Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for coating)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (dried oregano, basil, thyme mix)
Sauces and Cheeses
- 1 cup marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for veggies)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better. Season both sides lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to create a flavorful base.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into olive oil to moisten. Then press them evenly into the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, coating all sides thoroughly for a crispy texture after baking.
- Prep the Veggies: Cut zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness and promote caramelization.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts in the center of a baking tray or casserole dish. Arrange the prepped vegetables evenly around the chicken. Spoon marinara sauce generously over the chicken, then top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake everything in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. The vegetables should be tender with a slight char.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to a uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Lightly spray breadcrumbs with olive oil before baking to make the coating extra crispy.
- Add fresh basil or parsley on top after baking to brighten the flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to maintain juiciness.
- Gluten-free variation: use gluten-free panko or crushed nuts instead of breadcrumbs.
- For a low-carb option, omit breadcrumbs and add extra vegetables or serve with a side salad.
- Add red pepper flakes to breadcrumbs or top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Swap mozzarella with provolone or asiago cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Alternate veggies with asparagus, broccoli, or mushrooms depending on seasonality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Baked Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Baked Chicken, Roasted Vegetables, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Italian Chicken