– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-seasoned)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Creating this marvelous Baked Chicken Parmesan is straightforward. Follow these steps to delight your taste buds:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Drizzle olive oil over them, rubbing the oil to ensure an even coating.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
5. Place the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
7. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, before serving.
These steps will guide you effortlessly through making Baked Chicken Parmesan that will impress your family and friends without fuss.