Description
This Spicy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a perfect blend of heat and comfort with crispy coated chicken breasts baked to perfection, topped with marinara sauce and bubbly mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, flavorful dinner option that combines classic Italian-American flavors with a spicy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 4 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (About 6 ounces each)
- 1 cup Seasoned Breadcrumbs (For crispy coating)
- 0.5 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (Adds rich flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (For flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (For flavor)
- 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (For heat)
- 2 large Eggs (Beaten for binding)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For drizzling and searing)
Toppings and Sauce
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce (Your favorite brand)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (For topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken to golden perfection.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Set up Dredging Station: In one bowl, beat the eggs; in another bowl, combine seasoned breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create the coating mixture.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and spice mixture.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the coated chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish, pour marinara sauce evenly over each piece, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for a fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tender texture.
- You can use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- Fresh herbs like basil pair wonderfully with this dish for garnish.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, salad, or steamed vegetables.
