Baked Chicken Parmesan is a simple, flavorful chicken dinner ideal for busy weeknights. Crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara and melted mozzarella pairs perfectly with pasta or a side salad. Baking the chicken keeps it lighter than frying while still delivering a juicy interior and a crunchy, golden crust.
If you enjoy variations on this dish, try Chicken Parmesan Casserole, Chicken Alfredo Bake, Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Breast, Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, or Chicken Vesuvio for other easy family meals.
Baked and Breaded Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a timeless comfort dish. Baking the breaded chicken makes for a healthier version without sacrificing crispiness or flavor. The oven does the work: the crust becomes golden and crunchy while the meat inside stays tender and moist. This version keeps things classic and straightforward, using seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan to build a flavorful coating.
For an extra-crispy finish, use panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan and a little Italian seasoning. A light spray of olive oil or an oil mister before baking helps the crust brown evenly. The result is a family-friendly entrée that feels indulgent but is straightforward and fast to prepare.
Easy Chicken Parmesan Served with Pasta
This recipe focuses on classic flavors: a simple breadcrumb-Parmesan coating, a spoonful of marinara, and a blanket of melted mozzarella. It comes together quickly and makes a satisfying main dish. Serve the chicken on a bed of spaghetti coated with extra marinara, alongside roasted vegetables, or with a crisp green salad for a lighter option.
Prep takes about 10 minutes and the chicken bakes in roughly 25–30 minutes, so you can have a fresh, homemade meal on the table in under 45 minutes. It’s also easy to scale the recipe up for guests or halve it for two people.
Looking for more dinner ideas? Try Chicken Alfredo Bake, Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe, Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Easy Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, or Chicken Vesuvio for additional easy and family-friendly meals.
Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe:
Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Author: Vera Z.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
Baked Chicken Parmesan is an easy, family-friendly main dish. Breaded chicken breasts are baked until golden, topped with a spoonful of marinara and shredded mozzarella, and returned to the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and well suited for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (about 1 lb.)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 large egg, slightly beaten
- ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 Tbsp dry Italian seasoning
- 4–5 Tbsp marinara sauce
- 6 Tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil.
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to make 2 thinner cutlets, or pound to even thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Set up three shallow dishes: flour in the first, beaten egg in the second, and a mixture of panko, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in the third.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Transfer the coated cutlets to the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or brush the tops of the breaded chicken with oil to encourage browning. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven, spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara over each piece, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Allow the chicken to rest a couple of minutes before serving. Serve over pasta, with extra marinara on the side, or with a fresh salad.
Tips and Variations
For a crunchier crust, use all panko breadcrumbs or a blend of panko and fine breadcrumbs. Swap the marinara for a fresh tomato sauce or roasted red pepper sauce for a different flavor. Leftovers reheat well in a 350°F oven until warmed through to preserve crispiness.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
- Serving size: 1 piece
- Calories: 323
- Sugar: 2.9 g
- Sodium: 571.1 mg
- Fat: 7.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 24.4 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 136.4 mg
