As the crisp fall breeze rolls in and golden leaves scatter across the yard, our kitchens become the heart of the home. It’s the season of warmth, comfort, and gathering around the dinner table for hearty, satisfying meals. And few dishes capture that feeling better than Baked Chicken Parmesan—a golden, cheesy, oven-baked classic that brings both flavor and nostalgia.
This dish has been a long-time reader favorite, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a lighter twist on the traditional fried version, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals. With a crispy breadcrumb coating, melted mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce bubbling over each perfectly baked chicken breast, this version of Baked Chicken Parmesan strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and wholesomeness.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner just learning your way around the kitchen, this comforting fall dish is sure to become part of your regular rotation.
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Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Golden, cheesy, and oven-baked to perfection, Baked Chicken Parmesan is the cozy, lighter twist on a classic comfort dish. With crisp breadcrumb coating, melty mozzarella, and bubbling marinara, it’s an easy, satisfying recipe perfect for weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 4 cutlets)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Set up three shallow bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Place chicken on baking sheet and spray or drizzle tops with olive oil. Bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Spoon marinara over each cutlet, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm with pasta, veggies, or salad.
Notes
Use thin cutlets for even cooking. Toast breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Light oil spray helps crisp the coating without frying. Let chicken rest a few minutes before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple pantry and fridge staples to get started:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut horizontally into 4 thinner cutlets)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
For Baking & Topping:
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for a fail-proof, oven-baked version of this classic Italian-American dish.
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Set Up a Breading Station
- In one shallow bowl: mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In another: beat the eggs.
- In a third: place the flour.
3. Bread the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture.
- Coat well with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.
4. Bake the Chicken
- Place the breaded chicken on your prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or drizzle the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
5. Add Sauce and Cheese
- Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan.
- Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Top with freshly chopped basil or parsley.
- Serve warm with spaghetti, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Use thin cutlets: Cutting your chicken breasts in half ensures even cooking and a better crust-to-chicken ratio.
- Crispy coating hack: For an ultra-crispy finish, toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet with a bit of olive oil before breading.
- Don’t skip the oil spray: A light mist of oil helps the breading turn beautifully golden in the oven without frying.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken sit for 2–3 minutes out of the oven so the cheese and sauce settle perfectly.
Tasty Variations to Try
Want to mix things up or adapt this recipe to suit dietary needs? Here are some easy twists:
Gluten-Free Version
- Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose.
Low-Carb Option
- Skip the breadcrumbs and coat the chicken with a mix of almond flour and Parmesan cheese for a keto-friendly version.
Add a Streusel-Inspired Twist
- For something fun and fall-themed, try mixing chopped toasted walnuts with Parmesan and breadcrumbs for a crunchy, nutty topping that echoes the cozy texture of a savory streusel.
Make It Spicy
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara or a dash of cayenne to your breadcrumb mix for a gentle kick.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This Baked Chicken Parmesan also makes delicious leftovers!
To Store:
- Place cooled chicken in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.
To Freeze:
- Freeze unbaked, breaded chicken cutlets on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- When ready to use, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 30–35 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe such a staple? It’s cozy, classic, and adaptable. You can whip it up on a weeknight or serve it as the centerpiece of a fall family dinner. It’s also beginner-friendly and comes together with common ingredients you likely have on hand.
No matter how you serve it, this dish delivers all the comforting, cheesy, saucy goodness you crave—without any frying or fuss.