Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

The aroma of Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan brings back nostalgic memories of family dinners filled with laughter and delicious food. I vividly remember my first attempt at making this dish, excited yet nervous about getting the flavors just right. Tender chicken breast, a golden crispy coating, and a rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella seem like the ultimate comfort food.

Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan sits in a special place in my heart, reminding me that simplicity can yield extraordinary flavors. This dish bridges the gap between comfort and elegance, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gathering with friends.

This recipe highlights not only a comforting meal but also demonstrates how easy it can be to achieve something truly impressive. Let’s dive into the delicious details of making Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan in your own kitchen!

Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan: The Essentials

Fundamentals

Creating the perfect Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan requires understanding a few basic principles. The goal is to ensure the chicken remains juicy while achieving that sought-after crispy crust. It’s crucial to pound the chicken to an even thickness, which helps it cook uniformly.

The combination of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese provides an exceptional textural contrast, allowing the chicken to shine while offering a delightful crunch. Additionally, broiling the chicken at the end of the baking process gives that lovely browning, turning this dish into a showstopper.

Preparation/Setup

Start by preparing your kitchen workspace. Preheat your oven to 400°F, ensuring it’s ready for action. Line a baking sheet with foil and brush it liberally with olive oil. This step is vital; it prevents the chicken from sticking and helps achieve that golden finish.

Next, take each chicken breast and slice them in half to create more manageable pieces. This not only helps in even cooking but also gives you perfectly portioned servings for everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan, gather the following fresh and simple ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare your baking sheet by lining it with foil and brushing it with olive oil.
2. Cut each chicken breast in half through the middle to create two equal portions.
3. Place the cut chicken in a gallon-sized zip-top bag and seal it. Pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
4. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.
5. In a shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and remaining salt and pepper.
6. In another shallow dish, whisk one egg until well combined.
7. Dip a piece of chicken into the egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then press it into the bread crumb mixture.
8. Place the crusted chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
9. Bake for 15 minutes or until fully cooked through.
10. Flip the chicken pieces, pour 1/4 cup marinara sauce over each piece, then top with shredded mozzarella.
11. Return the baking sheet to the oven and turn on the broiler. Broil for 2-4 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles, with edges browning nicely.

Elevating Your Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

Technique

Achieving the perfect Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan involves mastering techniques that ensure flavor and texture. Use panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs for an extra crunch. Panko’s unique texture absorbs less oil and results in a lighter coating.

Pounding the chicken breast not only promotes even cooking but also tenderizes the meat, making it more succulent. This simple technique goes a long way in elevating your dish.

Tips/Tricks

• Season your chicken well with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
• Consider marinating the chicken in olive oil and herbs for 30 minutes before breading. This step can add a depth of flavor that enhances every bite.
• To achieve an extra crispy skin, re-coat the chicken after the first egg-dip. Double dipping in egg and breadcrumbs yields an impressive crunch that will leave everyone wanting more.

Fine-Tuning Your Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

Perfecting Results

To ensure your Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan turns out perfectly, keep an eye on the chicken during cooking. Using a meat thermometer can help you avoid overcooking the chicken. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for optimal juiciness.

Additionally, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after broiling helps the juices redistribute. This makes every bite flavorful and moist.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Should you find your chicken sticking to the baking sheet, try increasing the oil or baking at a slightly higher temperature. For variations, add spices such as red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for additional flavor.

Feel free to substitute the marinara with pesto or alfredo sauce for a different take on this classic dish while still keeping the wonderful coating and melted cheese.

Presenting Your Delicious Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

Serving/Presentation

When it’s time to serve your Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan, presentation matters. Lay each piece of chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with extra marinara sauce. Garnish with minced parsley for a touch of color and fresh flavor.

Serve alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread to create a complete meal that impresses everyone at the table.

Pairings/Storage

To enhance your dining experience, pair this Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan with a fresh garden salad, steamed vegetables, or pasta tossed with a light olive oil sauce.

For storage, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, your delicious chicken will last for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven for the best results, ensuring the chicken retains its delightful crispiness.

Conclusion

Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan not only represents comfort food at its finest but also serves as a canvas for culinary creativity. Each element works together to create a dish everyone will love, from the crispy coating to the gooey cheese. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, mastering this recipe is just within reach. Enjoy the flavorful journey of making this classic at home and relish the gratifying results that will leave a lasting impression on your family and friends.

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