Get ready for a cozy Italian-inspired dinner with this Baked Chicken Parmesan! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with gooey melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s so easy to make at home.
What is Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Baked chicken parmesan is a lighter take on the traditional Italian-American classic, often called “chicken parm.” Instead of frying, this recipe calls for baking the breaded chicken, giving it that crunchy coating without all the extra oil. It’s a great way to enjoy the hearty flavors of a classic chicken parmesan but with a simpler and slightly healthier approach.
With layers of flavor and texture, this dish has it all: tender chicken breast, a seasoned breadcrumb coating, rich marinara, and creamy mozzarella. As the cheese melts and bubbles over the sauce, it creates an irresistible combination. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish right from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You Need
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Slicing these in half gives you thinner pieces that cook faster and absorb more flavor.
- Panko Bread Crumbs – We love the extra crunch that panko brings; it creates a lighter, crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty richness to the coating and pairs perfectly with the mozzarella.
- Dried Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds a warm, savory flavor to the breading mix.
- Paprika – This adds a subtle smoky taste and a lovely golden color to the chicken as it bakes.
- Egg – Helps the breading stick to the chicken for a perfectly coated and crispy result.
- Fresh Mozzarella Slices – We like fresh mozzarella for its creaminess and how beautifully it melts over the sauce.
- Marinara Sauce – A classic tomato sauce that brings a tangy, savory element to the dish.
- Olive Oil – A light drizzle on top helps the chicken turn crispy and golden in the oven.
- Cooking Spray – Keeps the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Prep the Breading. Add the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and paprika to a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Bread the Chicken. Place the whisked egg in a shallow dish. Coat each chicken piece in the egg, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated on all sides. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake. Pour a small amount of olive oil over the top of each piece to encourage a golden crust. Pop the tray in the preheated oven and let the chicken bake until it’s crispy and cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Cheese. Carefully take the chicken out of the oven. Top each piece with marinara, then place slices of mozzarella on top.
- Melt the Cheese. Place the chicken back in the oven just until the cheese is melted and bubbles – it should only take a few minutes.
Variations
- Heat – Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper powder to the breading for a hint of heat.
- Cheese – Try using provolone or fontina for a different cheesy twist.
- Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Marinara Alternatives – Swap marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce for a richer version.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free panko crumbs and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Veggies – Include some roasted bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Air Fry Option – For an even crispier crust, try cooking the breaded chicken in an air fryer.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! But the breading might lose a bit of its crunch if stored. You can reheat it in the oven or air fryer to crisp it back up.
For short-term storage, refrigerate the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To freeze, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container and keep it frozen for up to 2 months.
Common Questions about Baked Chicken Parmesan
If you handle the chicken breasts too much once they are breaded, the breading may come off. Too much moisture can also interfere with the breading sticking to the chicken — be sure to pat the chicken dry before breading it.
Chicken parmesan is not a dish from Italy, but instead is an Italian-inspired dish that’s found in many Italian restaurants in the United States.
There are lots of alternatives to bread crumbs for chicken parmesan. Try cornflakes, potato chips, almonds, crackers, or even rolled oats.
Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the breaded chicken before baking, and avoid adding sauce too early to keep the breading nice and crisp.
More Chicken Recipes
If you love this protein as much as we do, check out some of our other recipes that make chicken the star of the show!
Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg whisked
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 8 ounces each, sliced in half lengthwise to make 8 pieces
- Olive oil for drizzling
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 16 ounces fresh mozzarella slices
Instructions
Prep the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.Cooking spray
Prepare the Breading:
- In a bowl, mix together the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and paprika.1 cup panko bread crumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika
Bread the Chicken:
- In a shallow bowl add the the whisked egg, and add the chicken and mix until all the chicken is coated in the egg. Dip each chicken in the bread crumb mixture coating each side. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 egg
Bake the Chicken:
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over each chicken piece. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until golden and crispy.Olive oil
Add Sauce & Cheese:
- Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each piece, and top with 2 slices of mozzarella cheese, or enough to cover most of the top.1 cup marinara sauce, 16 ounces fresh mozzarella slices
Melt the Cheese:
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
