Imagine a dish that combines the crispy, golden perfection of seared chicken with the rich, melty embrace of two incredible cheeses, all wrapped up in a marinara sauce that screams Italian comfort. These Chicken Parmesan Bundles are not just a meal; they're a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure uniform cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side to create a golden brown exterior.
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the marinara sauce, covering each chicken breast completely.
- Dust the top with grated Parmesan cheese, adding an extra layer of flavor and creating a crispy cheese crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or parsley, alongside pasta or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Always pat your chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden sear.
- Pound chicken to an even 1/2 inch thickness to guarantee uniform cooking and tender results.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist.
- For extra flavor, try using a homemade marinara sauce or adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano before baking.
- Choose high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for the most robust flavor and best melting characteristics.
- If you want a crispier top, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 130mg
