Baked Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parm or Parmigiana, is a delicious and healthier twist on the classic Italian-American dish. It features crispy, Parmesan-crusted chicken breast, topped with marinara sauce, Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, and a mix of herbs and seasonings. Perfect with pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables, it's a versatile choice for any lunch or dinner.
Warm some oil in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the onions and garlic, sautéing them until they're fragrant and golden.
Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the tomatoes soften.
Mash the tomatoes with a potato masher until they reach a soft, mushy consistency.
Season with chili flakes, black pepper, and basil leaves, and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Take the sauce off the heat and set aside for use in your dish.
To Bread the Chicken
Season each chicken breast slice with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then set them aside to marinate.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt until the mixture is nice and frothy.
Mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, pepper powder, oregano, and salt in a shallow tray.
Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it's well-coated, then dredge the egg-coated chicken breast in the breading mixture, covering it completely. Repeat with all the chicken slices.
To make Baked Chicken Parmesan
Start by placing the breaded chicken breasts on an oil-greased baking tray. If you prefer, you can give the chicken a light oil spray to prevent a chalky flour layer, although this step is optional.
Slide the tray into a preheated oven set at 425°F and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken turns a beautiful golden hue.
Once the chicken is delightfully crispy, remove it from the oven and generously coat it with the marinara sauce prepared earlier.
Add a generous layer of mozzarella cheese and some fragrant basil leaves to the top of the sauce.
Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted.
Finally, take out your Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan, and for a fresh finishing touch, garnish it with either cilantro or basil leaves.
To Serve
Serve this Baked Chicken Parmesan over pasta or enjoy it as is, accompanied by your favorite salads, roasted vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, asparagus, or any other sides of your choice.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Parmesan:
Breading: For a crispy exterior, bread the chicken breast with all-purpose flour, cornstarch, panko, and Parmesan cheese. Dip the seasoned chicken in beaten eggs or buttermilk for better breading adherence.
Baking Temperature: Bake the chicken at 425°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and crisp. After adding cheese, bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts. Adjust temperature between 400°F to 450°F as needed, considering the size and thickness of the chicken.
Avoiding Chalky Flour: To prevent a chalky appearance, lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil before baking.
Seasoning: Use the recommended spices and seasonings for the chicken and breading mixture to enhance flavor.
Resting the Breaded Chicken: Let the breaded chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before baking to help the coating stick better.
Cheese Quality: Opt for freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for better melt and flavor.
Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce, simmer it longer before applying to the chicken.
Internal Temperature Check: Ensure the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Broiling for Crispiness: Briefly broil the chicken after baking for extra crispiness on the cheese.
Resting Before Serving: Let the baked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to redistribute the juices.