Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering Italian feast that will have your family begging for seconds! Karen's Chicken Breasts Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy, golden-breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese in a simple yet irresistible dish. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned home chef, this recipe guarantees a delicious meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading stick better.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres completely to all sides of the chicken.
- Place the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the breading is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and spread marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce, covering each chicken breast completely.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired, alongside pasta or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before breading to ensure a crisp, even coating that sticks perfectly.
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan and mozzarella for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish - give each chicken breast space to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and prevent it from drying out.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste, with the cheese still warm and gooey.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 135mg
