Crispy Chicken Parmesan Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Bake. This 5-ingredient masterpiece boasts tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful Italian breadcrumb crust, smothered in rich spaghetti sauce, and topped with gooey mozzarella and fresh parmesan. Whether you're cooking for a cozy dinner for two or feeding a crowd at a gathering, this dish delivers consistent flavor and satisfaction every time. Serve it over perfectly cooked spaghetti or rice for a complete meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (washed and patted dry)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup (for coating)
Spaghetti sauce
26 ounces (preferably Prego or homemade)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup (for topping)
Fresh grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Start by washing the chicken breasts and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for ensuring a crisp coating.
3
Coat each chicken breast thoroughly with the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing down firmly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well and help tenderize the meat.
4
In a non-stick skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium-high heat. If you choose to use olive oil, make sure to include it in the nutritional calculations.
5
Fry the coated chicken breasts in the skillet until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6
In a 9"x5" casserole dish, pour half of the spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom.
7
Carefully place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
8
Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the chicken, ensuring they are well covered.
9
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and fresh grated parmesan cheeses over the top, creating a beautiful cheesy layer.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
11
Serve hot over a bed of spaghetti or rice for a hearty meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
What kind of breadcrumbs are required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed?
You will need 26 ounces of spaghetti sauce.
Which cheeses are used for the topping?
The topping consists of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of fresh grated parmesan cheese.
How should the chicken be prepared before coating?
The chicken breasts should be washed and patted dry with paper towels.
Why is it important to pat the chicken dry?
Patting the chicken dry is crucial for ensuring a crisp coating.
How do I ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken?
Coat each breast thoroughly and press down firmly to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
Does pressing the breadcrumbs help with the meat texture?
Yes, pressing down firmly helps to tenderize the meat.
What type of skillet should be used?
A non-stick skillet is recommended for frying the chicken.
What type of oil is suggested for frying?
A small amount of olive oil should be used in the skillet.
How long do I fry the chicken breasts?
Fry the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What size casserole dish is needed?
The recipe specifies using a 9"x5" casserole dish.
How do I start layering the dish?
Pour half of the spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish.
Where do I place the chicken in the baking dish?
Place the cooked chicken breasts directly on top of the initial layer of sauce.
How is the remaining sauce used?
Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the chicken breasts to ensure they are well covered.
When should the cheese be added?
Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan over the top after the final layer of sauce has been added.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
Bake the dish for approximately 30 minutes.
How can I tell when the bake is finished?
The sauce should be bubbling and the cheese should be melted and slightly golden.
What are the recommended serving sides?
Serve the chicken parmesan hot over a bed of spaghetti or rice.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This is a simple 5-ingredient recipe.
What brands of spaghetti sauce are suggested?
Prego brand sauce is mentioned as a preference, but homemade sauce also works.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, it is suitable for both cozy dinners for two and feeding a crowd at gatherings.
How is the final texture of the chicken described?
The chicken is described as tender and juicy with a flavorful, crispy crust.
What style of cuisine is this?
This dish is categorized as Italian cuisine.
Is this considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and an easy dinner.
Should the skillet be on high heat?
No, the chicken should be fried over medium-high heat.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, the description identifies it as the ultimate comfort food.
Should the chicken be served hot?
Yes, the recipe recommends serving the meal hot for the best results.