Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

If you’re tired of making the same chicken breast recipes over and over again and are looking to make something flavorful and delicious then you are going to love this Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe. It’s a healthier twist on the traditional Italian dish, which usually involves deep-fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

However, instead of cooking the chicken in oil, the chicken goes into the oven to cook and crisp up. By baking the meat instead of frying, you can get a similar golden, crispy exterior without all the extra fat and calories.

Plus, it is easy to make right in your own kitchen. Not to mention, the clean up is a breeze!

How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan

The first step in making chicken parmesan is to pick out the type of chicken that you want to use. Traditionally, this dish includes boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

However, be sure that the chicken is cut into thin fillets so that they cook in the time provided. If you only have large chicken breasts, don’t worry!

Just like when making Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, you can cut the two thicker chicken breasts in half to make 4 thinner pieces. Then they will be the ideal size to use in this recipe.

List of Ingredients That You’ll Need

• 2 large chicken breasts (or 4 thin chicken breasts)
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs – Panko gives a lighter, crunchier breading than regular breadcrumbs, which makes a big difference when baking.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese – fresh grated is always best.
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano – These seasonings add the essential Italian flavor.
• 1 large egg – Acts as a binder for the breading.
• 1 cup marinara sauce – Use your favorite or a homemade sauce for extra flavor.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts perfectly on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Baked Chicken Parmesan

1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, a silicone baking mat or spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create four thin cutlets if needed. Then use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness so that they cook evenly.

3. Set Up a Dredging Station

In one shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In another shallow bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.

4. Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Then press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, coating each side evenly. Lightly pat the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them stick to the surface.

5. Bake the Chicken

Place the breaded chicken on your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown on one side.

Then carefully flip each baked chicken parmesan cutlet over and add a few tablespoons of marinara sauce on top, along with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.

6. Finish Baking

Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the sauce is bubbly. Be sure that the internal temperature of the thickest section reaches 165°F before removing the pan from the oven.

Serve immediately over pasta, spaghetti squash, or with a bed of fresh greens for a lighter option!

Helpful Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Parmesan

• Get an Even Coating: Pat the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly to make sure they stick well. This will help create a nice, even crust.
• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Shredding your own mozzarella ensures it melts beautifully. To help it grate better, put the fresh mozzarella cheese in the freezer for 30 minutes so it has a chance to firm up.
• Check for Doneness: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to check for doneness. Chicken needs to reach 165°F for safe consumption. However, over baking can dry out the chicken, so keep a close eye on the temperature once you add the sauce and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Chicken Parmesan is incredibly versatile when it comes to how to serve it. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this delicious meal:

1. Classic Pasta Pairing: Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta, tossed lightly in extra marinara or olive oil. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for color.
2. Low-Carb Options: For a lighter meal, try serving it over spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, or a bed of wilted spinach.
3. Breaded Chicken Sandwiches: Serve your Baked Chicken Parmesan on toasted ciabatta or in a hoagie rolls with with a layer of marinara and fresh basil. It’s a fun twist that turns it into an Italian-style sandwich.
4. Over Fresh Greens: Turn this dish into a salad by placing the baked cutlets over a bed of arugula or mixed greens with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Leftover Tips and Storing

If you end up with leftovers it is easy to store and reheat so that you can enjoy a second meal with very minimal effort.

1. Refrigerate: Place any leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain its crispy texture.
2. Freeze: You can also freeze the chicken (without the marinara and cheese topping). Just let the cutlets cool, then wrap each piece individually in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
3. Reheating Tips: For best results, reheat frozen chicken in the oven directly from the freezer at 375°F until warmed through, then add the marinara and cheese during the last few minutes of reheating.

Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 chicken breasts, large, or 4 thin chicken breasts
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
• 1 egg, large
• 1 cup marinara sauce, or pasta sauce
• 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 thin breasts and pound to even thickness if needed.

In a shallow bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder & oregano. Set aside.

In another small bowl, whisk the egg.

Dip each chicken fillet into the egg mixture and then into the bread crumb mixture, coating both sides well. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Then place the baking sheet in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the sheet from the oven and then carefully flip each breast onto the other side and top with 3-4 tablespoons of marinara sauce.

While the chicken is still out of the oven, top each chicken breast with 1/4 cup of Mozzarella cheese. Return to the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.

The Baked Chicken Parmesan is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F when tested with an instant read digital thermometer.

This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe is a healthier, easier twist on a favorite Italian classic. Whether you enjoy it on pasta, as a sandwich, or with a salad, the baked method keeps it light without sacrificing any flavor.

Enjoy! Mary

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