The Best Parmesan Chicken Bake

Written by on in Dinner

An Unforgettable Journey to Flavor: The Best Parmesan Chicken Bake

Visiting family is always a bittersweet experience for me. Spending time with those I love most is truly amazing, but I often feel a pang of sadness once it’s over. After two wonderful weeks with my parents in Ohio, it’s time to head back home to Minnesota. It’s tough on me, but seeing how hard it is on my kids is even more heartbreaking. They’ve collected a treasure trove of memories over these two weeks—memories that I hope will keep them going until next summer.

If you’re fortunate enough to have family within a short drive (let’s say under two hours), cherish it and spend as much time with them as you can. Those of us who only get to see family a couple of times a year are quite envious!

Now that we’re back home, my kids expect some delicious home-cooked meals. I’m constantly on the lookout for great chicken bake recipes, and this one is a winner! You won’t be disappointed. It’s delicious and even better the next day as leftovers. I usually make two pans at a time because we love this parmesan chicken so much.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Parmesan Chicken Bake is not only easy to prepare but is also a crowd-pleaser. The combination of cheesy goodness with tender chicken and a hint of spice makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s an excellent make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • 9×13 inch casserole dish
  • Oven
  • Instant-read thermometer

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 2 cups prepared marinara sauce
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 (5 ounce) package garlic croutons

Step-by-step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Coat the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic and hot red pepper flakes.
  3. Arrange the chicken breasts in the bottom of the dish, and pour marinara sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle basil over the marinara sauce, and top with half the mozzarella cheese, followed by half the Parmesan cheese.
  4. Sprinkle the croutons on top, then add the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese and croutons are golden brown and the chicken is no longer pink inside, about 35 minutes to an hour, depending on the shape and thickness of your chicken breasts. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chicken breast should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

Tips for Success

For the best results, use high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese instead of pre-packaged parmesan. If you prefer a saucier dish, feel free to add more marinara sauce. Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.

Additional Tips and Variations

  • Consider adding sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Swap out the croutons for panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 477
  • Protein: 40.3g (81% DV)
  • Carbohydrates: 28g (9% DV)
  • Fat: 21.7g (33% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 100.2mg (33% DV)
  • Sodium: 1022.4mg (41% DV)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take longer to cook through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Conclusion

I hope you give this Parmesan Chicken Bake a try! It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. If you do make it, I’d love to hear about your experience and any tweaks you made. Enjoy!

51 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *