Lazy Chicken Parmesan

This fast and flavorful chicken parmesan bake is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

It combines savory herbs, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella with a crispy breadcrumb topping, all served over a bed of your favorite pasta. This dish is comfort food at its finest—without the fuss!

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Calories: 788

Photo byGLP

Ingredients:

• 12 oz dry pasta, cooked to al dente
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 large chicken breasts, butterflied (or 4 small breasts, about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F. In a small bowl, combine the thyme, rosemary, oregano, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, mix the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes per side, seasoning both sides with the spice mix as they cook.
3. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, spreading it over and around the chicken. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over each chicken breast, then layer on the mozzarella slices.
4. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
5. Serve the chicken over the prepared pasta. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and top with extra parmesan and fresh basil for garnish.

Substitutions:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and pasta for an easy swap.
• Low-carb: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or a side of roasted vegetables to lower the carbs.
• Cheese options: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheesy twist.

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

https://12tomatoes.com/lazy-chicken-parm/