OVEN BAKED CHICKEN PARMESAN
Oven-baked chicken parmesan is a healthier twist on the classic dish, featuring breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all prepared in the oven for a delightfully crispy exterior without frying.
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper optional for easy cleanup
- 1 shallow dish
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 meat mallet or rolling pin
- 1 instant-read thermometer optional
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1.5 pounds.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Preferably Italian-style.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- as needed olive oil spray For crisping.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Place the chicken breasts in a plastic zip bag and pound them to about 1-inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
- In one shallow dish, place the flour and season it with salt and pepper.
- In a second dish, whisk the eggs together.
- In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese and add the Italian seasoning.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to aid crisping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For extra zing, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option.