This Baked Chicken Parmesan delivers all the flavor and crispiness you expect from traditional chicken parm, but it’s baked instead of fried, making it lighter and easier to prepare. It’s a family-friendly favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, yet special enough for guests. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pasta, salad, or veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
boneless, skinless chicken breasts salt black pepper eggs breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style) grated Parmesan cheese garlic powder dried Italian seasoning olive oil or cooking spray marinara sauce shredded mozzarella cheese fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, then season with salt and pepper.
In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat well.
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle the tops with olive oil.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and top with mozzarella cheese.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Substitute chicken with thinly sliced eggplant for a vegetarian option.
Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Use provolone or a cheese blend instead of mozzarella.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the coating crispy. You can also reheat in an air fryer for best texture.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Add sauce and cheese just before the final bake.
How do I keep the breading crispy?
Bake on a wire rack if possible to allow air circulation. Also, avoid adding the sauce until the final minutes of baking.
What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. Pound them evenly to ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Yes. Bake and cool the chicken without sauce, then freeze. When ready, reheat and add sauce and cheese before finishing in the oven.
Is this recipe healthier than traditional Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, because it’s baked instead of fried, using less oil and fewer calories.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with spaghetti, garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Can I use store-bought marinara?
Absolutely. Choose a high-quality brand or use homemade if you prefer.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work too, though they may need slightly more time to cook.
What kind of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or a mozzarella-Parmesan blend also work beautifully.
Conclusion
Baked Chicken Parmesan is a delicious, healthier alternative to the traditional fried version, offering crispy, cheesy goodness without the extra oil. It’s an easy-to-make comfort dish that brings big flavor to the table with minimal effort. Whether served with pasta or on its own, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll come back to again and again.
Baked Chicken Parmesan is a healthier twist on the classic Italian-American dish, featuring crispy oven-baked chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 large eggs
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Olive oil or cooking spray
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, then season with salt and pepper.
In one bowl, whisk the eggs. In another, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat well.
Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle the tops with olive oil.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and top with mozzarella cheese.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.Substitute chicken with thinly sliced eggplant for a vegetarian option.Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.Use provolone or a cheese blend instead of mozzarella.For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
