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Crispy Baked Chicken with Marinara and Mozzarella

crispy baked chicken with marinara - featured image
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A quick and easy baked chicken recipe featuring a crispy breadcrumb coating, topped with tangy marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and comforting dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces each)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (150 grams)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
  • Olive oil spray or a light drizzle of olive oil
  • 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (360 ml)
  • 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch (1.3 cm) using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  3. Set up dredging stations: mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in one bowl; beat eggs in a second bowl; mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese in a third bowl.
  4. Coat each chicken breast first in seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip into egg wash, letting excess drip off, and finally press into breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispness, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb step once more.
  5. Place coated chicken breasts on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. If no wire rack, place directly on a lightly greased baking sheet and plan to flip halfway through baking.
  6. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the coated chicken.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crust is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove chicken from oven and spoon about 3 tablespoons (45 ml) marinara sauce over each piece. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  9. Return to oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Use a wire rack to keep the crust crispy by allowing air circulation. Lightly spray olive oil to encourage browning. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese and eggs with flax or aquafaba. Rest chicken 5 minutes after baking for juiciness. Reheat leftovers in oven to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy baked chicken, marinara, mozzarella, baked chicken recipe, easy dinner, panko breadcrumbs, comfort food

Find it online: https://larameals.com/crispy-baked-chicken-with-marinara-and-mozzarella-easy-recipe-to-perfect-dinner/