Oven baked Chicken Parmesan is healthier than the fried version often served in restaurants, but just as tasty! Serve with your favorite pasta and vegetable or salad.
2large boneless, skinless chicken breastseach butterflied and cut in half to yield 4 pieces total
2cupsmarinara saucewarmed
½cupshredded mozzarella cheese
1tablespoonminced fresh basil
Instructions
Adjust oven rack to middle position, and preheat oven to 475°F.
Combine the breadcrumbs and the oil in a 12-inch skillet and toast over medium heat until golden, stirring often, about 10 minutes. Spread the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and allow to cool slightly; when cool, stir in the Parmesan.
1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
In a second shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, 1 tablespoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper together.
½ cup all purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
In third shallow dish whisk together the egg and water.
1 large egg , 1 tablespoon water
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and top with a wire baking rack. Spray the rack with vegetable oil spray. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Lightly dredge each chicken piece in the flour to coat completely, shaking off the excess. Then dip into the egg mixture and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press on the breadcrumbs to make sure they adhere. Place the chicken pieces on the prepared baking rack.
Bake until the chicken is no longer pink and feels firm when pressed with a finger, about 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches at least 165°F with an instant read thermometer.
Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over the top of each piece of chicken and top with 2 tablespoons of the shredded mozzarella. Return the chicken to the oven and continue to bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the fresh basil and serve as desired.
Notes
Source: Adapted from Annie's Eats and Brown Eyed Baker, originally from Cook's Illustrated, October 2006You're Gonna Bake It After Allbakeitafterall.com