Parmesan Chicken With Mozzarella
Parmesan Chicken With Mozzarella offers a crispy, flavorful crust topped with melted mozzarella, creating a comforting and cheesy main dish. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, it combines Italian-inspired flavors with tender, juicy chicken for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 slices Mozzarella cheese per chicken breast ⓘ
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ground oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- 4 chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 slice Provolone cheese per chicken breast ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, ground oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl and set aside.
- In a hot skillet, add some butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Melt the remaining butter in the skillet.
- Roll each chicken breast in the melted butter, then in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes.
- Just before the chicken is done, place two slices of mozzarella cheese on each chicken breast.
- Return to the oven until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some Italian herbs like basil or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture. If you don't have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but the texture will be slightly different. You might also try swapping the Provolone for Gouda or Cheddar if desired. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Serving Suggestions
This Parmesan Chicken pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it alongside Italian Chicken And Potatoes for a hearty meal. A drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a nice touch. Consider a glass of white wine or a light pasta dish like Spaghetti Tetrazzini to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This will help maintain the crispy texture of the coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Chicken With Mozzarella contains roughly 1001 calories, with 39g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (77% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts for added flavor and moisture. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for butter in this recipe?
If you need a substitute for butter, you can use olive oil or a plant-based margarine. Both alternatives will work well, though the flavor may be slightly different. Choose a good quality olive oil for the best results.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider using skinless chicken breasts and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also bake the chicken without the butter for a lighter option or use a whole grain breadcrumb for added fiber.
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).