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This Quick Baked Chicken Parmesan features tender chicken breasts coated in crispy seasoned breadcrumbs, topped with marinara sauce and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Baking instead of frying keeps preparation simple while still giving you that classic Chicken Parmesan flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 chicken breasts
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Cooking Method: Oven-Baked
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
For the Topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil or parsley
For Serving
- Spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Additional marinara sauce
- Fresh basil
- Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Chicken
If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally or gently pound them to approximately ½-inch thickness.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Using thinner, evenly sized chicken helps it cook quickly and evenly.
3. Prepare the Breading Station
Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
In a third bowl, combine:
- Italian breadcrumbs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
4. Bread the Chicken
Coat each chicken breast lightly in flour and shake off the excess.
Dip it into the egg mixture.
Press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides completely.
5. Bake Until Crispy
Arrange the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly drizzle or spray the tops with olive oil.
Bake at 425°F for approximately 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the breading is golden and the chicken is nearly cooked through.
6. Add the Sauce and Cheese
Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
Spoon approximately ¼ cup marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
Top generously with shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese.
7. Finish Baking
Return the chicken to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, or until the mozzarella is completely melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For extra browning, you can briefly broil the cheese at the end while watching it closely.
8. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the Chicken Parmesan with fresh basil or parsley and additional Parmesan.
Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and melted.
🍝 What to Serve With Chicken Parmesan
For a classic dinner, serve the chicken over spaghetti tossed with warm marinara sauce.
Other delicious sides include:
- Garlic bread
- Fettuccine
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Green beans
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Zucchini noodles
Tips for Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan
Use thin chicken: Thin chicken cooks quickly and prevents the breadcrumb coating from becoming too dark before the center is done.
Combine regular breadcrumbs and panko: Panko adds extra crunch while Italian breadcrumbs provide seasoning.
Add the sauce near the end: Baking the chicken before adding marinara helps keep the breading crispy.
Don't drown it in sauce: Too much marinara can make the crispy coating soggy. Serve additional sauce on the side or with your pasta.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It provides better flavor and texture.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Store pasta separately when possible.
Reheating
For the best texture, place leftover Chicken Parmesan on a baking sheet and heat at 375°F for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
An air fryer also works well for reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Parmesan without frying it?
Yes. This recipe is baked at a higher oven temperature to help create a crispy breadcrumb coating without deep frying.
What sauce is best for Chicken Parmesan?
A thick marinara or tomato-basil pasta sauce works well. Avoid extremely watery sauces because they can soften the breading.
Can I use chicken tenderloins?
Yes. Chicken tenderloins work, but because they're smaller, they'll cook faster. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I use only mozzarella?
Yes, although Parmesan adds the signature salty, savory flavor associated with Chicken Parmesan.
Can I prepare it ahead?
You can bread the chicken several hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it shortly before serving for the crispiest result.
Nutrition Information
Approximate nutrition per serving, without pasta:
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 53g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1,050mg
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
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