Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Ahh, Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan, that tantalizingly cheesy and crispy comfort food that has us all drooling. This is no ordinary chicken parm, oh no. This is the real deal, the perfect blend of Italians spice, a juicy interior, and a golden, crunchy exterior. Whether it’s an intimate family dinner, a Friday night treat, or an impressive meal for your guests, this dish truly shines on any occasion. Trust me, even your picky aunt will leave licking her fingers!

One bite of this hearty, flavorful meal and you’ll be whisked away on a flavor journey. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, crispy breadcrumbs, and velvety, melted parmesan. And oh, did I mention how satisfying that crunch is when you slice into it? Brace yourselves, folks, this ain’t your average poultry dish – your taste buds will thank me later!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 4 people
• Yield: 4 chicken breasts

Get ready to roll up those sleeves and embark on a fun culinary adventure. Now, let’s dive into the divine world of Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

You’ll need a baking dish and a meat mallet for this recipe. The breadcrumbs give that irresistible crunch, while the eggs serve as a perfect adhesive to get those crumbs sticking to the chicken. Don’t skimp on the cheese, it melts perfectly under the heat, creating a golden layer of deliciousness. And hey, if you can’t find marinara sauce, tomato sauce mixed with Italian herbs makes for an excellent substitute!

How To Make Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

1. Preheat your oven to 375��F (190��C) and lightly grease your baking sheet.
2. On a clean surface, flatten the chicken breasts with a meat mallet. They should be about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
3. In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. In a separate dish, beat the eggs with the salt and pepper.
4. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring each one is fully coated. Then, dredge each breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
5. Place the breaded chicken breasts onto the baking dish, then bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.
6. Remove the chicken from the oven, then top each breast with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned.

Tips For The Best Results

• Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated in both the egg mixture and the breadcrumb mixture.
• Don’t cover the chicken completely with the sauce, let parts of the breadcrumbs peek through for that irresistible crunch.

Storage Tips

• Leftover chicken can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• You can also freeze the baked chicken for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A: Absolutely! Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly as thighs usually take a bit longer to cook.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses but remember, the meltiness and sharp flavor of Parmesan is a key element of this dish.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

A: Yes, simply replace the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative.

Q: Can I skip the marinara sauce?

A: You can, but the sauce adds a lovely tanginess that complements the rich cheese and chicken.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

A: The chicken is cooked when its juices run clear. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should read 165��F (74��C).

Nutritional Facts of Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

• Calories: 435 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g

There you have it folks, a heavenly Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan! With its perfect crunch and divine flavor, I can’t think of a more satisfying meal. Bon app��tit!