Chicken Parmesan Bake

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon garlic powder For the chicken, start with four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I like to use chicken breasts because they cook evenly. Season them well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This simple mix brings out the chicken's natural flavor. - 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Next, grab one cup of marinara sauce. You can use homemade or store-bought; both work great. Then, get ready for the cheese! You will need one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. These cheeses melt beautifully and add rich flavors. - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned) - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) For the topping, use one cup of seasoned breadcrumbs. They give a nice crunch. Add one teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano for extra flavor. If you like some spice, toss in half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken before baking. Finally, if you want to add a fresh touch, use fresh basil leaves to garnish at the end. You can find the full recipe at the beginning of the article. Enjoy your cooking! - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, and oregano. Start with fresh chicken breasts. The seasoning adds great flavor. You want to coat them well. - Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. - Sear the chicken breasts 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Searing locks in the juices. When the chicken is golden, it tastes better. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. - Spread marinara sauce on each chicken breast. - Combine breadcrumbs, mozzarella, and Parmesan; sprinkle over sauce. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and top is golden. Use a generous layer of marinara sauce. The cheese and breadcrumbs add a nice crunch. Check if the chicken is done with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C). This Chicken Parmesan Bake is simple and delicious. For the full recipe, see above. To get a golden sear on your chicken, start with a hot skillet. I recommend using a cast-iron or stainless-steel skillet. These types hold heat well and ensure even cooking. - Heat the olive oil over medium heat before adding the chicken. - Add the chicken breasts without crowding the pan. This helps them sear instead of steam. - Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes. Look for a nice brown color. - Don’t rush this step; it builds great flavor. The right cheese mix can make your Chicken Parmesan Bake shine. Use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for the best melt and taste. - Shredded mozzarella gives a gooey texture. Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty bite. - For extra flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked cheese. - When it comes to breadcrumbs, seasoned ones work wonders. They add flavor and crunch. - Mix in herbs or spices, like Italian seasoning, to elevate the taste. Pairing your Chicken Parmesan Bake with the right sides enhances the meal. Think about serving it with: - A fresh salad with vinaigrette for a crisp contrast. - Garlic bread for a classic Italian touch. - Roasted vegetables for a healthy option. When it comes to wine, a light red like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely. These wines won’t overpower the flavors of the dish. For the complete recipe and to dive into a delicious family meal, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your Chicken Parmesan Bake. If you want to use turkey, it works great. Turkey breasts are lean and cook well in this dish. You can also try eggplant for a tasty vegetarian option. Just slice the eggplant, salt it, and let it sit. This removes excess moisture. After that, just coat and bake it like chicken. While marinara sauce is a classic choice, you can get creative. Try a pesto sauce for a fresh twist. A creamy Alfredo sauce can also make it rich and delicious. You could even mix marinara with a bit of cream for a new flavor. Don't hesitate to experiment with different sauces to match your taste. Enhancing the flavor of your Chicken Parmesan Bake is easy. You can add spices like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, can brighten the dish too. Want some crunch? Toss in vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. They not only add flavor but also boost nutrition. This way, you create a meal that is both tasty and good for you. To keep your Chicken Parmesan Bake fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This will keep out air and moisture. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature first. Then, place it in the container. It can last up to three days in the fridge. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, you have options. You can use the oven, microwave, or stovetop. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place your chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until warm. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Start with one minute, then check if it’s warm. Stir between intervals to keep it even. You can freeze Chicken Parmesan Bake before or after baking. For freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For after baking, let it cool completely first. Then, follow the same wrapping method. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge and reheat in the oven. This keeps it from drying out. Chicken Parmesan Bake will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To keep it tasting great, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavors. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to toss it out. Yes, you can prepare Chicken Parmesan Bake ahead of time. Start by seasoning the chicken and searing it as per the recipe. After that, layer the marinara sauce and cheese mix. Cover the dish tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Use a meat thermometer to check this. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast without touching the bone. This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat. Always let it rest for a few minutes after baking for the best flavor and texture. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Chicken Parmesan Bake. You learned about the key ingredients like chicken, sauces, and cheeses. I provided step-by-step instructions to guide you. Tips helped you achieve the best flavor and texture. You also found variations to suit different diets and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. In closing, enjoy the cooking process and make this dish your own!$

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake that will impress your family and friends! Loaded with tender chicken, marinara sauce, and a rich blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is both easy to make and bursting with flavor. In just about 50 minutes, you can serve a delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this cheesy delight to your dinner table tonight!

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Season each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of dried basil and oregano.

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from heat.

Spread a layer of marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast in the skillet.

In a bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Add red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

Generously sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture over the marinara-covered chicken breasts.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the top is golden and bubbly.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4