Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake: Your New Weeknight Hero

When life gets busy, this 20-minute chicken parmesan bake becomes your secret weapon in the kitchen. Forget complicated breading stations and messy frying—this one-skillet wonder delivers all the classic flavors of chicken parmesan with half the effort. With a golden cheese topping and perfectly baked chicken breasts, this recipe will become your go-to comfort food solution.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.

Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (they don’t need to be fully cooked through).

Step 4: Arrange chicken in the prepared baking dish. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.

Step 5: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, followed by parmesan cheese.

Step 6: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese.

Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Preparation: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking. This ensures every bite is perfectly tender.

Cheese Selection: Use a combination of low-moisture mozzarella for perfect melting and quality parmesan for authentic flavor.

Sauce Matters: Choose a high-quality marinara sauce with simple ingredients for the best results. You can make your own or use a trusted brand.

Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken first adds incredible flavor and texture that baking alone can’t achieve.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

What sides go well with chicken parmesan?
Serve with pasta, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless thighs work well—just adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Quick & Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake: Your New Weeknight Hero

This 20-minute chicken parmesan bake simplifies the classic comfort food by skipping complicated breading and frying. With golden cheese topping and perfectly baked chicken breasts, it’s an easy weeknight meal that delivers all the traditional flavors with half the effort.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (they don’t need to be fully cooked through).
4. Arrange chicken in the prepared baking dish. Spread marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, followed by parmesan cheese.
6. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking. Use combination of low-moisture mozzarella for melting and quality parmesan for flavor. Don’t skip searing the chicken first for better texture and flavor.