Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

Baked Chicken Parmesan is a comforting classic that combines crispy breaded chicken with melty mozzarella and tangy marinara sauce. It’s a simpler, lighter take on the traditional fried version, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup marinara sauce (preferably homemade or your favorite jarred variety)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a tablespoon of olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Dip each chicken breast into the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
4. Step 4: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
5. Step 5: Transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot with pasta, salad, or your favorite side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, use panko bread crumbs instead of Italian style.
• Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the breading for additional flavor.
• If you prefer, swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different melt and flavor.
• To boost moisture, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading and cooking.

Storage

Store leftover baked chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to help maintain the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the breading soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and proper breading adhesion. If using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before preparing.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken with sauce and cheese in the baking dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 118 reviews

This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe offers a healthier twist on the classic Italian-American favorite by baking tender, breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese to perfection. It’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners and sure to satisfy any craving for comfort food.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Breading Mixture

• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Coating

• 2 large eggs

Other Ingredients

• 1 cup marinara sauce (preferably homemade or your favorite jarred variety)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken. This heat ensures the chicken cooks evenly, achieving a crispy outside and juicy inside.
2. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the breading stick better. Season both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
3. Make the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, combine Italian bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly to create the egg wash.
4. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to make sure the breading adheres well to the chicken.
5. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in moisture and adds a crispy texture.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, covering the sauce evenly.
7. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm, ideally paired with pasta or a fresh salad.

Notes

• You can substitute Italian bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
• Using fresh mozzarella instead of shredded gives a creamier texture but takes longer to melt.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken on the stovetop in a regular pan, then transfer the chicken to a baking dish before adding sauce and cheese.
• Make sure not to overbake to prevent drying out the chicken.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Keywords: chicken parmesan, baked chicken parmesan, Italian chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken parmesan