Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan (No Breading)
Try this Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan (No Breading) recipe.
Try this Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan (No Breading) recipe.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- olive oil flavored cooking spray
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup light ranch salad dressing
- 2 1/4 cups shredded parmesan cheese divided (not the stuff in the green jar)
- 1/3 cup finely chopped white onion (mild in flavor)
- 3 tablespoons dried basil divided
- 3 tablespoons dried oregano divided
- 1 1/2 cups 2% mozzarella cheese grated
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 ounce) bottle light italian dressing
- 5 tablespoons minced garlic divided (i used the pre-minced stuff from the jar)
- Carbohydrate 13.9852942461395 g
- Cholesterol 158.48 mg
- Fat 12.7110430530645 g
- Fiber 3.0731556308688 g
- Protein 68.4217350904649 g
- Saturated Fat 6.23427385875154 g
- Serving Size 1 1 6 chicken breasts Units US (346g)
- Sodium 893.570891451692 mg
- Sugar 10.9121386152707 g
- Trans Fat 1.09789769876724 g
- Calories 453 calories
Step-by-step
- The morning or the night before serving, combine Italian dressing, ranch dressing, 3 tablespoons minced garlic and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large zip lock bag. Squish bag around to combine all ingredients. Add chicken breasts to bag, close and squish until they are well coated in the dressing mixture. Put the bag in bowl (to prevent spills) and refrigerate all day or overnight up 24 hours.
- When ready to cook, Preheat oven to 400*F. Then mix 2 cups parmesan cheese, with parsley, 1 1/2 tablespoons of the basil and oregano (each).
- Spray a large baking dish (big enough for all six breasts) with olive oil cooking spray.
- Remove chicken from baggie one by one and "dredge" in the cheese and spice mixture, until thoroughly coated in cheese mixture. Then place chicken in a single layer in the dish.
- When all chicken is coated, place chicken in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes (or until the internal temp is 155*F).
- While chicken bakes, in a large non stick sauce pan, make the sauce.
- Spray sauce pan with olive oil cooking spray (or use 1 tablespoon olive oil but do not use another flavor spray). Then saute onions and remaining garlic until tender and onions are translucent.
- Add tomato paste and tomato sauce to garlic and onions. Stir until smooth. Then add the remaining, oregano and basil and the other spices including the bay leaf. (At this point if sauce looks to thick for your liking add 1 tomato sauce can of water) Allow to simmer for the remainder of the baking time until you need it.
- When chicken has baked 20 minutes, remove from oven and top each breast with sauce (to your liking, we cover the whole thing) then top with 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese (again to your liking) put baking dish back into oven for 10 more minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Then switch your broiler on to brown cheese (optional).
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese.
- Serve it up!
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick, delicious, and family-friendly meals. Let's be honest, after a long day at the office, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of one-pan or minimal-effort recipes, and this Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan fits the bill perfectly. Forget the messy breading – this recipe delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness without the extra fuss.
This recipe is a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights. The prep work can be done ahead of time, making it even easier to throw together a satisfying dinner when time is short. The flavors are rich and satisfying, and it's surprisingly easy to customize to your family's preferences. My kids love it, and even my picky husband always cleans his plate!
Why this recipe works:
- Minimal prep time: The marinade does most of the work for you, infusing the chicken with flavor while you're busy with other things.
- Easy cleanup: Baking in one dish significantly reduces the amount of dishes you have to wash.
- Customizable flavors: You can adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. I often experiment with different types of cheese or add some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
- Healthy alternative: Baking the chicken instead of frying makes this a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of pasta for a complete meal.
- Pair it with a simple green salad for a lighter option.
- Add some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for success:
- Don't skip the marinating step: This step is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken.
- Use good quality cheese: The cheese makes a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
- Don't overcrowd the baking dish: Ensure the chicken breasts are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
This Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan is a true crowd-pleaser. It's a recipe that's become a staple in my household, and I hope it becomes one of your favorites too. Enjoy!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the easiest to work with.
- Italian Dressing and Ranch Dressing: These form the base of the flavorful marinade.
- Garlic: Fresh or pre-minced garlic will do the trick.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides a delicious cheesy coating and adds a salty flavor.
- Parsley, Basil, and Oregano: Herbs that bring a fresh, vibrant flavor to the dish.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Tomato Sauce and Tomato Paste: The foundation of the rich and tangy tomato sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully on top for extra cheesiness.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken and sauce.
- Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle earthy flavor to the sauce.
Making this recipe even better:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add vegetables: Include sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini in the sauce for extra nutrients.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with other Italian herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve over pasta or rice for a satisfying and filling dinner.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan is a recipe that will surely impress. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
