If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, then you’ve probably heard of chicken parmigiana, or chicken parm for short. This classic dish consists of breaded chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. While there are many variations of chicken parmigiana, one of the most common methods of cooking it is in the oven.

Cooking chicken parm in the oven is a great option because it allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to cook evenly. The oven also gives the chicken a nice crispy crust, while the cheese becomes gooey and bubbly. Plus, cooking in the oven is hands-off, allowing you to prepare other components of the meal or simply relax while dinner cooks.

So, how long do you cook chicken parm in the oven? Generally, you’ll want to bake it at a temperature of around 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. However, this can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken cutlets and the type of oven you’re using. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Remember, cooking times may vary, so it’s important to keep an eye on your chicken parm as it bakes. You want to make sure the cheese is melted and gooey, and the chicken is cooked through without being dry.

Once your chicken parm is cooked to perfection, feel free to garnish it with some fresh basil or parsley and serve it alongside some pasta or a fresh salad. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving some comfort food, cooking chicken parm in the oven is a delicious and satisfying choice.

Preparation

Before you start cooking chicken parm in the oven, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Here are the steps to prepare the dish:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Take boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch.
  3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a shallow dish, whisk eggs with a splash of milk or water.
  5. In another shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
  6. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
  7. Then, coat the chicken breasts in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
  8. Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
  10. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Now your chicken parm is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with your favorite pasta and marinara sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

To cook chicken parm in the oven, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

Coating the chicken

Coating the chicken is an important step in making chicken Parmesan. The coating is what gives the dish its signature crispy exterior. To coat your chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Start by combining the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. Stir the ingredients together until they are well mixed.

Next, prepare your chicken for coating by dipping each piece into beaten eggs and then pressing it into the bread crumb mixture. Make sure each piece is fully coated on both sides. If you prefer a thicker coating, repeat the process for a double coating.

After coating the chicken, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan and make clean-up easier.

Once you have coated all of the chicken pieces and arranged them on the baking sheet, you are ready to bake them in the oven according to the recipe’s instructions. The coating will turn golden brown and crispy during baking, giving the chicken Parmesan its classic texture.

Baking chicken parm

Chicken parm is a classic Italian-American dish that typically involves breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. Baking chicken parm in the oven is a simple and convenient method that results in a crispy and flavorful dish.

To bake chicken parm in the oven, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare your chicken cutlets by coating them in a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and seasonings such as garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt.

Place the breaded chicken cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a greased baking dish. Make sure to leave some space between the chicken cutlets to allow for even cooking.

Bake the chicken parm in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken cutlets, so it’s always a good idea to check for doneness by cutting into one of the chicken pieces.

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Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the baking sheet from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet. Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese, and return the baking sheet to the oven.

Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the chicken parm for a minute or two at the end of cooking.

Once the chicken parm is fully cooked and the cheese is melted to your liking, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Serve the baked chicken parm with your favorite pasta or a side of garlic bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serving suggestions

Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Classic pasta pairing

Chicken Parmesan is traditionally served with pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine. Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and toss it in a light tomato sauce. Place a piece of Chicken Parmesan on top of the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. The combination of crispy chicken and al dente pasta is sure to please.

Sub sandwich creation

If you’re looking for a handheld option, turn your Chicken Parmesan into a sub sandwich. Slice a crusty Italian bread roll and spread some marinara sauce on both sides. Place a piece of Chicken Parmesan on the bottom half of the roll and top it with mozzarella cheese and additional marinara sauce. Toast the sandwich in the oven or on a pan until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side of fries or a green salad for a deliciously satisfying meal.

These serving suggestions are just a starting point. Feel free to get creative and experiment with other accompaniments to suit your taste. Whether you prefer to keep it traditional or try something new, Chicken Parmesan is a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to impress.

Tips and variations

Here are some tips and variations you can try when cooking chicken parm in the oven:

1. Use different cheeses

While mozzarella is the traditional cheese for chicken parm, you can experiment with different types of cheeses to add variety. Try using cheddar, provolone, or a combination of different cheeses to create a unique flavor profile.

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2. Add spice with pepper flakes

If you like your chicken parm to have a bit of a kick, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the chicken before adding the sauce and cheese. This will add a spicy element to the dish and enhance the overall flavor.

This technique works particularly well if you’re using a milder cheese like mozzarella, as the spice from the pepper flakes balances out the flavors nicely.

3. Cook the chicken in a cast-iron skillet

For a crispy and golden crust, you can try cooking the chicken parm in a preheated cast-iron skillet. This will help sear the chicken and create a delicious crunchy texture on the outside.

Simply preheat the skillet in the oven, add a little oil, and then place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for the recommended time, flipping the chicken halfway through, until it’s cooked through and crispy.

Note: Be careful when handling the hot skillet and use oven mitts to prevent burns.

These are just a few tips and variations to help you customize and enhance your chicken parm dish. Feel free to get creative and try different combinations to find your favorite version!

Questions and answers

How long should I cook chicken parm in the oven?

The cooking time for chicken parm in the oven is usually around 25-30 minutes.

What temperature should I bake chicken parm at?

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before cooking chicken parm.

Can I cook chicken parm for less time in the oven?

While the recommended cooking time is 25-30 minutes, you can cook chicken parm for slightly less time if you prefer a juicier result. Start checking the chicken around the 20-minute mark to prevent overcooking.

Is it possible to overcook chicken parm in the oven?

Yes, it is possible to overcook chicken parm in the oven. Keep a close eye on the chicken while it is baking to prevent it from drying out or becoming tough.

Should I cover chicken parm while baking it in the oven?

It is not necessary to cover chicken parm while baking it in the oven. However, if you notice that the breadcrumbs are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.

How long should I cook chicken parm in the oven?

Cooking chicken parm in the oven usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes.

What temperature should I set my oven to for cooking chicken parm?

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) before cooking chicken parm.