicken and keep it in the fridge unbaked for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions. You can also assemble the entire dish breaded chicken, sauce, and cheese and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking.
You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Is there a gluten-free version of Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Check your marinara sauce too, as some brands add gluten. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Nobody will know the difference (except those who need the gluten-free option, of course!).
How should I store leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the breading might not be as crispy.
Alternatively, try a quick toast and-top method in a toaster oven!
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Baked Chicken Parmesan?
You can, but it's best to thaw them completely first. Thaw frozen chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before breading to help the breading adhere properly. This will help prevent soggy chicken and ensure a better texture for your Baked Chicken Parmesan.
What kind of sauce is best for Baked Chicken Parmesan?
While a classic marinara sauce is traditional and readily available, you can certainly experiment! A robust, homemade tomato sauce will elevate the dish. For those with a penchant for a creamier sauce, a rosé could be interesting.
The most important thing is to pick a sauce you absolutely love, since it's a pivotal flavour of the Baked Chicken Parmesan.
Easy Ovenbaked Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 3g |