Description
A simple and comforting Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring tender chicken breasts with a crispy breadcrumb coating, topped with rich natural marinara sauce and melted plant-based cheese for a delicious, hearty dinner. Easy to prepare and customizable, this dish brings classic Italian-American flavors with a plant-based cheese twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt (natural), to taste
- Black pepper (natural), to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1 tsp onion powder (natural)
Breading Station
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs or Italian-style breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Sauce & Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (natural)
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Optional
- Smoked turkey bacon, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Chicken: Gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tender results. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder (natural), and onion powder (natural).
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs mixed with dried basil and parsley. This helps achieve the signature crispy crust.
- Bread the Chicken: Lightly coat each chicken breast in flour, dip into the eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly covered for maximum crunch.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove chicken from the oven. Spoon natural marinara sauce generously over each piece, then top with plant-based cheese. Return to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of extra plant-based cheese. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken for more even cooking and juicier results.
- Don’t skip the flour layer; it helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere better for a crispier crust.
- Drizzle olive oil on top before baking to keep the breadcrumb coating golden and crunchy.
- Allow chicken to rest after baking for moist and tender meat.
- Make your own breadcrumbs by toasting and crushing day-old bread for fresher taste and crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: baked chicken parmesan, plant-based cheese, crispy chicken, gluten-free chicken parmesan, easy dinner, Italian-American, baked chicken
