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
Scale
- 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