Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a classic Italian-American meal, and this Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan delivers every time. By baking instead of frying, we skip the extra oil and mess without sacrificing that signature crunch. Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is your ticket to a weeknight dinner that feels special. Prepare for perfectly juicy chicken with a golden, crispy coating, topped with rich marinara and melted, bubbly cheese. It’s a flavorful dish your whole family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

This oven-baked chicken parm is a game-changer for busy weeknights and a fantastic alternative to the traditional fried version. It’s a recipe designed to give you all the flavor and satisfaction with less fuss.

• Incredibly Crispy Without Frying. Panko breadcrumbs and a hot oven work together to create a beautifully golden and crunchy crust.
• A Healthier Alternative. Using just a touch of olive oil significantly cuts down on the fat compared to deep-frying, making this a lighter meal.
• Minimal Cleanup. Everything cooks on a single baking sheet, meaning no splattered oil or extra pans to wash.
• Quick and Easy. With simple steps and a fast cooking time, this Baked Chicken Parmesan is perfect for any night of the week.
• Family-Friendly Flavors. The savory combination of seasoned chicken, zesty marinara, and gooey mozzarella is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Parmesan

For this simple yet elegant Baked Chicken Parmesan, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples. Using high-quality ingredients, like freshly grated Parmesan, will elevate the final dish. The combination of panko and seasonings creates a wonderfully textured crust that stays crisp from the oven.

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts (2 large breasts)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 Tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 Tablespoons fresh basil, for garnish

Notes & Substitutions

• Chicken: For perfectly even cooking, slice large breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets. You can also use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
• Breading: Panko breadcrumbs are key for a light, airy crunch. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, they will work, but the texture will be denser.
• Parmesan: Grating your own Parmesan cheese from a block is highly recommended. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
• Marinara: Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce to save time, or use a simple homemade sauce if you prefer.
• Cheese: Feel free to swap the shredded mozzarella for slices of fresh mozzarella for an extra creamy, melty topping.

Equipment

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this fantastic oven-baked chicken parm. A few kitchen basics are all it takes to get this meal on the table.

• Large rimmed baking sheet
• 3 shallow bowls (for the breading station)
• Meat mallet (optional, for tenderizing chicken)
• Instant-read thermometer

How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan

This straightforward process makes preparing Baked Chicken Parmesan a breeze. Setting up an organized breading station is the key to a smooth and mess-free experience. From there, the oven does most of the work, leaving you with a delicious, restaurant-quality meal. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result.

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush a large rimmed baking sheet evenly with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut each large chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four thin cutlets. If your cutlets are uneven, gently pound the thicker parts with a meat mallet to ensure they are about 1/2-inch thick. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
3. Set Up Breading Station: You will need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, beat the two large eggs. In the third bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Mix the panko mixture well.
4. Bread the Chicken: Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the panko mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides.
5. Arrange and Bake: Place the breaded chicken cutlets onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes.
6. Add Toppings: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. You can flip the chicken breasts at this point for extra crispiness on the bottom. Spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Final Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the chicken should be cooked through.
8. Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).
9. Optional Broil: For an extra golden-brown, bubbly cheese topping, switch the oven to broil and cook for 1–2 minutes. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove your Baked Chicken Parmesan from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the crispiest, juiciest Baked Chicken Parmesan with these simple tips.

• Even Thickness is Key: Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and prevents it from drying out before the coating is golden.
• Pat Chicken Dry: Before breading, pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the flour and subsequent layers adhere properly.
• Use Panko: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier crust than traditional breadcrumbs because they absorb less oil. For those looking to make healthier choices, panko breadcrumbs offer distinct advantages over traditional options, including lower calories and fat.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken cutlets space on the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate, which is essential for a crispy finish.
• Check for 165°F: The safest and most accurate way to check for doneness is with an instant-read thermometer. This prevents overcooking and ensures juicy chicken.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Baked Chicken Parmesan can be served in many delicious ways and is just as good the next day. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this crispy chicken parmesan over a bed of spaghetti with extra marinara sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with a fresh Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like broccoli and zucchini. For a casual meal, slice the chicken and serve it in a toasted hoagie roll for a hearty sandwich.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. For the best results when reheating, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through and crispy. An air fryer also works wonders, heating at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Cheese Blend: Use a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a richer flavor.
• Pesto Twist: Swap the marinara sauce for a layer of vibrant basil pesto before adding the cheese.
• Chicken Tenders: Use chicken tenders instead of breasts for a kid-friendly, bite-sized version.

Baked Chicken Parmesan Nutrition

This healthier Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a great balance of protein and flavor without the excess fat of frying. The nutritional information below is an estimate for one serving. Actual values may vary based on the specific ingredients used.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and should be used as a general guide.

Baked Chicken Parmesan Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Baked Chicken Parmesan not crispy?

A soggy crust is often caused by overcrowding the pan or not preheating the oven properly. Ensure the chicken has space and the oven is at 400°F (200°C) before baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this gluten-free. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal for the coating.

Can I freeze Baked Chicken Parmesan?

Absolutely! Let the cooked chicken cool completely, then wrap each piece individually and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The most reliable way to check for doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

This Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe proves that you don’t need a deep fryer to enjoy this beloved Italian-American classic. It’s an easy, healthier, and incredibly delicious meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for any night of the week. With its juicy interior, crunchy golden coating, and savory toppings, it’s a dish that will bring comfort and joy to your dinner table. Give this simple recipe a try and share your experience in the comments below. We can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed it

Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

This recipe creates a delicious and easy crispy baked chicken parmesan, featuring perfectly breaded chicken cutlets topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 12 minutes mins

Cook Time 24 minutes mins

Total Time 36 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large Rimmed Baking Sheet
• 3 Large Shallow Bowls
• Oven/Broiler

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts (2 large breasts)
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1/2 Tablespoon Italian seasoning dried
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
• 2 Tablespoons fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a large rimmed baking sheet by brushing it evenly with 2 Tablespoons of olive oil.
• Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four thin cutlets.
• Set up a breading station using three large shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.

Breading & Baking

• Dip each chicken cutlet into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the bread crumb mixture, pressing firmly to coat.
• Place the breaded chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
• Remove from the oven, top each breast with 1/2 cup marinara sauce and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, then return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Optionally, for additional browning, place the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Serving

• Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, and serve over pasta with extra sauce or as desired.

Notes

Serve this Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan over your favorite pasta with extra marinara sauce, or with a fresh side salad. When using the broiler, keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent it from burning quickly.

Keyword Baked Chicken Parmesan, Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe, Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan