Classic Chicken Parmesan Bake
Indulge in this delightful Classic Chicken Parmesan Bake, featuring tender, golden-brown chicken breasts coated in a savory blend of rich Parmesan and crispy Italian breadcrumbs. Baked to perfection and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish is bursting with flavor and definitely destined to be a family favorite! Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight meals, serve it alongside a fresh green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless chicken breast
1.5 pounds (Cut into even-sized pieces or use chicken tenderloins.)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Freshly grated for best flavor.)
Italian breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (Plain or seasoned.)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (Use dried garlic or fresh if desired.)
Prepared spaghetti sauce
26.5 ounces (Any flavor of your choice.)
Mozzarella cheese
2 cups (Shredded.)
Egg
1 (Beaten.)
Olive oil
2-3 tablespoons (For cooking the chicken.)
Salt and pepper
To taste (For seasoning the breadcrumb mixture.)
Spaghetti noodles
12 ounces (Cook according to package instructions.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese, Italian breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and set aside.
3
In a shallow dish, beat the egg and dip each piece of chicken into the egg, ensuring it is fully coated.
4
Next, dredge the egg-coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating.
5
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
6
While the chicken is browning, warm the prepared spaghetti sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
7
In a large baking casserole dish, spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on the bottom.
8
Place the browned chicken on top of the sauce, and ladle a spoonful of sauce over each chicken breast, reserving the remaining sauce for later.
9
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
10
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken. Return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
While the chicken is finishing, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package instructions.
12
Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot with the cooked spaghetti and the remaining warmed sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Chicken Parmesan Bake?
It is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a savory blend of Parmesan and Italian breadcrumbs, topped with mozzarella and served over spaghetti.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) before starting the preparation.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
You will need 1.5 pounds of boneless chicken breast, cut into even-sized pieces or using chicken tenderloins.
What ingredients are in the breading mixture?
The breading consists of 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
How do I coat the chicken properly?
Dip each piece of chicken into a beaten egg, then dredge it in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coating.
Do I need to cook the chicken before baking?
Yes, heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the coated chicken breasts until they are golden brown on both sides, which takes about 3-4 minutes per side.
What kind of sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for 26.5 ounces of prepared spaghetti sauce in any flavor of your choice.
How do I layer the casserole?
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish, place the browned chicken on top, and ladle more sauce over each piece.
Should the casserole dish be covered?
Yes, cover the casserole dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking.
How long is the initial baking time?
The chicken should bake covered for 30 minutes at 325°F.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
After the initial 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
How long does it bake after adding the cheese?
Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What type of pasta goes with this dish?
It is typically served with 12 ounces of spaghetti noodles cooked according to the package instructions.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, you can substitute the garlic powder with fresh garlic if desired.
What oil is best for browning the chicken?
The recipe recommends using 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil for skillet cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that is quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight meals.
Should the spaghetti sauce be warmed beforehand?
Yes, warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat while the chicken is browning.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
You can use either plain or seasoned Italian breadcrumbs.
How many eggs are needed for the egg wash?
You will need one beaten egg for coating the chicken.
Can I use chicken tenderloins?
Yes, chicken tenderloins are a great alternative to cut-up chicken breasts.
What are the suggested side dishes?
It is suggested to serve this dish alongside a fresh green salad and warm garlic bread.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the breading mixture.
Is the Parmesan freshly grated?
The recipe notes that freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor.
Do I use all the sauce in the casserole?
No, ladle some over the chicken and reserve the remaining sauce to serve with the pasta.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
The total time includes about 10 minutes of skillet browning and approximately 40-45 minutes of oven baking.
How do I know the chicken is done?
The chicken is ready once it has been browned and then baked for at least 40 minutes until fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly.
Should I season the breading?
Yes, add salt and pepper to the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture to taste.
What size is the pasta portion?
Use 12 ounces of spaghetti noodles.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
You will need 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as both comfort food and an easy Italian meal.