Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan features tender breaded chicken breasts topped with flavorful marinara and melted mozzarella, making it a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, then coat well with Italian bread crumbs.
- Arrange the breaded chicken breasts in a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the Italian bread crumbs. You can also use panko bread crumbs for extra crispiness. If you're short on time, pre-packaged breaded chicken can be substituted, although it won't have the same fresh flavor. For a healthier option, try using whole wheat bread crumbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken Parmesan over a bed of spaghetti or alongside a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Spinach Soup With Meatballs for a hearty dinner. Feel free to add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the breading.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan contains roughly 459 calories, with 35g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value), calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 784mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. They will offer a slightly richer flavor and remain moist during cooking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if they are thicker than the chicken breasts.
What can I substitute for the spaghetti sauce?
If you don't have spaghetti sauce, you can use marinara or any tomato-based pasta sauce. For a twist, try using pesto or Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile, although it will change the traditional chicken Parmesan experience.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make gluten-free chicken Parmesan, simply substitute the Italian bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that your spaghetti sauce is also gluten-free to keep the dish compliant.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).