Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe

If you’re after a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s simple to whip up, then I have to share this Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe with you. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but uses everyday ingredients, so you’ll find yourself turning to it again and again. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how much flavor comes together with so little fuss—and trust me, your family will go crazy for it too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun with this Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe. You’ll find everything works together to create a comforting, cheesy, flavorful dish without needing to hunt down anything fancy.

• Chicken breast: I like to either slice them thin or gently pound them so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Livia’s Seasoning Salt: This blend of salt, pepper, and garlic adds depth without overpowering the chicken.
• Marinara sauce: Choose a good-quality jarred marinara for that fresh tomato flavor; you can even spice it up with some red pepper flakes if you like.
• Italian blend cheese: A mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone creates the perfect melty, flavorful topping.
• Croutons: These add an unexpected crunch on top—make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold up during baking.

Variations

I love that this Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe is super versatile. Over the years, I’ve adapted it to suit different moods, dietary needs, and ingredient availability—feel free to make it your own!

• Extra Cheesy: My family can’t resist adding extra mozzarella or even a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan on top before baking—makes it ooey-gooey perfection.
• Spicy Kick: Try stirring some red pepper flakes into your marinara or sprinkling cayenne over the chicken before baking for a little heat.
• Gluten-Free: Swap croutons for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers—they crisp up beautifully.
• Herb Infused: Fresh basil or oregano leaves sprinkled on top after baking elevate the dish with a pop of freshness.

How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, trim any excess fat from your chicken breasts. I like to either slice mine in half horizontally or use a meat mallet to pound them gently so they cook evenly. Lay the chicken in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish for perfect coverage. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken generously with Livia’s seasoning salt—that garlic, salt, and pepper combo is magic for flavoring.

Step 2: Layer Sauce, Cheese, and Croutons

Pour marinara sauce evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts, making sure each piece gets a nice coating. If you like things saucier, don’t be shy with the sauce. Next, sprinkle the Italian blend cheese evenly over the top—you’ll love the rich, melty blanket it creates. Finally, scatter croutons on top for a delightful crunch when baked.

Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked

Place your dish in the oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. About the halfway point, peek in to check on the croutons—if they’re browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with foil to avoid burning while the chicken finishes cooking. The dish is ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This helps keep it juicy while ensuring it’s safe to eat.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, serve this beauty right away while the cheese is melty and the dish is warm. I like to add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for color and a touch of freshness. Pair with your favorite sides and get ready for some serious compliments!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I always love adding a handful of fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley on top before serving—it brightens up the rich flavors beautifully. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper also amps it up.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic, a crisp Caesar salad, or even roasted veggies. When I want something comforting, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic bread never disappoint.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with a fresh basil sprig—it always feels extra fancy. Another fun idea is layering the ingredients in a clear glass baking dish, so everyone can see all those colorful, delicious layers before digging in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to let the bake cool slightly before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it keeps well for up to 3 days. Reheating is easy and still tasty—just avoid overcooking to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by assembling it but skipping baking, then wrapping tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual—perfect for batch cooking or busy nights!

Reheating

For reheating, I recommend warming the leftovers in the oven at 325°F until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and the cheese melty without losing that wonderful crunch on top.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe has truly earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation because it’s just so darn comforting and straightforward. I love how you can customize it at will, and yet it always turns out comforting and delightful. If you want a warm, flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen but still impresses the whole family, give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!

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