Baked Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
• Olive oil spray or 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

3. Bread the Chicken:

1. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
   • Bowl 1: Flour
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
   • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix well.
2. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

4. Bake the Chicken:

1. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil or drizzle with a small amount of olive oil for crispiness.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Add Sauce and Cheese:

1. Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
2. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

1. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
2. Serve hot with pasta, a side salad, or crusty bread.

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Tips:

• Extra Crispiness: Toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet with a bit of olive oil before breading the chicken.
• Homemade Marinara: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make a quick marinara by simmering crushed tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and Italian herbs.
• Cheese Options: For added flavor, mix shredded mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese.