– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Creating Baked Chicken Parmesan is both simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to achieve the best results:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil and set aside.
3. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
4. Mix the Coating: In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Coat the Chicken: Brush each chicken breast with olive oil. Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down so the coating sticks well.
6. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
7. Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden.
8. Add Marinara and Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
9. Return to Oven: Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
By adhering to these steps, you’ll create an incredible Baked Chicken Parmesan that is sure to impress. Enjoy the wonderful flavors that come from this dish!