Chicken Parmesan—the quintessential comfort food. But who has time for dredging, breading, and frying? This Shake and Bake Chicken Parmesan recipe offers all the cheesy, saucy goodness with significantly less fuss. It's a perfect weeknight meal that's surprisingly quick and easy, yet still tastes incredibly authentic. Let's dive into this simplified yet satisfying version of a beloved classic.
What is Shake and Bake Chicken Parmesan?
Shake and Bake Chicken Parmesan takes the traditional method and streamlines it. Instead of the laborious process of breading chicken cutlets individually, we utilize the convenience of a Shake and Bake coating. This pre-made seasoned coating adheres beautifully to the chicken, resulting in a crispy, flavorful crust that rivals traditional methods. The rest of the process follows the classic Parmesan recipe: layering the baked chicken with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
How to Make Shake and Bake Chicken Parmesan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package Shake and Bake (any flavor, but Original or Italian work best)
- 1 jar (24-26 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra cheesy goodness)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This ensures even cooking.
- Shake and Bake: Follow the package instructions for the Shake and Bake coating. Generously coat each chicken breast. You might need to use a little more than the package suggests for full coverage.
- Bake the chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Layer and bake again: Once the chicken is cooked, spread a generous layer of marinara sauce over each breast. Top with mozzarella cheese and optional Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until melted and bubbly: Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
What kind of Shake and Bake works best?
While any Shake and Bake flavor will work, the Original or Italian varieties provide the best base flavor for Chicken Parmesan. The herbs and spices in these blends complement the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese beautifully. Feel free to experiment with other flavors, but keep in mind they might alter the overall taste profile.
Can I use breadcrumbs instead of Shake and Bake?
Yes, absolutely! If you prefer a more traditional approach or don't have Shake and Bake on hand, you can easily bread the chicken breasts using breadcrumbs. Simply dredge the chicken in flour, then beaten egg, and finally breadcrumbs. This method will give you a slightly different texture and might require a bit more oil for frying or baking.
Is Shake and Bake Chicken Parmesan healthy?
Like most comfort foods, Shake and Bake Chicken Parmesan is not the healthiest option. The Shake and Bake coating contains processed ingredients and sodium. However, you can make it slightly healthier by using lean chicken breasts, reducing the amount of cheese, and using a lower-sodium marinara sauce. Consider adding a side of vegetables to balance the meal.
How long does Shake and Bake Chicken Parmesan last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Variations on Shake and Bake Chicken Parmesan
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use a spicy Shake and Bake coating.
- Veggie: Add sauteed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or peppers to the dish before adding the cheese.
- Creamy: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese to the marinara sauce for a richer, creamier taste.
This Shake and Bake Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of the classic dish with a fraction of the effort. Enjoy!
