Baked Chicken Parmesan
When you’re thinking about what to serve alongside baked chicken parmesan, consider the classics.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each), sliced horizontally into 8 thin cutlets
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: for added herby depth
- ¾ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: like 4C or a gluten-free alternative
- 2 garlic cloves minced: to enhance the sauce’s flavor
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- 1 cup rich marinara sauce or Filetto di Pomodoro
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or extra virgin olive oil
- ¾ cup part-skim mozzarella cheese Polly-O brand is my preference for meltability
- Chopped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley for garnish optional
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. This helps ensure even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will allow the coating to stick better.
Step 2: Season and Marinate
In a shallow dish, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Pour the marinade over the chicken cutlets, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken.
Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station
While the chicken marinates, prepare a dredging station. In one shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. In another bowl, pour out some melted butter or olive oil for dipping.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Remove the chicken cutlets from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Dip each cutlet into the melted butter or olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
Step 5: Arrange in a Baking Dish
Step 7: Add Sauce and Cheese
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven. Pour marinara sauce over each cutlet, ensuring they’re well-covered. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top, distributing it evenly.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
- Choose Cheese Wisely: Opt for good-quality cheese for maximum flavor and melting.
- Don’t Rush the Marinade: Marinating the chicken enhances flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Breadcrumb Brand Matters: Use Italian-style breadcrumbs for the best crunch and flavor.
- Temperature Check: Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety.
- Customize the Marinara: Feel free to spice up your marinara with extra garlic or spices for added flavor.v
Keyword Baked Chicken Parmesan