Chicken Parmesan is sometimes called Chicken Parmigiana and its one of the most loved Italian-American dishes out there. Its made with soft chicken, rich marinara sause, and a ton of melted cheese which makes it super tasty. The old school way is to fry the chicken so you get that crispy breading and full flavor, and its usually served on pasta or with some crusty bread. But the oven baked version is a lot easier and a bit healthier since the chicken cooks through and ends up with a nice golden crust without needing all that extra oil.
The cool thing about the oven baked method is that it not only uses less fat, but it also cuts down on the time you spend in the kitchen. You dont have to stand over a hot stove all day frying and you can get other stuff done, like cooking your sides or hanging out with your family, while your Chicken Parmesan bakes. Plus, cleaning up afterwards is way less of a headache. In this article we go over everything about oven baked Chicken Parmesan, from its backstory and must-have ingrediants to a step-by-step guide on making it and some ideas on how to serve it. Whether you're already pretty good in the kitchen or just trying something new, youre gonna love how it tastes and looks.
What is Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan, or simply Chicken Parmesan, is a well-known Italian-American dish that mixes a bunch of flavors and textures in a cool way. Normally, it has chicken breast that's been breaded and fried to get a nice crispy touch, then topped with marinara sause and lots of melted cheese. It originally comes from an Italian dish called Melanzane alla Parmigiana which used eggplant instead of chicken, but when it came to the United States, folks started using chicken and it became a household favorite.
Baking it in the oven is not only an easier method but also a healthier one. Baking still gives you a crispy coating with a lot less oil, meaning you get fewer calories and less fat without sacrificing the taste. The chicken stays juicy while the outside turns that perfect golden brown.
Also, oven baking is super convenient because you dont have to watch it every minute. It gives you time to get your sides ready or just relax with your family. Cleanup is much simpler too, which makes it a great dish for hectic weeknights or casual get-togethers. The mix of flavors and textures creates a meal that fills you up and makes you feel cozy at the same time.
Ingredients Required
To whip up a tasty Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan, youll need a few key ingrediants that add both flavour and texture. Here is a list of what youll need:
- Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs (for binding)
- Additional Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Ingredients:
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for extra kick
- Side items like Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese or a salad
Each of these ingrediants help build the classic Chicken Parmesan flavor, and the extra items let you change it up if you want something different. Whether you like it simple or you wanna spice it up, this list has got you covered!
You might also enjoy the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Preparation Steps
Here are step by step instructions to make the perfect Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan. Follow these steps and your chicken will come out tender, full of flavor, and just right.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
First things first, prep your chicken breasts. Place each breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken until its about ½ inch thick. This makes sure the chicken cooks evenly. After that, season the chicken hard on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning so it gets a lot of flavor.
Step 2: Setting Up the Breading Station
Now set up your breading station like an assembly line. In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs until they are smooth. In another bowl, mix the Panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Having the ingrediants in different bowls makes it easier to coat every single piece of chicken evenly.
Step 3: Baking the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or tray with a little olive oil or cooking spray so the chicken wont stick. Then, take a piece of seasoned chicken, dip it in the egg wash letting any extra drip off, and then press it into the breading mixture so it gets covered on every side. Place the chicken pieces on the greased dish with some space between them. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they look golden and the inside reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a thermometer.
Step 4: Assembling the Dish
After the chicken is baked and nicely browned, its time to put the dish together. Take the dish out of the oven and spoon marinara sause all over each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle a good amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Pop the dish back in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. This extra step makes all the flavors mix together really well with the crispy chicken.
Cooking Techniques
Knowing a bit about cooking techniques can really help when cooking Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan. Here are some tips about how baking compares to frying, how to get that crispy chicken texture, and the right cooking times and temps to use.
Baking vs. Frying
Baking your Chicken Parmesan is not only healthier but also a lot less stressful than frying. Frying requires you to keep an eye on the oil all the time, but baking gives you time to work on other things like cooking side dishes or even chill with your family. Plus, baking means lower fat which makes it a smarter choice if you're tryin to eat healthier.
Achieving Crispy Chicken
If you want that perfect crispy finish, try using the broiler for the last few minutes of baking. The broiler helps the cheese turn a golden color without overcooking the chicken. Also, make sure your breading is even and crisped up before adding the marinara sause. Waiting until after the chicken is baked to add the sause helps keep it from getting soggy.
Cooking Times and Temperatures
It's really important for safety that the chicken cooks to an internal temperture of 165°F (75°C). Always use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken to check. Usually, 20 to 25 minutes of baking works fine, but you might need to adjust it if your chicken breasts are thicker or thinner. Keep a close eye on it near the end so it doesnt dry out.
OVEN BAKED CHICKEN PARMESAN
Equipment
- 1 baking dish (9x13 inches)
- 3 shallow bowls
- 1 cooking spray or olive oil
- 1 meat mallet or rolling pin
- 1 whisk
- 1 oven mitts
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1.5 pounds total.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Seasoned with salt and pepper.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Preferably Italian-style.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- to taste fresh basil or parsley for garnish Optional.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In the first shallow bowl, place the flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and top each breast with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, let the chicken cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
