Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake – Quick 20-Minute Recipe
Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake – Quick 20-Minute Recipe
Craving classic Italian flavors but short on time? This Quick and Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake delivers all the comforting goodness of traditional chicken Parmesan in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-skillet recipe transforms simple ingredients into a cheesy, satisfying meal that your whole family will love. With tender breaded chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, this dish proves that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 4: Place chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. You don’t need to cook through completely – just create a nice crust.
Step 5: Pour marinara sauce around the chicken in the skillet, then top each breast with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
For the crispiest coating, make sure your oil is properly heated before adding the chicken. You can test it by sprinkling a few breadcrumbs – they should sizzle immediately. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before adding sauce and cheese. For extra flavor, mix a tablespoon of grated Parmesan into your breadcrumb mixture.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Thighs work wonderfully and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time slightly as they may take a few minutes longer.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? Simply transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish, add sauce and cheese, then bake as directed.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake – Quick 20-Minute Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. You don’t need to cook through completely – just create a nice crust.
- Pour marinara sauce around the chicken in the skillet, then top each breast with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
