Friday, March 16, 2012

The Best Parmesan Chicken Bake


  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped
  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
  • 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 2 cups prepared marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 5 oz. garlic croutons
  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Coat the bottom of a 9x13" casserole dish with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic and red hot pepper flakes.
  3. Arrange the chicken breasts in bottom of the dish, and pour marinara sauce over chicken.  Sprinkle basil over marinara sauce, and top with half the mozzarella cheese, followed by half the Parmesan cheese.  Sprinkle on the croutons, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese.
  4. Bake in preheated oven until cheese and croutons are golden brown and the chicken is no longer pink inside, about 35 minutes to an hour, depending on the shape and thickness of your chicken breasts.  
  5. I serve this on a bed of noodles.