Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a crispy, golden crust baked to perfection and topped with flavorful marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, creating a comforting and classic Italian-American dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus extra for seasoning chicken)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus extra for seasoning chicken)
For the Topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Oven: Line a baking sheet with foil and brush the foil with olive oil to prevent sticking. Adjust the oven rack so it is in the second from the top position, then preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut and Pound Chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half by slicing through the middle completely, making two equal-sized pieces. Place pieces in a gallon-sized zip-top bag or between two layers of cling wrap. Pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure uniform cooking.
- Season Chicken: Remove chicken from the bag and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine panko bread crumbs, freshly grated parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
- Whisk Egg: In a separate shallow dish, whisk the egg until fully blended.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten egg, coating completely, then into the bread crumb mixture. Press gently to help the crumbs adhere to the chicken. Place coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven on the second from the top rack. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Flip each piece of chicken over on the baking sheet. Spoon approximately 1/4 cup marinara sauce over each piece, then top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Broil to Finish: Turn on the oven broiler. Return the baking sheet to the second from the top rack and broil the chicken for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown, and the edges of the chicken are crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with minced parsley if desired, and serve hot immediately.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pounding the chicken to uniform thickness is essential.
- Use fresh grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the breading.
- Keep an eye on the chicken while broiling as cheese can brown quickly and potentially burn.
- Leftover chicken parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Pair this dish with spaghetti or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
