Description

Craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s packed with flavor? The Best Parmesan Chicken Bake combines tender chicken breasts with zesty marinara, fresh basil, melty mozzarella, and crunchy garlic croutons for a delicious one-dish meal

Ingredients

Scale

The Best Parmesan Chicken Bake uses pantry-friendly ingredients for a flavorful, comforting result. Here’s what you’ll need for 6 servings:

2 tablespoons olive oil: Coats the dish and adds richness.
2 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped: Infuses savory, aromatic flavor.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle spicy kick (adjust to taste).
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves: Tender, lean protein base.
2 cups prepared marinara sauce: Provides a zesty, tomatoey coating.
¼ cup chopped fresh basil: Adds fresh, herbaceous brightness.
1 (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Delivers melty, cheesy goodness.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided: Contributes nutty, savory depth.
1 (5-ounce) package garlic croutons: Adds crunchy texture and flavor.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender, they absorb the marinara and cheese flavors.
Marinara and Basil: Create a vibrant, pizza-like sauce base.
Mozzarella and Parmesan: Provide gooey and nutty cheese layers.
Garlic Croutons: Add a crunchy, garlicky topping that complements the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

Olive Oil: Swap with avocado oil or melted butter.
Garlic: Replace with ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Omit for no heat or increase to ½ teaspoon for spicier flavor.
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless chicken thighs (increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes) or tofu for vegetarian.
Marinara Sauce: Substitute with homemade tomato sauce, arrabbiata, or pizza sauce.
Fresh Basil: Use 1 tablespoon dried basil or substitute with fresh parsley or oregano.
Mozzarella Cheese: Swap with provolone, cheddar, or a vegan cheese blend.
Parmesan Cheese: Replace with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for vegan.
Garlic Croutons: Use plain croutons, crushed garlic bread, or gluten-free croutons.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free croutons and confirm marinara is gluten-free.
Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or a sliced jalapeño with the marinara.
- Pesto Parmesan Chicken: Mix 2 tablespoons pesto into the marinara.
- Veggie Parmesan Chicken: Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms or spinach over the chicken before sauce.
- Creamy Parmesan Chicken: Mix ¼ cup cream cheese into the marinara for richness.
- Italian Herb Chicken: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning over the chicken before baking.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 6 chicken breast halves, 2 cups marinara sauce, ¼ cup fresh basil, 1 (8-ounce) package mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, 1 (5-ounce) package garlic croutons.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Crush and finely chop garlic; chop fresh basil.

Tip: Use thin chicken breasts (½-inch thick) for faster cooking; pound thicker breasts to even thickness.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Coat the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Sprinkle with 2 cloves crushed and chopped garlic and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.

Tip: Spread oil evenly with a brush or spoon; distribute garlic and flakes for balanced flavor.

Step 3: Assemble Chicken and Sauce

Arrange 6 chicken breast halves in a single layer in the prepared dish.
Pour 2 cups marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped fresh basil over the marinara.

Tip: Ensure chicken is evenly spaced; pour sauce to cover without drowning the chicken.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Croutons

Sprinkle half of the 8-ounce package of shredded mozzarella (about 1 cup) over the basil.
Sprinkle half of the ½ cup grated Parmesan (about ¼ cup) over the mozzarella.
Spread 1 (5-ounce) package garlic croutons evenly over the cheese.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Tip: Layer cheese evenly for gooey texture; distribute croutons to avoid clumping.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven until cheese and croutons are golden brown and chicken is no longer pink inside, about 35-60 minutes, depending on chicken thickness. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a breast should read at least 160°F (70°C).

Tip: Check temperature at 35 minutes for thin breasts; cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly.

Step 6: Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve hot, about 1 chicken breast per serving, with sauce and toppings.

Tip: Scoop with a spatula to keep layers intact; serve directly from the dish for a cozy presentation.