Description:
Tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a garlicky Parmesan crust and topped with melted mozzarella. This easy one-pan dish delivers bold Italian flavors with minimal prep — perfect served with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4):
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5–6 oz each)
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
½ cup marinara sauce (optional, for topping)
-
Optional garnish: fresh parsley or basil
👩🍳 Instructions:
-
Preheat oven:
Heat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. -
Season chicken:
Pat chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic. -
Add Parmesan:
Sprinkle Parmesan evenly over chicken, pressing gently to adhere. -
Bake:
Place chicken in baking dish and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). -
Add cheese:
Spoon marinara (if using) over chicken, sprinkle mozzarella, and return to oven for 5 minutes, until melted and bubbly. -
Garnish & serve:
Sprinkle with parsley or basil before serving.
⭐ Recipe Notes:
-
Works great with chicken thighs too — add 5 extra minutes bake time.
-
Marinara is optional but adds classic chicken parm flavor.
-
Fresh garlic gives best aroma and taste.
💡 Tips:
-
Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
-
For crispier topping, broil 1–2 minutes at end.
-
Add sliced tomatoes or spinach under chicken for a veggie boost.
-
Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for lower carbs.
🥗 WW (Weight Watchers) Points (Per Serving):
-
WW Blue/Green: ~5–6 points
-
WW Purple: ~4–5 points
👉 Lower Points Tip: Use reduced-fat mozzarella and less Parmesan — drops to 3–4 points per serving.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
-
Over spaghetti or penne
-
With roasted vegetables
-
In a sandwich or wrap