Baked Chicken Parmesan in Rustic Style

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Baked Chicken Parmesan in Rustic Style is a heartwarming dish that combines the comfort of Italian flavors with the ease of baked preparation. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, adding a touch of homemade charm to your meal.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Parmesan in Rustic Style

The star of the show is the chicken breasts, which provide a lean and protein-rich base. All-purpose flour is used for the initial dredge to give the coating something to cling to. Eggs are beaten to help the breadcrumbs adhere nicely to the chicken. The breadcrumbs mixed with nutty Parmesan cheese create a savory crust. Marinara sauce adds a rich tomato flavor, while mozzarella cheese brings gooey, melty goodness. Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning enhance the overall flavor, and olive oil helps achieve that golden-brown sear.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to at least 165°F (75°C).
  • For extra crispy chicken, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular.
  • If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish before adding the sauce and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic. A fresh green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette can balance the meal, adding a refreshing crunch. Garlic bread is a classic side that complements the Italian flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but the cooking time may vary slightly due to their thickness.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to cook, proceed with searing and baking.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Baked Chicken Parmesan in Rustic Style Recipe Walkthrough

First off, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it's ready to go when you need it. Take your chicken breasts and give them a good pounding until they're about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly. Season them well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to give the chicken a robust flavor foundation.

Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. The first holds your all-purpose flour, the second your beaten eggs, and the third a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Coat each chicken breast in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally, cover with the breadcrumb mixture. This triple-coating method ensures a crunchy crust.

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches.

Once seared, pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time lets the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with a flavorful twist on a classic dish.
  • Baked, not fried, for a healthier meal option.
  • Makes use of simple, everyday ingredients.
  • Perfectly cheesy with a crispy breadcrumb crust.
  • Flexible enough for customization to suit your taste.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 cups breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
5. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumb mixture.
6. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

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