There is nothing quite as comforting as a classic Chicken Parmesan. This beloved Italian-American dish usually involves fried chicken cutlets smothered in sauce and cheese. My version delivers all that delicious, savory flavor you crave with a healthier, simpler twist. This Baked Chicken Parmesan skips the deep-frying for an equally crispy, juicy result right from your oven. It’s a family-friendly meal that feels special enough for Sunday dinner but is quick enough for any busy weeknight. Get ready to add a new favorite to your rotation!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Parmesan
This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe will quickly become a staple in your home for so many reasons. It is truly the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and wholesome goodness that makes everyone at the table happy.
- Classic Italian Flavor: You get all the rich marinara, savory chicken, and melted cheese goodness of the original dish.
- Healthier and Lighter: We bake instead of fry, significantly reducing the oil and fat without sacrificing that satisfying crunch.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything comes together on one baking sheet, which means less time spent washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Weeknight-Friendly Speed: This dish is surprisingly fast to prepare and bake, making it a perfect solution for those busy evenings.
- A Guaranteed Family Hit: It’s a comforting, delicious meal that even the pickiest eaters will love and ask for again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create this fantastic Baked Chicken Parmesan. Quality matters, so choose a marinara sauce you love and freshly grated cheese for the best results.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each), sliced in half lengthwise to make 8 thin cutlets
- ¾ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, melted, or olive oil
- ¾ cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Cooking spray
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise (butterflying them) creates thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. You can also use a meat mallet to pound them to a uniform ½-inch thickness.
- Breadcrumbs: Standard seasoned breadcrumbs work perfectly. For an even crispier texture, try using panko breadcrumbs. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are an excellent one-to-one substitute for a gluten-free chicken parmesan.
- Cheese: While pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, shredding a block of part-skim mozzarella yourself ensures a smoother melt without added starches. You can also use Romano cheese instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
- Butter/Oil: Melted butter adds a rich flavor to the breading, but olive oil is a great heart-healthy alternative.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite high-quality jarred marinara sauce to save time. Look for one with simple ingredients and no added sugar for a healthier option. Of course, homemade sauce is always wonderful if you have some on hand.
Equipment
The beauty of this oven-baked chicken parmesan is that you don’t need any special or fancy equipment. Just a few kitchen basics will do the trick.
- Large Baking Sheet: A standard half-sheet pan provides enough space to cook the chicken without overcrowding.
- Shallow Bowls: You’ll need two shallow bowls or plates for an easy and organized breading station.
- Meat Mallet (Optional): If your chicken breasts are thick, a meat mallet helps to create thin, even cutlets.
How To Make Baked Chicken Parmesan
Let’s walk through how to make the best Baked Chicken Parmesan you’ve ever had! Following these simple steps will yield a perfectly crispy, juicy, and cheesy result every time. This is a wonderfully easy chicken parm recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
- Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 450°F. This high temperature is key to getting a crispy crust. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 8 thinner cutlets. This ensures they cook through quickly and evenly without drying out. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Set Up the Breading Station: You will need two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing them well. In the second bowl, melt your butter (or pour your olive oil).
- Coat the Chicken: Working with one piece at a time, lightly brush both sides of a chicken cutlet with the melted butter. Immediately transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides completely. Shake off any excess.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken for your Baked Chicken Parmesan in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for air to circulate, which helps them get crispy.
- First Bake: Lightly spritz the tops of the breaded chicken with a little more cooking spray. This helps the coating get golden brown and crunchy. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden.
- Add Toppings: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over the center of each piece of chicken. Sprinkle each one evenly with about 1 ½ tablespoons of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Final Bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for another 5 minutes, or just until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Your oven-baked chicken parmesan will be perfect.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if you like, and serve your delicious homemade Baked Chicken Parmesan immediately.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Perfecting your Baked Chicken Parmesan is easy with a few simple tricks. Keep these tips in mind for flawless results.
- Ensure Even Thickness: Pounding the chicken to a uniform ½-inch thickness is the secret to even cooking. This prevents thinner parts from drying out before thicker parts are cooked.
- Get an Extra Crispy Coating: Do not overcrowd the baking sheet! Giving each cutlet space allows hot air to circulate, creating a much crisper crust. For maximum crispiness, place a wire rack on your baking sheet and arrange the chicken on top.
- Prevent Dry Chicken: A meat thermometer is your best friend. According to the USDA, chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check the thickest part of the cutlet.
- Avoid Soggy Breading: To prevent the bottom from getting soggy, make sure you don’t use too much marinara sauce. A small spoonful on top is all you need.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile Baked Chicken Parmesan pairs beautifully with so many side dishes and is great for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your beautiful Baked Chicken Parmesan over a bed of spaghetti or penne pasta tossed with extra marinara sauce. For a lower-carb meal, it’s fantastic with zucchini noodles or a side of roasted broccoli or green beans. It also makes an incredible chicken parm sandwich on a crusty Italian roll!
Storage
Leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan is delicious! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked cutlets (before adding sauce and cheese is best) for up to 3 months. To reheat, place on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Variations
Feel free to get creative! Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Try a different cheese blend, like a provolone and mozzarella mix. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce.
Nutrition Information
This healthy chicken parmesan recipe provides a wonderful balance of protein, carbs, and fats for a satisfying meal. Baking the chicken instead of frying it makes it a lighter choice that still feels indulgent. It is packed with lean protein, making it great for building and maintaining muscle. The information below is an estimate for one serving of Baked Chicken Parmesan.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 248 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9.5 g |
| Protein | 31 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 98.5 mg |
| Sodium | 447 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness and adjust the baking time, as they may cook a bit faster than breasts.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For the crispiest results, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can also toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for a few minutes before breading the chicken.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the seasoned breadcrumbs with your favorite brand of gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What is the best type of marinara sauce to use?
A high-quality store-bought marinara or a simple homemade sauce works best. Choose one with a rich tomato flavor that isn’t overly sweet to complement the savory chicken.
How long does baked chicken parmesan last?
Properly stored in an airtight container, your Baked Chicken Parmesan leftovers will stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for lunches.
A New Weeknight Favorite
This Baked Chicken Parmesan proves you don’t need a lot of time or fuss to create an incredibly satisfying and delicious meal. By swapping frying for baking, you get a healthier dish that’s just as crispy, juicy, and cheesy as the classic version you love. It’s a simple, reliable recipe that brings the whole family to the dinner table with smiles. I know you’ll love the amazing flavor and easy cleanup of this dish. Give it a try this week
The Best Baked Chicken Parmesan – 5 Easy Steps
Equipment
- large baking sheet
- bowl
Ingredients
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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 8 oz each, sliced in half lengthwise to make 8
- 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs such as 4C, you can also use GF crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese
- 2 tbsp butter melted, or olive oil
- 3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese I like Polly-o
- 1 cup marinara sauce or Filetto di Pomodoro
- cooking spray
- basil or parsley optional for garnish
Instructions
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- Preheat oven to 450°F and lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Brush the chicken with melted butter, then dip into the breadcrumb mixture and place on the baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the chicken with more oil and bake in the oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven, spoon 1 tablespoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, and top each with 1 1/2 tbsp of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 5 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.