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3. **Top with Cheese**:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, and then sprinkle with shredded cheese and Parmesan cheese. This creates a cheesy, gooey layer that makes it irresistibly good.
4. **Add the Crunch**:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of olive oil to make them crispy. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the cheese to give the dish a crunchy, golden finish.
5. **Bake to Perfection**:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra crunch, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes — just keep an eye on it!
6. **Serve and Enjoy**:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color, and serve with your favorite sides. We love pairing this with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
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### Why My Daughter Loved It (and Why Yours Will Too!)
This recipe checks all the boxes for a **kid-friendly** meal:
* **Cheese**: Cheese is always a win with kids, and the gooey, melted cheese on top of the chicken is like the perfect comfort food.
* **Crispy Texture**: The breadcrumb topping adds just the right crunch, making every bite satisfying.
* **Simple, Familiar Flavors**: The combination of chicken, cheese, and marinara sauce is a familiar, comforting flavor that’s never overwhelming.
* **Healthy Option**: Even though it’s indulgent, it’s still a wholesome meal with lean chicken, a little bit of cheese, and some healthy herbs.
And for us parents, it’s a meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also **quick to clean up** — because who has time for complicated meals with young kids? Plus, it’s an **easy recipe to customize** — if your child loves a specific veggie or wants to swap the chicken for another protein, it’s flexible enough to adapt.
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### The Best Part? It’s Going Into Our Meal Rotation!
After seeing how much my daughter loved this dish, I knew it would quickly become a **staple in our meal rotation**. In fact, I’m already planning to make it again next week — and I have a feeling it’s going to be a regular request!
If you’re looking for a meal that your kids (and even picky eaters) will devour, this is the one. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s guaranteed to make mealtime feel extra special. Plus, it’s quick enough to whip up even on your busiest days.
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### Final Thoughts
Sometimes, the simplest meals are the ones that make the biggest impact. This recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to make a meal that everyone will love. **Chicken, cheese, and a crunchy topping** are all it takes to create a dish that will have your kids asking for seconds (or thirds!).
I’m so happy I made this for my daughter, and I know it will continue to be a favorite for years to come. So, give it a try, and I’m sure your family will adore it just as much as we do!
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**What’s your go-to recipe for family meals? Share it with me in the comments below — I’m always on the lookout for new ideas to try with my family!**
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Would you like any variations or sides that pair well with this dish? Let me know if you’d like more ideas!
