Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake: A Delicious 20-Minute One-Skillet Recipe
Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake: A Delicious 20-Minute One-Skillet Recipe
Looking for a fast, family-friendly dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort? This Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake is your new go-to recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can transform simple chicken breasts into a cheesy, comforting masterpiece that everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave that classic Italian-American comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned 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 (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Dip each chicken breast first in the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 4: Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
Step 5: Pour marinara sauce around the chicken (not directly on top), then sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan
- Even Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking
- Crispy Coating: Don’t skip the skillet browning step – it creates that irresistible crunchy crust
- Cheese Selection: Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra flavor depth
- Sauce First: Pour sauce around the chicken to keep the breading crisp
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving for juicier results
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Bone-in or boneless thighs work beautifully – adjust cooking time by 5-7 minutes.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? Simply brown the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer to a baking dish for the oven step.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Can I make this gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
This versatile Chicken Parmesan Bake proves that incredible meals don’t need to be complicated. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect solution for hectic evenings when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Enjoy your homemade Italian masterpiece!
Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake: A Delicious 20-Minute One-Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast first in the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
- Pour marinara sauce around the chicken (not directly on top), then sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread.
