Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Quick and Delicious
In this reinvented classic, the Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe presents a lighter take on the much-loved chicken Parmesan by skipping pan-frying in oil. Opting for oven-baked chicken offers a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. The result is a succulent dish dressed with just the right amount of sauce and cheese. If you’re a fan of rich, cheesy flavors, feel free to add more sauce and cheese to your preference. Served over pasta, this meal is sure to impress with its simplicity and taste.
Yield and Ingredients
Our Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe Delivers Six Servings
Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 55 mins
Total time: 1 hr 15 mins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Canola oil cooking spray
- ½ cup water
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1½ cups bread crumbs
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts halves
- 2 cups spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions for Success
Preparing the Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a baking dish with canola oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Start by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to gently pound them until they’re about half an inch thick.
- In a shallow dish, combine the water and the beaten egg. In another dish, mix the bread crumbs, 4 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, and then coat it thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture. Ensure each piece is well-coated to maximize flavor.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the spaghetti sauce. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and pour the spaghetti sauce over the baked pieces.
- Sprinkle the chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese and cover evenly with mozzarella.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and appears golden brown.
Optional Healthier Cooking Methods
If you’re looking to enhance the health factor, consider air-frying the breaded chicken breasts before baking them with sauce and cheese. Air-frying requires no additional oil and helps retain more nutrients. Additionally, you might use whole wheat bread crumbs to increase the fiber content of the dish.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Above all, this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a healthier, delicious alternative to the classic Italian favorite. Its crispy-coated chicken and gooey cheese topping make it a comfort food that aligns perfectly with a conscious eating plan. Moreover, the simplicity of the recipe allows you to focus on the burst of flavors rather than being bogged down by complicated steps. Try it today and enjoy the great taste without any guilt!
