Quick Baked Chicken Parmesan
Why Make This Recipe
Quick Baked Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and easy dish that brings Italian flavors to your kitchen without the hassle. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with a home-cooked meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts, crispy breadcrumbs, and rich marinara sauce topped with gooey mozzarella cheese.
How to Make Quick Baked Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 oz spaghetti
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Olive oil spray
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pound the chicken to an even thickness.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet, spray lightly with olive oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
- Serve the chicken over a bed of spaghetti, spoon extra marinara sauce on top, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
How to Serve Quick Baked Chicken Parmesan
To serve Quick Baked Chicken Parmesan, plate the spaghetti first, then place the chicken on top. Drizzle with marinara sauce and add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
How to Store Quick Baked Chicken Parmesan
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and spaghetti can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or oven until heated through. If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap the chicken and spaghetti tightly and they will keep for about 2 months.
Tips to Make Quick Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, add Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the breadcrumb mixture.
- To save time, you can pre-bread the chicken and store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by using different types of cheese, such as provolone or gouda. You can also swap the marinara sauce for pesto for a different flavor profile. For a healthier option, try using whole wheat breadcrumbs and serving with zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to fully thaw them before cooking for even baking.
2. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and bread it ahead of time, then refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
Quick Baked Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 oz spaghetti
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pound the chicken to an even thickness.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip in the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
Cooking
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet, spray lightly with olive oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken, top with shredded mozzarella cheese, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serving
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
- Serve the chicken over a bed of spaghetti, spoon extra marinara sauce on top, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
