![- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned) - 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese - 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil) - Olive oil spray The main players in this dish are the chicken breasts. They are the star of the show. I always pick boneless, skinless chicken because it cooks evenly and stays juicy. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to bring out its natural taste. Next, we need the breading components. The flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs help create that crispy outer layer. I use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. The combination of parmesan and mozzarella cheese adds a rich taste. You can never have too much cheese, right? Finally, we have the marinara sauce. This rich, tangy sauce ties everything together. It adds moisture and flavor to the chicken, making each bite delicious. - Variations in cheese options - Additional herbs and spices - Suggested sides to accompany the dish To spice things up, you can use different types of cheese. Try provolone or gouda for a twist. Mixing cheeses can create a burst of flavors. You can also add more herbs and spices. A pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes can add a kick. Fresh parsley on top gives a nice touch. For sides, serve this chicken with spaghetti or a fresh salad. Garlic bread is a tasty option too. All these choices make the meal even more enjoyable. Check out the Full Recipe for everything you need! First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps cook the chicken evenly. While it heats, take your chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This step adds flavor right from the start. Now, let’s set up your breading station. You need three shallow dishes. In the first one, place the flour. The second dish holds the beaten eggs. In the third dish, mix breadcrumbs, ½ cup of parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil. This mix gives the chicken a nice taste. To bread the chicken, start with the flour. Dredge each chicken breast in flour. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip the chicken in the beaten eggs. Make sure it’s fully coated. Lastly, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mix. Coat it well on both sides. After breading, arrange the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. This helps the chicken crisp up nicely. Now, bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You want it to be cooked through and golden brown. After this, take the chicken out. Spoon marinara sauce on each piece. Then, sprinkle with the rest of the parmesan and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the chicken to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly golden. Enjoy this flavorful dish! For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To get a crispy coating, olive oil spray is key. It adds moisture while allowing the breading to crisp. Before baking, spray the tops of the chicken well. This small step makes a big difference. Timing is also important while baking. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes first. Then add the sauce and cheese. Return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. This method ensures even cooking and a golden crust. When serving, presentation matters. Use a nice plate and sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top. This adds color and freshness. Serve the chicken with a side of spaghetti or a fresh garden salad. Both options complement the flavors well and make a complete meal. For an extra touch, drizzle some extra marinara sauce around the plate. It looks lovely and adds flavor. You can find the full recipe for more details on making this dish shine. {{image_2}} You can make this dish lighter without losing taste. First, try using skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They have more flavor and stay juicy. You can also replace breadcrumbs with crushed whole-grain cereal. This adds fiber and crunch. If you want lower calories, use less cheese or switch to part-skim mozzarella. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Both give a nice crust. You can also serve the chicken over zucchini noodles instead of pasta. This keeps the meal fresh and lower in carbs. Mixing up the sauce and cheese can change the whole dish. Instead of marinara, try pesto for a fresh twist. You can also use a spicy arrabbiata sauce for some heat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. Provolone or gouda can add new flavors. If you love herbs, add fresh parsley or thyme to the breadcrumbs. This gives a fragrant touch. You can even sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top if you enjoy a bit of spice. Each variation keeps the dish fun and exciting. For the full recipe, check out the Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan section. To keep your oven-baked chicken parmesan fresh, store it properly. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last for about three months in the freezer. When reheating chicken parmesan, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in and helps the cheese stay gooey. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. To avoid sogginess, don’t reheat it in the microwave. The microwave can make the coating soft and mushy. You can also try reheating in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a little olive oil to crisp up the coating again. Enjoy your meal as if it just came out of the oven! For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. How long does it take to bake chicken in the oven? It takes about 25 to 30 minutes to bake chicken. The oven should be set at 400°F (200°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They are juicier and have more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time. Thighs may need a few extra minutes to cook fully. What type of cheese is best for this recipe? I recommend using freshly grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella. These cheeses melt well and add great flavor. You can also mix in provolone for a twist. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce saves time and still tastes good. Just choose a brand you like. Homemade sauce is an option too if you have time. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for this. The chicken should also be golden brown on the outside. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs? You can use crushed crackers or panko for a crunchy coating. For a gluten-free option, try ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs. These work well and taste great. Oven-baked chicken Parmesan is simple and tasty. You learned about the main ingredients, prep steps, and tips for perfecting the dish. Don’t forget to explore variations and storage methods too. With these tips, you can impress anyone at your table. Try new cheese or herbs to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey, and share the joy of this classic meal!](https://easycookingbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/6875272d-72b9-4c88-95c5-7db9baac0721-250x250.webp)
Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan
Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture, layered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s quick to prepare and packed with deliciousness. Ready in just 45 minutes, gather your ingredients and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish.