Cheesy Herb Chicken Parmesan Bake
This Cheesy Herb Chicken Parmesan Bake is a family favorite that simplifies the traditional chicken parmesan dish by skipping the breading while still delivering unbeatable flavor and satisfaction. Using Perdue Perfect Portions boneless skinless breasts ensures a tender chicken base, and a generous layer of Ragu Extra Meat spaghetti sauce brings a rich, meaty sauce that's perfect for family dinners. Quick to prepare and easy to bake, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and promises to leave no leftovers. Pair it with a side of spaghetti, a fresh salad, and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 (washed and patted dry)
shredded parmesan cheese
2 cups (for coating)
dried parsley
1 tablespoon
dried basil
1 tablespoon
dried oregano
1 tablespoon
olive oil flavored cooking spray
to taste (for greasing the pan)
spaghetti sauce
to taste (premade or store-bought)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a ziplock bag, combine the shredded Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, dried basil, and dried oregano. Shake well to mix evenly.
3
Rinse each chicken breast under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
4
Place one chicken breast at a time into the bag with the cheese mixture. Seal the bag and shake gently until the chicken is well-coated with the cheese blend.
5
Spray a 11 x 13-inch baking dish with olive oil flavored cooking spray to prevent sticking.
6
Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Transfer any remaining cheese mixture from the bag on top of the chicken.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8
Once cooked through, remove the dish from the oven and generously top each chicken breast with spaghetti sauce.
9
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Serve hot accompanied by a side of spaghetti, a fresh garden salad, and garlic bread for a delicious meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Herb Chicken Parmesan Bake?
It is a simplified version of traditional chicken parmesan that skips the breading for a quicker, yet flavorful, family-friendly meal.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using six boneless skinless chicken breasts, specifically Perdue Perfect Portions for a tender result.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before starting the preparation.
How do I create the herb and cheese coating?
Combine shredded Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, dried basil, and dried oregano in a ziplock bag and shake well to mix.
How is the chicken prepared before coating?
Rinse each chicken breast under cold water and then pat them dry with paper towels.
What is the best way to apply the Parmesan coating?
Place one chicken breast at a time into the bag with the cheese mixture, seal it, and shake gently until well-coated.
What size baking dish should be used?
An 11 x 13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan?
Spray the baking dish with olive oil flavored cooking spray before arranging the chicken.
How long does the chicken need to bake initially?
Bake the coated chicken for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
When should I add the spaghetti sauce?
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and top each breast with the sauce.
What kind of spaghetti sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a rich, meaty sauce like Ragu Extra Meat spaghetti sauce.
What type of cheese is used for the final topping?
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce for the final bake.
How long is the final bake after adding cheese and sauce?
Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.
What should I serve with Cheesy Herb Chicken Parmesan?
It pairs perfectly with a side of spaghetti, a fresh garden salad, and crusty garlic bread.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is designed to be quick to prepare and easy to bake, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried parsley, basil, and oregano, you can use fresh herbs, though you may need to adjust the quantities.
Do I use the leftover cheese mixture from the bag?
Yes, transfer any remaining cheese mixture from the bag onto the top of the chicken before baking.
Is there any breading in this recipe?
No, this recipe skips traditional breading and uses a Parmesan cheese and herb mixture for the coating.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses six chicken breasts, typically serving 6 people.
Can I use a different type of cooking spray?
Yes, while olive oil spray is suggested for flavor, any non-stick cooking spray will work.
What herbs are included in the Parmesan blend?
The blend includes dried parsley, dried basil, and dried oregano.
Can I use store-bought spaghetti sauce?
Yes, the recipe specifies using premade or store-bought spaghetti sauce for convenience.
Is this a one-dish meal?
While the chicken is baked in one dish, it is best served with sides like pasta and salad for a complete meal.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the coating?
You will need 2 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed for the topping?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Since this recipe skips traditional breadcrumbs, it is lower in carbs, especially if paired with a low-sugar sauce and served without pasta.
Is the chicken supposed to be hot when served?
Yes, it is best served hot immediately after the cheese has melted.
Why is the chicken patted dry after rinsing?
Patting the chicken dry ensures that the Parmesan and herb mixture adheres better to the meat.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a second baking dish if you are serving a larger group.