Baked Chicken Parmesan
This Baked Chicken Parmesan features crispy golden chicken cutlets, rich marinara, and melty mozzarella, served with tender spaghetti. A cozy, family-friendly dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into 4 thin cutlets)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Sauce and Topping
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti (cooked according to package directions)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan (for pasta topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Coat each cutlet in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
Cooking
- Arrange chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- While chicken bakes, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain, toss with a little olive oil, and set aside.
- Remove chicken from the oven, spoon marinara over each piece, and top with mozzarella. Bake for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Plate chicken alongside spaghetti, sprinkle everything with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, then serve hot for the ultimate cozy dinner.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep chicken crispy. Substitutions: Try whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter side. Meal Prep: Bread chicken ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. Serving Ideas: Add a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete Italian-inspired spread.