Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms the classic Chicken Parmesan into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This deep covered baker method locks in incredible flavors and creates the most tender, juicy chicken you've ever tasted. Forget about dry, boring chicken – this recipe is about to revolutionize your dinner game with its perfect blend of crispy breadcrumbs, rich marinara sauce, and a blanket of melted cheeses that will make your heart skip a beat.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Chicken Parmesan cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare your ingredients by gathering 4 chicken breasts, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating. Make sure each piece is fully covered with breadcrumbs.
- In a deep covered baker, add a thin layer of marinara sauce to the bottom. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and add flavor.
- Place the breaded chicken breasts on top of the marinara sauce in the deep covered baker. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well covered. This will keep the chicken moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the marinara sauce and chicken. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Cover the deep baker with its lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the deep covered baker from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the cheese set slightly.
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired, alongside pasta, a salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Thickness Matters: Always pound your chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking and maximum juiciness.
- Breadcrumb Perfection: For extra crunch, try mixing panko breadcrumbs with your regular breadcrumbs or add a touch of grated Parmesan directly into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cheese Pro Tip: For the most luxurious cheese layer, use a blend of fresh mozzarella and pre-shredded mozzarella for both melting quality and flavor depth.
- Sauce Hack: If you're short on time, use a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce to cut down on preparation time without sacrificing taste.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this dish earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake just before serving – perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 433kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 48g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 115mg
