When you think of comfort food with a touch of Italian flavor, baked chicken parmesan is a recipe that always comes to mind. It combines tender, juicy chicken with a golden, crispy coating, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. The best part? You can achieve all of this without the mess and oil of frying. This method gives you a perfectly baked dish that is lighter but still full of flavor.
Why We Love This Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
There’s something incredibly rewarding about a dish that feels indulgent but is actually wholesome. With this baked chicken parmesan, you skip the heavy frying process and still get that crunchy texture everyone loves. The seasoned breadcrumb coating locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is tender on the inside and crisp on the outside. The combination of savory parmesan, fragrant herbs, and smooth marinara creates layers of flavor that come together beautifully. It’s a dish that looks impressive, tastes amazing, and is surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknights, yet special enough for weekends, it’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients about Baked Chicken Parmesan
The ingredients for baked chicken parmesan are straightforward, using pantry staples that deliver maximum flavor.
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb.), sliced in half lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or 4 slices fresh mozzarella
How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Directions
Making baked chicken parmesan is easier than you might expect. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lightly greasing a baking sheet with olive oil. This prevents sticking and helps achieve a crisp bottom crust. Take your chicken breasts and slice them horizontally to create four thin fillets. If any pieces are uneven, gently pound them with a meat mallet to ensure they cook evenly.
In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and salt. This mixture is the key to the golden crust, with parmesan adding a savory depth of flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. Dip each chicken fillet first into the egg, coating it completely, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are well covered. Transfer the breaded fillets onto your prepared baking sheet.
Bake the chicken for about 15 minutes, then flip each piece over. At this point, the coating will be lightly golden and starting to crisp. Spoon three to four tablespoons of marinara sauce over each fillet, spreading it gently. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or a slice of fresh mozzarella for that perfect cheesy finish. Return the tray to the oven for another 5–7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, switch your oven to broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
What you’ll have is a tray of perfectly baked chicken parmesan—crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly good.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a classic Italian-inspired meal, serve your baked chicken parmesan over a bed of spaghetti or linguine tossed in olive oil or extra marinara sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. It also makes a fantastic sandwich filling—simply tuck a fillet into a crusty roll with extra sauce and cheese for a hearty chicken parmesan sandwich. However you choose to serve it, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser and looks as good as it tastes.
Expert Tips: Baked Chicken Parmesan
To get the best results, keep these simple tips in mind. Use thin, evenly sized chicken pieces to ensure even cooking. If your chicken breasts are thick, don’t skip the step of slicing and pounding them—it makes a big difference. For maximum crunch, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; give each fillet enough space for air to circulate. Use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-packaged for richer flavor and better melting. Lastly, if you love a deep golden crust, broil at the end, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. These small details elevate the dish from good to exceptional.
How to Store Baked Chicken Parmesan
Leftover baked chicken parmesan stores beautifully. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fillets on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until warmed through; this keeps the coating crisp. You can also freeze baked chicken parmesan without sauce for up to 2 months—wrap each fillet tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until hot.
Variation of Baked Chicken Parmesan
One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility. Swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle heat, or mix in fresh basil and parsley for a herb-forward twist. For a lighter version, skip the cheese topping and serve with a squeeze of lemon for brightness. If you’re cooking for kids, mini chicken parmesan bites using chicken tenders are always a hit. The variations are endless, making this recipe adaptable to different tastes and occasions.
FAQ about Baked Chicken Parmesan
Can I make baked chicken parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
How do I keep the coating crispy?
Bake on a lightly oiled pan and avoid covering the chicken while it cooks. Reheat in the oven, not the microwave, to maintain crunch.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely. Choose a high-quality sauce with simple ingredients for the best flavor.
What side dishes go best with baked chicken parmesan?
Pasta, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a simple salad pair perfectly with this dish.
Is baked chicken parmesan healthier than fried?
Yes, baking significantly reduces the amount of oil used, making it a lighter yet still flavorful option.
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowls:
- Meat Mallet
Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts about 1 lb., sliced in half lengthwise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese finely grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or 4 slices fresh mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create four thin fillets. Pound any uneven pieces for even cooking.
- In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. Dip each chicken fillet into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
- Transfer breaded fillets to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each piece.
- Top each fillet with 3-4 tablespoons of marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted.
- For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!