Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake
This Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake is a delightful and fuss-free dinner that the whole family will love. Using convenient frozen breaded chicken patties, this dish combines the rich flavors of spaghetti sauce and deliciously melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying meal without the restaurant wait. Perfectly paired over a bed of spaghetti, it's a classic kid-friendly option that's quick to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Whether you're cooking for kids or simply want a no-fuss meal, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor and simplicity.
4
Servings
300
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen breaded chicken patties
4 - 6 (no preparation needed)
Spaghetti sauce
2 cups (ready to use)
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded or sliced)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
Instructions
1
Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2
Pan fry the frozen breaded chicken patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through, ensuring they are covered slightly to retain moisture.
3
While the chicken is cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4
Once the chicken is cooked, spray a baking dish with cooking spray and drizzle a little olive oil into the base.
5
Place the fried chicken patties in a single layer in the baking dish.
6
Spread a layer of spaghetti sauce evenly over each chicken patty, ensuring they are well coated.
7
Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese (or your cheese of choice) on top of the sauce.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden finish, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye not to burn.
9
Serve the chicken parmesan over cooked spaghetti and enjoy your easy, kid-friendly meal!
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
18g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake?
It is a delightful and fuss-free dinner that uses frozen breaded chicken patties, spaghetti sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the main ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients are frozen breaded chicken patties, spaghetti sauce, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen patties?
While this recipe specifies frozen breaded chicken patties for convenience, you could use fresh chicken if breaded and cooked beforehand.
How should I prepare the chicken patties?
Pan-fry the frozen patties in olive oil for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the assembled dish in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What type of cheese is recommended?
Shredded mozzarella cheese is recommended, but you can use any cheese of your choice.
Do I need to fry the chicken before baking?
Yes, pan-frying the patties first ensures they are cooked through and have a golden brown texture.
Why should I cover the chicken while frying?
Covering the chicken slightly while frying helps to retain moisture so the patties do not dry out.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
You will need 2 cups of your favorite spaghetti sauce.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is a classic kid-friendly option that is quick to prepare and very satisfying.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served over a bed of cooked spaghetti.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can fry the chicken and assemble the dish in the baking tray ahead of time, then bake it when you are ready to eat.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
Is this a good recipe for a quick weeknight dinner?
Absolutely, it uses convenient ingredients to make weeknight dinners a breeze.
How do I get a golden finish on the cheese?
For a golden finish, broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
Can I use an air fryer instead of pan-frying?
Yes, you can cook the frozen chicken patties in an air fryer before proceeding with the baking steps.
How much preparation time is required?
Preparation is minimal since the recipe uses pre-breaded patties and ready-to-use sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 4 primary ingredients: chicken patties, sauce, cheese, and olive oil.
Should the baking dish be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, spray the baking dish with cooking spray and drizzle a little olive oil into the base.
Can I use homemade spaghetti sauce?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought sauce with your own homemade spaghetti sauce recipe.
What is the protein content of this meal?
This recipe contains 24g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 14g of fat per serving.
Is olive oil necessary?
Olive oil is used for pan-frying and to line the baking dish for flavor and to prevent sticking.
Can I add extra seasonings or toppings?
Yes, you can add extra parmesan cheese or herbs like basil to customize the flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can the recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to feed more people.
Should the spaghetti be cooked separately?
Yes, the spaghetti should be cooked according to its package instructions while the chicken is being prepared.
What makes this 'Chicken Parmesan' easy?
It is simplified by using frozen breaded patties which removes the need for breading and seasoning raw chicken from scratch.