→ LET'S MAKE IT! ♥
1. PREHEAT THE OVEN
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. PREPARE THE CHICKEN
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
If some pieces are much thicker than others, gently pound the thicker portions to create a more even thickness.
This helps the chicken cook evenly.
3. MIX THE SEASONINGS
In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Stir until evenly mixed.
4. SEASON THE CHICKEN
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then rub gently to coat.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. ADD THE PARMESAN
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the tops of the chicken breasts.
Press lightly so the cheese adheres to the surface.
6. BAKE UNTIL GOLDEN
Bake uncovered for approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
The chicken is ready when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The Parmesan topping should be lightly golden and fragrant.
7. LET THE CHICKEN REST
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for approximately 5 minutes.
This helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
8. GARNISH AND SERVE
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Enjoy warm with your favorite side dishes!
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✧ LITTLE SECRETS FOR PERFECT ITALIAN CHICKEN
♥ Use evenly sized chicken breasts. This helps every piece finish cooking at the same time.
♥ Don't skip the olive oil. It helps the herbs coat the chicken and promotes a beautiful golden finish.
♥ Freshly grated Parmesan tastes wonderful. It adds a rich, savory flavor and a delicious topping.
♥ Use a meat thermometer. This is the easiest way to avoid dry, overcooked chicken.
♥ Add a little lemon. The fresh citrus flavor balances the garlic and herbs beautifully.
♥ Let the chicken rest. A few minutes before slicing helps preserve its juices.
❀ WHAT TO SERVE WITH IT
✓ Creamy garlic mashed potatoes
✓ Buttered spaghetti or angel hair pasta
✓ Roasted zucchini and bell peppers
✓ Steamed green beans
✓ Garlic bread
✓ A fresh Italian garden salad
✦ DELICIOUS VARIATIONS TO TRY
✓ Cheesy Italian Chicken: Add shredded mozzarella during the last 5 minutes of baking.
✓ Tomato Basil Chicken: Add halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken before baking and garnish with fresh basil.
✓ Creamy Italian Chicken: Serve with a warm garlic Parmesan cream sauce.
✓ Spicy Italian Chicken: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture.
♥ MAKE-AHEAD & STORAGE TIPS
Make Ahead: Season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Refrigerator: Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
Freezer: Freeze cooled cooked chicken for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
Reheating: Cover and warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated thoroughly to 165°F (74°C).
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✦ TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS!
How would you serve this delicious Italian Chicken — with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or roasted vegetables? ♥
Save this simple baked chicken recipe for your next family dinner, and share it with someone who loves easy homemade meals!
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Thank you for spending a little time with us today. ❤️
✍️ Written with care by BASSMA EL-HAZIBI
