Baked Chicken Parmesan

If you’re craving a delicious, hearty meal that’s simple to prepare, look no further than this easy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are coated with a crispy, golden crust, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese—perfect for effortless family dinners. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish brings together comfort and convenience with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Convenient: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Mild and cheesy, with a crispy texture kids and adults adore.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients for an easy prep.
• Healthy Twist: Baked instead of fried for a lighter take without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable: Easily adapted to fit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe shines because it uses simple ingredients, each playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From juicy chicken breasts to fresh Parmesan cheese, every element is essential yet easy to find.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Breadcrumbs: Provide the crispy crunch that makes this dish irresistible.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty complexity to the breading and topping.
• Mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey layer that makes each bite comforting.
• Marinara sauce: A tangy, herby tomato sauce that ties everything together.
• Eggs: Help breadcrumbs stick and add moisture to the coating.
• Italian seasoning: Infuses the breading with aromatic herbs like oregano and basil.
• Olive oil: A light drizzle enhances crispness when baking.
• Salt and pepper: Essential basics to season the chicken perfectly.

Variations for Baked Chicken Parmesan

The beauty of this Baked Chicken Parmesan lies in its flexibility. Whether you want to swap ingredients for dietary preferences, spice it up, or create a new flavor profile, this recipe welcomes your creativity with open arms.

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for an allergy-friendly dish.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara.
• Low-carb variation: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
• Herbed cheese boost: Mix in fresh basil or parsley with the mozzarella for added freshness.
• Vegetarian style: Replace chicken with eggplant slices for a classic eggplant Parmesan twist.

How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Begin by pounding the chicken breasts gently to an even thickness—this helps them cook evenly and stay tender throughout.

Step 2: Set up your breading station

In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This two-step dip will give your chicken that signature crispy coating.

Step 3: Coat the chicken

Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press both sides firmly into the breadcrumb mixture for full coverage.

Step 4: Bake the chicken

Place coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes, until the crust is golden and chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Add sauce and cheese

Remove the chicken from the oven, spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece, then top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step 6: Final bake for melting

Return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, creating that irresistible cheesy finish.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Chicken Parmesan

• Use fresh cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded store-bought varieties.
• Don’t skip the olive oil: Lightly drizzling it before baking enhances crispness without frying.
• Measure thickness: Pounding chicken to even thickness avoids overcooking thinner parts.
• Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after baking to lock in juices.
• Use a thermometer: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese add a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor that complements the rich cheesy topping perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your Baked Chicken Parmesan with lightly buttered spaghetti, steamed vegetables, or a crisp Caesar salad to balance the meal and bring texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or nestled inside a warm hoagie bun for a delicious Chicken Parmesan sandwich that’s perfect for casual family lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well; wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain the crispy coating and melt any cheese that has hardened.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay even juicier, though you might need to adjust baking time slightly due to thickness.

Is it necessary to bake the chicken, or can it be fried?

While frying creates a crispier crust, baking makes the dish lighter and easier. This recipe is designed for baking to save time and reduce oil usage.

What type of cheese is best for Baked Chicken Parmesan?

Mozzarella is the classic choice for meltiness, combined with Parmesan for flavor; feel free to blend in provolone or fontina for a richer taste.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking, making it great for planning family dinners in advance.

What’s the best way to ensure the chicken remains moist?

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness and avoiding overbaking are key; letting the chicken rest after baking also helps retain juices beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This easy Baked Chicken Parmesan is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. With its crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and easily. Give it a try tonight and watch your family fall in love with this classic Italian-American favorite made simple!

Related Posts

• Pesto Ramen
• Baked Cod
• Honey-Garlic Glazed Salmon

Print