If you are craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s both wholesome and irresistibly cheesy, then the Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan with Broccoli Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines crispy, golden-baked chicken breasts coated in a savory Parmesan and breadcrumb crust with tender, roasted broccoli and bubbly mozzarella cheese on top. It’s an easy, weeknight-friendly recipe that delivers classic Italian-American flavors in a healthy, satisfying way. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dinners for busy evenings and family meals alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan with Broccoli Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the crunchy Panko breadcrumbs adding texture to the fresh basil brightening the entire dish. Don’t worry, these pantry staples and fresh ingredients make for a meal that’s uncomplicated yet full of flavor.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the perfect binder to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs: Gives a light, crispy texture that is essential for that perfect golden crust.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors throughout the dish with just the right seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Introduces a subtle hint of spice and depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses every bite with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, juicy and tender inside with a crispy crust outside.
- 10 ounces frozen broccoli (1 bag): A healthy, vibrant green veggie baked right alongside the chicken for convenience and color.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Provides a rich, tangy base that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly over the chicken, lending creamy, cheesy goodness.
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil: Adds a fresh and fragrant finishing touch that brightens up every bite.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan with Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it warms, coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray to ensure the chicken and broccoli don’t stick during baking. Setting up your workspace like this speeds up the process and keeps things neat.
Step 2: Mix the Egg
In a shallow bowl, whisk one large egg until it is fully blended. This simple step is critical because the egg acts as the glue that helps the breadcrumb mixture cling to the chicken, creating that addictive crust.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another shallow bowl, mix together Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. The combination delivers a flavorful coating that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast first into the egg, making sure both sides are well coated, then shake off any excess. Next, press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, covering both sides well. This double coating ensures a sturdy crust that stays crunchy even after baking.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Give them a light spray of olive oil or baking spray to promote browning. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until the edges start to turn golden and the chicken begins cooking through.
Step 6: Add the Broccoli and Continue Baking
Remove the pan from the oven and scatter the frozen broccoli around the chicken breasts, breaking apart any clumps and trying to keep everything in a single layer if possible. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes. During this time, the broccoli will begin to thaw and roast alongside the chicken.
Step 7: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Finish Baking
Take the pan out again, spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Pop it back into the oven for 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese melts completely. Optionally, switch your oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes to get that mouthwatering bubbly, golden cheese and crispy broccoli. Just keep a watchful eye to avoid burning.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over everything. The fresh herb adds amazing aroma and color, making the dish look as good as it tastes. Now it’s ready to dive in!
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan with Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
Try garnishing this dish with freshly grated Parmesan or an extra drizzle of good-quality olive oil to enhance the richness. A few lemon wedges on the side can also brighten the flavors, adding a subtle citrusy zing that contrasts beautifully with the cheesy chicken.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple side like garlic bread or a light pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs. If you want to keep things lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich main course perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each chicken breast on a colorful plate with broccoli fanned elegantly to the side, then drizzle with any leftover marinara sauce for a polished finish. For a family-style meal, arrange the chicken and broccoli on a large platter garnished with extra basil leaves and Parmesan for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days without losing much of its flavor or texture. The broccoli may soften, but the chicken crust remains delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze portions for up to 2 months by wrapping each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap then placing them in a freezer-safe bag along with the broccoli. Freeze sauce separately for best results. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken and broccoli on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may turn the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli can be used and will give a nice crispness when roasted. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pan when you add the frozen broccoli in the recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the Panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and ensure your marinara sauce contains no gluten ingredients.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
You can bread the chicken and keep it covered in the fridge for up to a day before baking. This makes it easy to speed up dinner prep when you’re ready to cook.
What’s the best way to get crispy chicken without frying?
Baking with Panko breadcrumbs and a light spray of oil creates a wonderful crunch. Also, broiling briefly at the end crisps up the cheese and coating even more without any frying.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and approachable, perfect for all palates. If you enjoy heat, feel free to add crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara.
Final Thoughts
Give this Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan with Broccoli Recipe a try and you’ll discover a flavorful, simple meal that’s full of comforting textures and colors. It’s a great way to bring a classic favorite to your table with less fuss and more wholesome goodness. Trust me, this recipe will win over your entire family and leave everyone looking forward to dinner night!
Print
Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan with Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a crispy, flavorful twist on the classic Italian favorite. Tender chicken breasts are coated with a Parmesan and Panko breadcrumb crust, baked to perfection alongside nutritious frozen broccoli, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously comforting meal. Garnished with fresh basil, this simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Vegetables and Toppings:
- 10 ounces frozen broccoli (1 bag)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick during baking. Set aside.
- Whisk the Egg: In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg until it’s well blended, which will act as the adhesive for the breadcrumb coating.
- Mix the Breadcrumbs: In a separate shallow bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder to make a flavorful breading mixture.
- Coat the Chicken in Egg: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Shake off any excess egg to prevent sogginess.
- Coat the Chicken in Breadcrumbs: Next, dip the egg-coated chicken breasts into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating on both sides. Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process for all four pieces.
- Initial Bake: Lightly spray the coated chicken breasts with olive oil or baking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to start cooking the chicken and crisping the coating.
- Add Broccoli and Continue Baking: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Add the frozen broccoli evenly around the chicken breasts, breaking apart any clumps and spreading as flatly as possible over the sheet, even if some pieces overlap. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Take the baking sheet out again and spread marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return the tray to the oven and bake for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts fully. For a bubbly, slightly crisp finish, switch the oven to broil for about 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning the cheese or vegetables.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken and broccoli, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crispy texture.
- Frozen broccoli can be swapped for fresh if preferred; adjust baking times accordingly.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for a bubbly cheese finish.
- Make sure to watch the broiler closely to prevent burning.
- For a low-sodium version, reduce or omit salt and choose low-sodium marinara sauce.
