There’s something so comforting about a pan of golden, crispy chicken covered in rich tomato sauce and plenty of melted cheese. This easy Baked Chicken Parmesan is one of those dinners that feels special enough for a weekend but is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight.
The chicken is coated in a flavorful Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, baked until golden and crispy, then topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella and baked again until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Finish it with a little fresh basil and you have a cozy Italian-inspired dinner everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan
This recipe gives you that classic crispy, cheesy Chicken Parmesan flavor without needing to deep-fry the chicken. The outside gets golden and crunchy while the inside stays tender and juicy. The marinara adds a bright tomato flavor, and the melted mozzarella makes every bite wonderfully comforting.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian-style 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
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan
1. Prepare the chicken.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If the chicken breasts are very thick, gently pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
2. Make the crispy coating.
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Prepare the egg mixture.
In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
4. Coat the chicken.
Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are well coated.
5. Bake until golden.
Place the coated chicken in a lightly greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle or lightly brush the tops with olive oil. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is nearly cooked through and the coating is golden.
6. Add the sauce and cheese.
Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
7. Finish baking.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish and serve.
Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the chicken just before serving. Serve warm with pasta, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty garlic bread.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan
- Use chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken for a better crispy coating.
- Choose a thick marinara sauce so the breading does not become too soggy.
- For extra cheesy chicken, add a little freshly grated Parmesan over the mozzarella.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices stay inside.
What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan
This chicken is delicious with spaghetti tossed in a little marinara sauce, but you can also serve it with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, a fresh Caesar salad, or a simple green salad. For a lighter meal, steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini works beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well, although the cooking time may vary depending on their size and thickness. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes. You can bread the chicken several hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it when you are ready, then add the sauce and cheese near the end of cooking.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Avoid adding too much sauce before the final bake. Using a moderate amount of thick marinara and baking the breaded chicken until golden first helps keep the coating crisp.
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Yes. Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until hot.
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
<h2 style="margin-top:0;">Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan</h2>
<p><strong>Prep Time:</strong> 15 minutes<br>
<strong>Cook Time:</strong> 30 minutes<br>
<strong>Total Time:</strong> 45 minutes<br>
<strong>Servings:</strong> 4</p>
<h3>Ingredients</h3>
<ul>
<li>4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts</li>
<li>1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs</li>
<li>1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese</li>
<li>1 teaspoon Italian seasoning</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon garlic powder</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon black pepper</li>
<li>2 large eggs</li>
<li>2 tablespoons milk</li>
<li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li>
<li>2 cups marinara sauce</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese</li>
<li>2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil</li>
</ul>
<h3>Instructions</h3>
<ol>
<li>Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness if needed.</li>
<li>Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.</li>
<li>Whisk eggs and milk together in a separate bowl.</li>
<li>Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.</li>
<li>Place the chicken in a lightly greased baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.</li>
<li>Bake for about 20 minutes, until golden and nearly cooked through.</li>
<li>Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and top with mozzarella.</li>
<li>Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).</li>
<li>Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Notes</h3>
<p>For the crispiest coating, avoid covering the chicken with too much sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella give the best flavor and melt, but pre-shredded cheese can also be used for convenience.</p>
