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Easy Family Chicken Parmesan Bake - A Comforting, Crowd-Pleasing Dinner

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Marinara Sauce: 3 cups good-quality marinara (store-bought or homemade)
  • Mozzarella: 2 cups shredded, low-moisture mozzarella
  • Parmesan: 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Bread Crumbs (optional but tasty): 1/2 cup Italian-style or panko
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Pinch, optional
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley: Small handful, chopped, for garnish
  • Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
  • Cooked Pasta or Bread: For serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If the breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets or gently pound to even thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
  3. Season well: Drizzle chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Add minced garlic or garlic powder. Toss to coat.
  4. Layer the sauce: Spread about 1 cup of marinara over the bottom of the baking dish. This prevents sticking and keeps the chicken juicy.
  5. Add chicken to the dish: Lay seasoned chicken in a single layer over the sauce. Avoid overlapping pieces.
  6. Top with sauce: Spoon the remaining marinara evenly over the chicken. You want good coverage, but don’t drown it; too much liquid can make it watery.
  7. Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella over the top, followed by half of the Parmesan.
  8. Optional crisp topping: In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in the remaining Parmesan. Sprinkle this over the cheese for a golden, crunchy finish.
  9. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  10. Broil briefly: If you want extra color, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  11. Rest and garnish: Let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices settle. Sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley.
  12. Serve: Spoon over cooked pasta, zucchini noodles, or polenta. It’s also great with a green salad and garlic bread.