Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce

If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet delectable dish to impress your family and friends, look no further than this Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce. This dish combines succulent chicken breasts with a crispy coating, topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. The garlic butter sauce adds an aromatic twist that takes it over the top, making it perfect for any dinner occasion.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-seasoned)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a perfect golden crust on the chicken.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy coating.
   • Season both sides with salt and pepper.

3. Set Up Breading Station:

   • In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
   • In another bowl, beat the egg.
   • In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.

4. Bread the Chicken:

   • Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess.
   • Dip into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.
   • Finally, coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Bake the Chicken:

   • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the coating is golden brown.

6. Add the Toppings:

   • Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
   • Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn it).
   • Stir in the chopped parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt. Remove from heat.

8. Serve:

   • Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the baked chicken parmesan.
   • Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
   • Serve hot with pasta, a side salad, or garlic bread.

Cooking Tips

• Choose the Right Chicken: Look for chicken breasts that are uniform in size for even cooking. If desired, you can pound the chicken to an even thickness for quicker cooking.

• Breadcrumb Options: For extra flavor and crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs or adding herbs and spices to plain breadcrumbs.

• Cheese Variations: For a twist, try using provolone or fontina cheese instead of mozzarella for a rich, gooey texture.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken, bread it, and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.

• Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Pairing Suggestions

This Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with:

• Pasta: Spaghetti or fettuccine tossed with olive oil and garlic.
• Salads: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Wine: A glass of Chianti or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish beautifully.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative for the cheese.
• Herb Lovers: Add fresh basil or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for an enhanced flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Garlic Butter Sauce is not only simple to prepare but also delivers a burst of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. The tantalizing aroma of garlic butter combined with the savory notes of marinara and cheese makes each bite a delight. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.

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For further reading, check out these articles that delve deeper into cooking techniques and ingredient selections:

• How to Perfectly Bake Chicken
• 7 Tips for Making the Best Pasta Dishes
• Exploring Italian Cuisine: A Guide to Sauces