Glorious Baked Chicken Parmesan: 1 Secret for Gooey Cheese
This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers crispy breading and gooey, melted cheese. It is a comforting classic perfect for your family dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 4 (about 6 oz each)
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1 1/2 cups
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (for breading)
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Olive oil spray
- Marinara sauce: 1 1/2 cups
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded: 8 oz
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (for topping)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch.
- Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish.
- In the second dish, lightly beat the eggs.
- In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off.
- Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides completely.
- Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil spray to help with crisping.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each piece.
- Top generously with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with the extra 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy the cheese pull!
Notes
- For an extra crispy crust, you can briefly pan-fry the breaded chicken in a little oil before baking.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce; it makes a big difference in the final flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is pounded evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: Approx. 550
- Sugar: Approx. 6g
- Sodium: Approx. 850mg
- Fat: Approx. 28g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 16g
- Trans Fat: Trace
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 35g
- Fiber: Approx. 3g
- Protein: Approx. 45g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 130mg