Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the main protein component of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base for the breading and toppings.

Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are pre-seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, adding a burst of flavor to the chicken coating.

Grated parmesan cheese: This cheese is mixed with the breadcrumbs to add a rich, nutty flavor to the breading.

Marinara sauce: A tomato-based sauce that is poured over the chicken, adding moisture and a tangy taste.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: This cheese is melted on top of the marinara sauce, creating a gooey, cheesy layer.

Beaten eggs: Used to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken breasts.

Flour: The first step in the breading process, helping the egg and breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.

When preparing the chicken breasts, ensure they are of even thickness for uniform cooking. If needed, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This not only helps in cooking the chicken evenly but also makes it more tender.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative.

• italian seasoned breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs mixed with italian seasoning: Panko breadcrumbs provide a similar crunch, and adding Italian seasoning will mimic the original flavor.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and tangy flavor, making it a good alternative to Parmesan.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato basil sauce: Tomato basil sauce offers a similar tomato base with added basil for a slightly different but complementary flavor.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded provolone cheese: Provolone melts similarly to mozzarella and has a mild flavor that works well in this dish.

• beaten eggs - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and adds a slight tangy flavor.

• flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used to coat the chicken and will create a similar crispy texture when baked.

• Allow the baked chicken parmesan to cool completely before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the breadcrumb coating soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the chicken parmesan in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. For a crispier texture, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• For freezing, wrap each piece of chicken parmesan individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

• When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

• Avoid microwaving the chicken parmesan as it can make the breadcrumb coating soggy and the chicken unevenly heated.

• If you have leftover marinara sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. This way, you can add fresh sauce when reheating the chicken parmesan.

• For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese just before serving.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover baked chicken parmesan in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the baked chicken parmesan in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is warmed through and the cheese is melted.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the baked chicken parmesan on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to keep moisture in.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the chicken is hot and the cheese is melted.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the baked chicken parmesan in the air fryer basket.
  3. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the baked chicken parmesan on a toaster oven tray.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil to keep the chicken moist.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly heated and the cheese is melted.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken breasts at the specified temperature.

• Baking dish: Holds the breaded chicken breasts while they bake.

• Three bowls: Used to set up the breading station for flour, beaten eggs, and the breadcrumb mixture.

• Whisk: Used to beat the eggs until smooth.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the flour, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce.

• Tongs: Helps in handling the chicken breasts while dredging and coating them.

• Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese if not pre-grated.

• Knife: Used to trim any excess fat or uneven parts from the chicken breasts.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to prepare the chicken breasts.

• Spatula: Helps in spreading the marinara sauce over the chicken breasts.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when handling the hot baking dish.

• Serving platter: Used to serve the finished baked chicken parmesan.

• Fresh basil: Optional garnish to add a fresh touch to the dish.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to save time during the cooking process.

Use pre-made marinara sauce: Opt for a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce to cut down on preparation time.

Flatten chicken breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker and more uniform cooking.

Line baking dish with foil: Line your baking dish with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.

Double the recipe: Make extra portions and freeze them for a quick meal later.