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Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake - Quick 20-Minute Recipe

This quick and easy chicken Parmesan bake delivers classic Italian flavors in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features tender breaded chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese in a one-skillet recipe.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Instructions
  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.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
  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.
  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.
  5. Pour marinara sauce around the chicken in the skillet, then top each breast with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
  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.
  7. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

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.