Description

A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring crispy panko-crusted chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, baked to perfection without frying.

Ingredients

Scale

4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil, torn (for garnish)
Olive oil spray (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag and pound to an even ½-inch thickness.
Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; one with beaten eggs; and one with panko mixed with Parmesan and a pinch of salt.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, then press firmly into the panko mixture to coat both sides.
Place breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray tops with olive oil spray.
Bake for 15 minutes until the crust is starting to turn golden and chicken is mostly cooked.
Remove from oven. Spoon about ¼ cup marinara sauce over each breast and top with shredded mozzarella.
Return to oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
Let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.

Notes

Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking. Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent sogginess. Add sauce and cheese only after the initial bake to keep the crust crispy. Can be frozen unbreaded for later use.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 650
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 25
Fiber: 2
Protein: 35

Keywords: chicken parmesan, baked chicken, panko chicken, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, crispy chicken, family dinner