The Weeknight Hero: Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Alright, let's get stuck in!

Recipe Introduction: The Weeknight Hero

Ever stare into the fridge wondering what to make? you know, those nights when you just want something comforting and delicious? honestly, this baked chicken parm is a lifesaver.

It's my go-to when i crave that classic italian american flavor but don't fancy the faff of frying. it really has that taste similar to nonna, and it will become a parmesan recipe staple.

This isn't just any old Parmesan casserole ! We're talking about a Chicken Parmesan Casserole that's baked, not fried. Think less greasy spoon and more healthy ish family dinner.

A Classic with a Twist

Chicken parmesan , a cornerstone of italian american cuisine, has roots tracing back to eggplant parmesan. this simple chicken bake takes the classic flavors and simplifies them, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.

It is easy casserole recipes like these that you look for when getting home late from work. it will not be mistaken for a goulash .

This recipe chicken bake is dead easy, taking about 20 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. This recipe yields 4 generous servings - perfect for the family or leftovers for lunch!

Why This Recipe Rocks

Besides being utterly delicious, this chicken parmesan recipe easy uses baking instead of frying, meaning less fat and less mess.

Win-win! the marinara sauce is rich in antioxidants, and the chicken is packed with protein. oh my gosh! this dish is fantastic for a cosy family dinner, a casual get-together with mates, or even just a treat for yourself.

It's a cracking good way to enjoy chicken recipes casserole without the guilt. what sets this recipe apart is that it focuses on ease and flavour, using quality ingredients to create a truly memorable meal.

Alright, let's dive into the heart of our baked chicken parm the ingredients and equipment! trust me, keeping it simple is the name of the game.

I'm all about an easy casserole recipes , especially when i’m craving comfort food without the fuss. this chicken parmesan casserole hits the spot every time.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: The Chicken Dance

So, for this Simple Chicken dish, we are going to need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless, and about 1/2 inch thick. Honestly, don't sweat the thickness too much. Just give the thicker ones a little whack with a meat mallet.
• Flour: 1 cup (125g) all-purpose.
• Eggs: 2 large, lightly beaten.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: 1.5 cups (150g) . Panko is key, trust me. Makes it super crispy.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) grated. This adds that lovely nutty flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Salt & Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon each.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons .

Quality wise? for the chicken, look for plump breasts that aren't pale. as for the parmesan, go for the real deal.

That hard stuff in the green can? save it for emergencies, mate. also, try to use homemade marinara sauce if you can, for a better taste.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

For the marinara and cheese, grab:

• Marinara Sauce: 2 cups (475ml) . Jarred or homemade. It is up to you.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 8 oz (225g) fresh, sliced.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) grated.
• Fresh Basil: A few leaves for garnish. Makes it look all fancy.

Italian seasoning is your hero here oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme. boom. garlic powder? essential. wanna kick it up a notch? pinch of red pepper flakes in the breadcrumbs.

As for flavor enhancers? a splash of balsamic vinegar in your marinara. honestly, it's a game changer.

If you’re making a Parmesan Recipe , and you're out of Italian seasoning, use equal parts dried oregano, basil, rosemary and thyme.

This recipe differs from a Goulash , because this one is baked instead of fried.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid

Honestly, you don't need much:

• Baking sheet.
• Three shallow dishes. For breading, obviously.
• Meat mallet. Only if you’re fancy.
• Instant read thermometer. Make sure the chicken's cooked, yeah?

Don’t have shallow dishes? use plates! don’t have a meat mallet? use a rolling pin! i’m sure that these ingredients will make for the best chicken parmesan recipe easy you ever tasted.

You can also make this into a chicken recipes casserole dish. so, next time you want a quick dinner, think of this parmesan casserole !

Let’s get this baked chicken parm party started!

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks and talk about baking, particularly baked chicken parm . we're ditching the fryer for this one, mates.

It's easier, healthier, and honestly, just as delicious. plus, who needs the faff of all that oil?

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first: mise en place , the fancy french way of saying "get your stuff together". honestly, it just means having everything chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking.

For this chicken parmesan recipe easy , that means:

• Pound those chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. If they're too thick, they'll take ages and dry out.
• Get your breading station sorted. Flour in one dish, eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning in the third.
• Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.

Time saving tip? Whisk the eggs while the oven's heating. Multitasking, innit?

From Zero to Hero: Baking Your Chicken Parm

Right, here's the lowdown on how to bake this beauty:

1. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then egg, then the panko mixture. Make sure they're fully coated. No bare patches allowed.
2. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. This helps them get nice and crispy.
3. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Use a thermometer to be sure! Nobody wants dodgy chicken.
4. Remove from oven. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast. If you're feeling fancy, use a homemade one. Otherwise, jarred is fine, too, bruv.
5. Top with mozzarella slices and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese .
6. Return to the oven and bake for 5- 10 minutes , or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. That gooey goodness is what we're after.

Pro Tips for Parmesan Casserole Perfection

• Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the chicken space to breathe and get crispy.
• Want extra crispy chicken? Place the baking sheet on the lowest rack of the oven for the last few minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it though don't want it burning.
• You can prep the breaded chicken ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it well. It can even be converted into a Chicken Parmesan Casserole .

Honestly, this simple chicken parmesan recipe is a winner. serve it with some spaghetti, a side salad, and maybe a glass of vino.

Proper comfort food, innit? forget the goulash , this is what you want for a chicken recipes casserole . if you want easy casserole recipes this is the parmesan recipe for you.

Alright, mate, let's chat about some vital bits and bobs for nailing this baked chicken parm , shall we?

Recipe Notes: Getting It Just Right

Listen up, because these little nuggets of wisdom can turn your chicken parmesan recipe easy from 'meh' to 'bloody brilliant'. Honestly, it's all about the details!

Serving Suggestions: Ace Your Presentation

Presentation matters, yeah? i mean, we eat with our eyes first! for plating, try layering the baked chicken parm on a bed of spaghetti, twirled all fancy like.

Or, go simple and serve it with a wedge of lemon and a sprig of basil.

As for sides, a crisp green salad cuts through the richness beautifully. some garlic bread? oh, go on then! for drinks, a light italian red like chianti or even a crisp pinot grigio is spot on.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

So, you've got leftovers (if you're lucky!). Let the baked chicken parm cool down completely before you bung it in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Freezing? yeah, you can , but the texture might change a bit. wrap each piece individually in cling film, then pop them in a freezer bag.

When reheating, make sure it's piping hot all the way through that's super important, yeah? bake it at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated or microwave until heated.

Variations: Your Parmesan Recipe , Your Way

Fancy a tweak? course you do! for a simple chicken dish, try using whole wheat breadcrumbs for a bit more fiber.

Or, if you're watching the carbs, skip the pasta and serve it with roasted veggies. easy peasy!

If you want to try something spicy for your parmesan casserole , add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix.

You can also try adding a thin layer of pesto over the chicken breast before adding the sauce.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, let's keep this real. this parmesan recipe isn't exactly health food, but it can be part of a balanced diet! it's packed with protein, thanks to the chicken and cheese.

The tomato sauce gives you some vitamins, and the parmesan casserole makes it super comforting.

Wrapping Up

There you have it! a bit of extra info to make your baked chicken parm the best it can be.

Remember, cooking should be fun, not a chore. get in the kitchen, give it a go, and don't be afraid to experiment! you might even discover the next great chicken parmesan casserole or easy casserole recipes .

Get creative!. i know you got this recipe chicken done. it is even easier than goulash . plus, there are more amazing chicken recipes casserole to try! happy cooking, my friend!