The Ultimate Onepan Parmesan Chicken Bake

Recipe Introduction: Meet Your New Weeknight Hero

Ever get that craving for something comforting? Something cheesy, saucy, and utterly satisfying? Me too! Honestly, sometimes I just want to face plant into a giant bowl of Chicken Parmesan.

But who has time for all that breading and frying?

That's where The Best Parmesan Chicken Bake comes in. Imagine all the deliciousness of classic chicken parm, but way easier.

We're talking tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and a blanket of gooey cheese. It is a truly Family Friendly Chicken Dinner .

What's the Deal with This Chicken?

This isn't just any old chicken dish. It's Italian comfort food, simplified. Think of it as your gateway to Italian Baked Chicken goodness.

It's the perfect thing to make with the family. This dish hails from the Italian American kitchen, bringing a taste of Italy to your table.

It's super easy to make, even if you're a total beginner. Prep takes around 15 minutes, and it bakes in about 30-35.

This Easy Chicken dish gives you enough for 4-6 hungry people, or fabulous leftovers.

Why You'll Obsess Over It

This recipe is brilliant, trust me. What makes this recipe special? Beyond the taste (seriously, it's addictive), it's a nutritional win! Chicken is packed with protein, keeping you full and satisfied.

It's perfect for a Weeknight Chicken Recipes when you need something quick and tasty. It's also fancy enough to serve to guests! The One-Pan Chicken Dinner is so satisfying, it's a dish that will win over even the fussiest eaters.

Now that you're drooling (I know I am!), let's gather those ingredients.

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this One-Pan Parmesan Chicken Bake . It's simpler than you think! Honestly, Quick And Easy Chicken Parmesan doesn’t get easier than this.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Organized!

Here is everything needed for an Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake . I promise this will be your new favorite Weeknight Chicken Recipes .

Main Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts : You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each). Quality matters! Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale. Pound them to about 1/2 inch thick.
• Olive Oil : 1 tablespoon (15ml) of a good olive oil to lightly coat the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning : 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Use a pre-mixed blend or create your own.
• Garlic Powder : 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) for that extra savory kick.
• Salt & Pepper : 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) each, or to taste. Don't be shy!
• Marinara Sauce : 24 oz (680g) jar of your absolute favorite marinara. Trust me, this makes all the difference.
• Fresh Mozzarella : 8 oz (225g) , sliced. The fresher, the better.
• Parmesan Cheese : 1/2 cup (50g) , grated. Please, fresh grated is the ONLY way to go. This is what makes "The Best Parmesan Chicken Bake" so special.
• Fresh Basil (optional).

Seasoning Notes

This Baked Chicken Parmesan is all about the Italian vibes.

• Italian Seasoning: Essential for that classic taste. Oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary - they're all there.
• Garlic Powder : A must have. Adds a subtle, but important, aromatic.
• Spice It Up: Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It gives this Mozzarella Chicken Bake a little kick.
• Substitution Time: Don't have Italian seasoning? A mix of dried oregano and basil works wonders.

Equipment Needed

No fancy stuff here.

• 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) Baking Dish : Essential for baking the chicken evenly.
• Meat Thermometer : Seriously, get one. Chicken should reach 165° F ( 74° C) internally. Safety first!
• Common Household Alternatives : Don’t have a baking dish? Use a large oven safe skillet!

Remember, this Chicken Parmesan Bake is about making things easy and delicious. It's the perfect Family Friendly Chicken Dinner ! So, get your ingredients ready, crank up the tunes, and let’s get cooking.

That about covers it. Now, Let’s get to cooking the Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake!!!

The Easiest Way To Make The Best Parmesan Chicken Bake

Honestly, who doesn't love a good Chicken Parmesan Bake ? Forget standing over a hot stove! This is my take on Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake .

Think of it as Quick And Easy Chicken Parmesan , but way easier. It's proper family friendly chicken dinner material, you know?

Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together, Darling!

This bit is all about getting prepped. Mise en place, as the fancy chefs say.

• First, preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Get that bad boy nice and toasty!
• Next, get your chicken breasts ready. I like to give them a little whack. Seriously, bash them with a rolling pin! This will ensure even thickness, about 1/2 inch. It will cook evenly.
• Lastly, gather all your ingredients. It saves so much time later, trust me.

step-by-step: Let's Get Baking!

Right, let's get this show on the road.

1. Lay a thin layer of your favourite marinara in the baking dish. Any will do!
2. Next, slap those chicken breasts in there! Then drizzle with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
3. Spoon the rest of that luscious marinara on top. Oh my gosh, it smells amazing already!
4. Now, for the best part, top with mozzarella slices and then, sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Because, why not?
5. Bake for 30- 35 minutes . Make sure the chicken's cooked through. The temp should reach 165° F ( 74° C) . Then your good to go!
6. Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Game!

Want to take your bake to the next level? Course you do, my love!

• Don't Overbake : This is the cardinal sin of chicken baking! It will make the chicken dry and the cheese rubbery, a tragedy! So use a meat thermometer!
• Spice It Up: If you are feeling a bit wild, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce!
• Broil it: If the cheese ain't golden enough, whack it under the grill (broiler) for a minute or two! But keep an eye on it , you do not want burnt cheese!

So, there you have it. My secret to the ultimate Mozzarella Chicken Bake . Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. Enjoy! This recipe is such a fantastic choice for weeknight chicken recipes .

I find it much easier than some other methods for Italian Baked Chicken . Don't forget that this recipe can be easily transformed into a One-Pan Chicken Dinner .

Recipe Notes for The Best Parmesan Chicken Bake

Alright, so you're ready to make some magic with this Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake . Honestly , it's so simple, even I can’t mess it up! But, a few notes will help you nail it every single time.

It is also a great way for your family to bond over a delicious and Family Friendly Chicken Dinner .

Serving Up Some Deliciousness

Wanna make it look fancy ? I like to plate each serving with a generous spoonful of sauce from the pan.

A few fresh basil leaves scattered on top add a pop of color and freshness. Think of it like you are on "MasterChef"!

On the side, garlic bread is essential seriously, you need something to soak up all that amazing sauce. A simple green salad balances the richness and honestly, what is a One-Pan Chicken Dinner without a little salad?

A crisp glass of Pinot Grigio makes a great grown-up addition, if you're into that sort of thing.

Storing Your Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

Let the Chicken Parmesan Bake cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch.

I wouldn't recommend freezing this one. The cheese can get a weird texture when thawed. Better to just eat it all! Quick And Easy Chicken Parmesan doesn't stay in the fridge for long in my house anyway.

Mix It Up!

Want a little twist on this Baked Chicken Parmesan ? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick. Alternatively, use gluten-free marinara sauce to make it dietary friendly!

In the autumn, I sometimes throw in some roasted butternut squash chunks it’s a seasonal swap that works amazingly well. Oh my gosh , so yummy!

Nutrition Basics

Each serving of this Mozzarella Chicken Bake packs about 450 calories. It is loaded with protein (around 45g) from the chicken.

It also has some good fats (around 25g) from the cheese and olive oil. There is around 15g carbohydrates, mostly from the sauce.

It's a decent balance, especially when paired with a light salad. This Italian Baked Chicken gives you a good dose of calcium and lycopene too!

So there you have it! All the tips and tricks you need to make The Best Parmesan Chicken Bake ever.

Now go forth and cook! It's one of my favorite Weeknight Chicken Recipes , and I hope it will be one of yours too! You will create unforgettable meals with Easy Chicken ! You got this.