If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and crispy meal, baked chicken parmesan is a perfect choice. It’s a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken breasts, crunchy parmesan crust, savory tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all baked to perfection. Best of all, baking instead of frying makes it a healthier, less messy option without sacrificing any flavor.
Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to making baked chicken parmesan that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, ideally pounded to even thickness for quick, even cooking.
– Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are great for extra crunch, mixed with grated parmesan cheese for flavor.
– Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is best for a crispy, golden crust.
– Eggs: For dipping the chicken to help the breading stick.
– Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: To add savory depth to the breading.
– Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade tomato sauce.
– Mozzarella cheese: Fresh slices melt beautifully on top.
– Olive oil or cooking spray: To help the breading crisp up in the oven.
– Salt and pepper: To season the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner fillets. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. If needed, gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, whisk together eggs. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken fillet first into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well.
4. Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400-425°F (200-220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Place the breaded chicken fillets on the sheet and drizzle or spray a little olive oil on top to help them crisp.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese
Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon a few tablespoons of marinara sauce over each piece. Then top with slices of fresh mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end.
6. Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh basil or oregano leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve your baked chicken parmesan over spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or with a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Parmesan
– Pound the chicken: This ensures even cooking and tender results.
– Use fresh parmesan: It melts better and crisps nicely compared to pre-grated.
– Don’t skip the flip: Turning the chicken halfway helps both sides get crunchy.
– Layer flavors: Season your breadcrumbs well and add fresh herbs for extra aroma.
– Avoid sogginess: Place chicken on top of the sauce rather than drowning it to keep the crust crisp.
Why Choose Baked Over Fried?
Baking chicken parmesan is a healthier alternative to frying. It reduces the amount of oil used, cuts down on calories, and keeps your kitchen cleaner. Plus, with the right technique, you still get that satisfying crunch and melty cheese everyone loves.
Enjoy making this classic baked chicken parmesan recipe that balances crispy, juicy, cheesy, and saucy in every bite. It’s an easy dish that feels special—perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Baked chicken parmesan is a winner every time!