Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan is a delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite, featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts baked to perfection, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a healthier alternative to frying and provides a satisfying, cheesy, and flavorful meal that is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with foil and brush it with olive oil. Adjust the oven rack to the second from the top position and preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare chicken breasts: Cut each chicken breast in half by slicing through the middle all the way to make two equal pieces. Place the chicken pieces in a gallon-sized zip-top bag in an even layer, seal it, and pound them to even thickness using a meat pounder or rolling pin. Alternatively, use cling wrap to cover the chicken before pounding.
- Season the chicken: Remove chicken from the bag and pat dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper evenly.
- Prepare breading mixture: In a shallow dish, combine panko bread crumbs, freshly grated parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk the egg thoroughly.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the whisked egg, then fully coat it with the bread crumb mixture, gently pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to help them adhere. Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven on the second rack from the top and bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Add sauce and cheese: Flip each chicken piece, spoon about 1/4 cup marinara sauce over each one, and then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Broil for finishing: Turn on the broiler setting and place the baking sheet back in the oven. Broil for 2-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges of the chicken are lightly browned and crispy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle minced parsley on top if using, and serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Using panko bread crumbs ensures a crispy and crunchy coating.
- Make sure to pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking.
- Broiling at the end melts the cheese quickly and adds a nice golden color without overcooking the chicken.
- Can be served with pasta, salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute panko with gluten-free bread crumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 chicken piece with toppings)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
