Name: Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh basil (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers all the deliciousness of traditional chicken parmesan without the need for frying. Baking keeps it lighter while still achieving a crispy coating. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and pairs perfectly with pasta, salad, or vegetables. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that feels special without requiring much effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts
breadcrumbs
grated parmesan cheese
eggs
garlic powder
Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
olive oil
marinara sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese
fresh basil (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Dip each chicken breast into the eggs, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking dish and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 20 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
Remove from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 45–50 minutes

Variations

Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Swap mozzarella with provolone or a blend of cheeses for different flavors. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through to maintain crispiness, or use a microwave for convenience. This dish can also be frozen; thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs work well and tend to be juicier.

How do I keep the coating crispy?

Bake on a rack or avoid overcrowding the pan for better air circulation.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken ahead and refrigerate before baking.

What sauce works best?

A good-quality marinara sauce enhances the flavor.

Can I fry instead of bake?

Yes, but baking is a lighter option.

How do I know the chicken is cooked through?

It should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

What sides go well with chicken parmesan?

Pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables are great choices.

Can I freeze cooked chicken parmesan?

Yes, store it well and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

It’s best to use raw chicken for proper texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan is a simple, satisfying dish that brings classic flavors to your table with less effort. Crispy, cheesy, and full of rich tomato goodness, it’s a reliable favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan

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A lighter version of the classic Italian dish, featuring crispy baked breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. This easy recipe delivers comforting flavor with less effort and no frying.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Dip each chicken breast into the eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Place coated chicken on the prepared dish and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 20 minutes until nearly cooked through.
Remove from oven and spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
Top with mozzarella cheese.
Return to oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken is fully cooked.
Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 42 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg