Baked Chicken Parmesan Delight (Printer-friendly)

Crispy baked chicken breasts topped with marinara and melted mozzarella for a hearty Italian-American dish.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, approximately 5.3 oz each
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Breading

04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (60 g)
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

→ Coating

09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 2 tablespoons milk
11 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (65 g)

→ Topping

12 - 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (360 ml)
13 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (115 g)
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil.
02 - Dry chicken breasts with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, one with a mixture of panko, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and parsley.
04 - Dredge each breast in flour, dip in egg mixture, then press into breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly.
05 - Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle the tops lightly with olive oil.
06 - Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F).
07 - Remove from oven. Evenly spoon marinara sauce over each breast, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
08 - Return to oven and bake an additional 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
09 - Optionally garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It gives you that classic Italian-American flavor with a healthier baked twist that feels like a secret treat.
  • Every bite offers the perfect blend of crunch and gooey cheese that keeps everyone coming back for more.
02 -
  • Broiling for the last 2 minutes after adding cheese can take the crispiness to the next level.
  • Using freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-shredded really helps the cheese melt smoothly without clumping.
03 -
  • Make sure to pat your chicken dry; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
  • The magic is in the breadcrumb mixture—fresh Parmesan and herbs add layers that store-bought mixtures just can't match.