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Easy Crispy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan

Easy Crispy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan - featured image
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A quick and easy chicken parmesan recipe that delivers crispy, juicy chicken topped with tangy marinara and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners without the mess of frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about medium-sized; thighs can be used as an alternative)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If uneven in thickness, gently pound to about 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, then press each piece firmly into the panko mixture, coating both sides well.
  5. Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Spread about 2 to 3 tablespoons of marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
  7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced chicken, covering each piece completely.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Tent with foil if cheese browns too quickly.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute and cheese to set.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating for crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F. Drizzle olive oil before coating helps panko brown. Rest chicken after baking for juicy results. Reheat in oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness. Swap panko for gluten-free or almond flour for dietary needs. Vegan cheese alternatives can be used for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, dump and bake, easy chicken recipe, crispy chicken, weeknight dinner, comfort food, baked chicken parmesan

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-crispy-dump-and-bake-chicken-parmesan-recipe-for-perfect-dinners/