Parmesan Chicken (Or Veal)
Golden baked chicken topped with mozzarella and flavorful tomato sauce, offering a hearty and cheesy Italian-inspired dish perfect for family dinners and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Flatten chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and garlic salt.
- Mix Parmesan cheese and Italian bread crumbs in a shallow dish.
- Dip chicken in melted margarine, then roll in bread crumbs and cheese mixture.
- Place coated chicken in the baking dish.
- Press leftover crumb and cheese mixture onto each piece of chicken.
- Pour leftover margarine around the chicken.
- Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, being careful not to burn; edges will be brown.
- Pour 1 can of tomato sauce around the chicken.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon oregano over the sauce.
- Make 4 balls of mozzarella cheese and place one on each piece of chicken.
- Pour the second can of tomato sauce over the chicken and cheese balls.
- Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of oregano over everything.
- Bake at 350°F for about 35 to 45 minutes or until tender.
- Serve sauce over spaghetti noodles and with a green salad.
- Leftovers can be used as subs.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like basil to the breadcrumb mixture. If you prefer veal, substitute the chicken breasts with veal cutlets. To make this dish lighter, you can use olive oil instead of margarine. For a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Parmesan Chicken over spaghetti noodles for a classic pairing, and add a side of green salad for freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken, Broccoli And Fusilli In Garlic Cream Sauce. For added richness, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Chicken (Or Veal) contains roughly 18 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 502mg per serving (22% 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 another type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the dish's overall taste.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture or mix in some diced jalapeños with the tomato sauce. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the baked Parmesan Chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
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).