Description
This Chicken Parmesan Bake is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, baked to golden perfection with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Breading
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings and Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken with the seasoning and oil.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together the Italian-style breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. This will create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the seasoned chicken pieces into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, ensuring each piece is generously coated to build a crispy crust once baked.
- First Bake: Spread the coated chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 20 minutes until the chicken is beginning to cook through and the breadcrumb coating turns lightly golden.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken pieces, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top evenly for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly with slight golden spots.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving. This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a bed of greens for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or a bed of greens for a well-rounded meal.
- Substitute panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
