This Baked Chicken Parmesan is a comfort food classic made lighter without losing the flavor. Each chicken breast is coated in a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust, baked to perfection, then smothered in rich marinara and gooey mozzarella. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels like an Italian restaurant treat without the deep frying!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with olive oil.
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Press each piece into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides evenly.
- Arrange chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, top with shredded mozzarella, and return to oven.
- Bake an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
Variation
- Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix or use spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara.
- Low-Carb Option – Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version.
- Cheesy Twist – Mix shredded provolone or fontina cheese with the mozzarella for a richer cheese pull.
Cooking Notes
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before breading.
- Lightly toasting the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before coating the chicken adds an extra depth of flavor and crunch.
- Don’t skip the final broil for golden, bubbly cheese just watch closely to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over spaghetti or angel hair pasta for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
- Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic green beans for a lighter touch.
- Add a side of garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Tips
- Spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil to ensure the crust crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally without overcooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 780mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great—just adjust cooking time slightly as they may cook faster. -
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep and bread the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake fresh for best texture. -
How do I reheat leftovers without losing the crunch?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to help the breading stay crispy. -
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze the breaded and baked chicken without sauce or cheese. Add sauce and cheese when ready to reheat and serve.
Conclusion
Baked Chicken Parmesan is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience crispy, cheesy, and full of rich Italian flavor without the frying mess. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a simple weeknight meal, this dish delivers that satisfying crunch and melty goodness everyone loves. Ready to make it your new favorite go-to? 🍅🧀
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Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Chicken Parmesan is a comfort food classic made lighter without losing the flavor. Each chicken breast is coated in a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust, baked to perfection, then smothered in rich marinara and gooey mozzarella. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels like an Italian restaurant treat without the deep frying!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with olive oil.
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Press each piece into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides evenly.
- Arrange chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, top with shredded mozzarella, and return to oven.
- Bake an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet before coating the chicken.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for a meltier, creamier texture.
- Swap marinara for spicy arrabbiata sauce for a little kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Baked Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Marinara Bake, Mozzarella Chicken