Description
Chicken Parmesan Bake is a delicious and easy Italian-American main course featuring bite-sized chicken pieces baked under a layer of marinara, mozzarella, Parmesan, and crispy panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it can be served on its own or over your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Cheeses
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Small drizzle of olive oil (for mixing with panko)
Garnish and Serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- 8 ounces cooked penne or rigatoni pasta (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a medium baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until pieces are lightly browned and mostly cooked through, ensuring juicy interior and flavorful exterior.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the cooked chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and gently stir to coat the pieces for even flavor distribution.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the sauce-covered chicken to create a rich, cheesy layer.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with a small drizzle of olive oil to help them brown crispily. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake the dish uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown, indicating perfect doneness.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the chicken Parmesan bake on its own or spooned over cooked penne or rigatoni pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it great for meal prep.
