Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken Parmesan, or “Pollo alla Parmigiana,” is a beloved Italian-American classic that has become a staple on restaurant menus and home dinner tables alike. While it is often deep-fried, the baked version has become a popular and healthier alternative, retaining all the delicious flavors without the extra grease. The dish combines crispy breaded chicken with a savory marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, making it both comforting and flavorful.

Baked Chicken Parmesan is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a simple and approachable recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, special family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week. The allure of the golden, crunchy chicken, gooey melted cheese, and tangy tomato sauce makes it a timeless dish. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to make Baked Chicken Parmesan from scratch, with tips, tricks, and variations for customizing it to your liking.

The History of Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is an Italian-American creation that draws from the traditional Italian melanzane alla parmigiana (eggplant Parmesan), a dish made by layering slices of eggplant with tomato sauce and cheese, then baking the layers together. The eggplant was eventually replaced with meat (in this case, chicken) as it gained popularity in the U.S.

The dish is thought to have originated in the Italian immigrant communities of the United States in the mid-20th century. It is believed to have roots in the southern regions of Italy, where ingredients like tomatoes, cheese, and breaded meats were commonly used. The use of chicken, however, was likely influenced by the abundance of poultry in America at the time, making it a more affordable alternative to veal.

Chicken Parmesan has become an iconic comfort food, representing the fusion of Italian culinary traditions with American ingredients and tastes.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Baked Chicken Parmesan

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the detailed step-by-step instructions to make Baked Chicken Parmesan. Follow these directions to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray.
2. Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
3. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Dredging and Breading the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Breading Stations:
   • In one shallow dish, add flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • In the second shallow dish, whisk eggs with a tablespoon of water or milk to create a wet coating.
   • In the third shallow dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Dredge the Chicken:
   • First, dredge each chicken breast in the flour, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
   • Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, coating it thoroughly.
   • Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring that both sides are well-coated. Gently press down on the breadcrumbs to help them adhere.

Baking the Chicken:

1. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Brush with Olive Oil: Drizzle or brush each piece of chicken with olive oil to promote a crispy, golden finish during baking.
3. Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Making the Sauce:

While the chicken is baking, you can make a simple marinara sauce if you’re not using store-bought sauce. Here’s a quick recipe for homemade marinara sauce:

1. Cook Garlic and Onion: In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute.
2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat (optional). Simmer for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Chicken Parmesan:

1. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once the chicken is baked, spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
2. Bake Again: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving:

1. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve your baked chicken Parmesan over pasta, on a sub roll for a sandwich, or with a side of vegetables or a simple salad.

Tips for a Perfect Baked Chicken Parmesan

• Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the creamiest, most melty cheese, opt for fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded mozzarella. The fresh variety will melt and stretch beautifully.
• Season Each Layer: Don’t forget to season the chicken, breadcrumbs, and sauce. Layering the seasoning helps build flavor at every stage of cooking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Crisp the Chicken: If you want extra crispy chicken, you can pan-fry the breaded chicken in olive oil before baking. This gives it a golden, crispy exterior.
• Make It Ahead: You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before baking. This allows the breading to set and can help the chicken maintain its crispy texture during baking.

Popular Variations of Chicken Parmesan

While the classic Baked Chicken Parmesan is a beloved favorite, there are many ways to customize it:

• Chicken Parmesan Sandwich: Serve the chicken Parmesan on a toasted bun or sub roll, add extra marinara sauce, and top with more melted cheese for a hearty sandwich.
• Eggplant Parmesan: Replace the chicken with slices of breaded and baked eggplant for a vegetarian alternative.
• Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti: Serve your chicken Parmesan with a side of spaghetti or other pasta for a traditional Italian meal.
• Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan: Substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour or a low-carb breadcrumb alternative, and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.

Pairing Suggestions

Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and beverages:

• Pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of spaghetti, linguine, or penne pasta tossed in extra marinara sauce.
• Salads: A crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of Chicken Parmesan.

 Conclusion

Baked Chicken Parmesan is a satisfying, flavorful dish that delivers all the deliciousness of classic Chicken Parmesan, with the added benefit of being baked instead of fried. By following the step-by-step instructions, using quality ingredients, and adding your own variations, you can create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a special meal, this Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe will not disappoint.

Yield: 4

Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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Chicken Parmesan, or "Pollo alla Parmigiana," is a beloved Italian-American classic that has become a staple on restaurant menus and home dinner tables alike. While it is often deep-fried, the baked version has become a popular and healthier alternative, retaining all the delicious flavors without the extra grease. The dish combines crispy breaded chicken with a savory marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, making it both comforting and flavorful.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Olive oil spray (or a drizzle of olive oil)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (9x13-inch or similar) or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare breadcrumbs mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Dredge chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat both sides evenly. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake the chicken: Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray (or drizzle with a little olive oil) to help it crisp up. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The breading should be golden brown and crispy.
5. Add sauce and cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Return to the oven: Place the chicken back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve over pasta, with a side of vegetables, or on its own.

Notes

• Chicken options: You can use chicken cutlets or thinly sliced chicken breasts to reduce cooking time.
• Breadcrumbs: For a crunchier texture, use panko breadcrumbs. You can also add Italian seasoning to your breadcrumbs mixture for extra flavor.
• Make it ahead: Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake when you're ready.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Sauce: If you're making your own marinara sauce, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.