Baked Chicken Parmesan

By: Maria
Posted: 04/13/2025

This Baked Chicken Parmesan is a healthier version of the classic, offering the same crispy, cheesy goodness without the extra calories from frying. Perfectly breaded and baked, it’s topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, making it a family favorite. Whether served with pasta or on its own, this dish will quickly become a dinner staple!

Pin it Now !

Want to Save This Recipe?

Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Why You’ll Love Baked Chicken Parmesan

This Baked Chicken Parmesan gives you all the rich flavors you love about the traditional dish but with less oil and fat. The chicken breasts are breaded and baked to golden perfection, providing a crispy exterior without the mess of deep frying. Topped with marinara sauce and melty cheese, it’s a satisfying, comforting meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Parmesan

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.
Cheese: Swap out mozzarella for provolone or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
Sauce: If you don’t have marinara sauce, you can use any tomato-based pasta sauce. For a spicier version, try arrabbiata sauce.
Herbs: Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh rosemary for extra flavor.

Pin it Now !

How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Bread the chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs. Dip each Chicken Breast into the egg mixture, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure the coating sticks.
Place on the baking sheet: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to help the breadcrumbs crisp up during baking.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Bake the chicken: Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Add sauce and cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each breast. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish and serve: Once the chicken is done, sprinkle with fresh basil for added flavor and a burst of color. Serve immediately with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Mix-ins and Add-ins for Extra Flavor

Cheese Mix: For a richer flavor, mix in some freshly grated Parmesan into the mozzarella before sprinkling it on the chicken.
Garlic Butter: Drizzle the chicken with a bit of garlic butter right before serving for extra richness and flavor.
Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the marinara sauce for extra veggies and flavor.

Pin it Now !

Recipe Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Parmesan

Pat the chicken dry: Before breading the chicken, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks properly.
Double breading: For an extra-crispy coating, dip the chicken in the egg mixture and breadcrumb mixture twice, then bake.
Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to help it retain moisture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the baked chicken for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes when ready to reheat.
Reheat: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted.

Recipe Variations

Eggplant Parmesan: Replace the chicken with breaded eggplant slices for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Chicken Parmesan Sliders: Make small sandwiches using the chicken breasts, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese on slider buns for a fun twist.
Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving for a spicy kick.

Pin it Now !

Want to Save This Recipe?

Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away! Plus you'll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!

FAQs – Baked Chicken Parmesan

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them fully before breading and baking for the best results.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread and bake the chicken ahead of time. Store the breaded chicken in the fridge, then add the sauce and cheese just before baking or reheating.

Q: How can I make this dish lower in fat?
To make this dish lower in fat, you can skip the breadcrumbs and bread the chicken with a thin coating of olive oil. Additionally, opt for reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Chicken Parmesan is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of a classic chicken parmigiana in a healthier, baked form. With a crispy breadcrumb coating, savory marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella, it’s a meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you serve it with pasta, a salad, or on its own, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare Baked Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the breaded chicken ahead of time. After breading, store the chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese before baking or reheating to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.

What ingredient substitutions can I use in Baked Chicken Parmesan?

You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch. Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can replace mozzarella, and any tomato-based pasta sauce can stand in for marinara.

How do I know when the Baked Chicken Parmesan is perfectly cooked?

The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Visually, it should be golden brown with bubbly, melted cheese on top. The texture should be firm but not dry, and you should notice a savory aroma from the baked herbs and cheese.

How can I scale up the Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe for more servings?

To scale up the recipe, simply double all ingredients. Use multiple baking sheets to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on baking time as larger quantities might require slightly longer cooking times to reach the desired doneness.

What is the nutritional value of Baked Chicken Parmesan?

This dish is a great source of protein from the chicken and contains vitamins A and C from the marinara sauce. The use of baked instead of fried chicken helps reduce calories and fat, while Parmesan cheese offers calcium and flavor without excessive oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the Baked Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare several components ahead of time. You can bread the chicken breasts and store them, uncooked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store the marinara sauce separately. When ready to bake, top the breaded chicken with sauce and cheese as directed. This allows for a quicker assembly on busy weeknights.

What ingredient substitutions can I use in Baked Chicken Parmesan?

For a juicier dish, substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts in a 1:1 ratio. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs, maintaining the same 1 cup measurement. For a different cheese flavor, try provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses instead of mozzarella, using the same 1 1/2 cups. You can also use your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce if you don’t have marinara.

How do I know when the Baked Chicken Parmesan is perfectly cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Visually, the breading should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be fully melted and bubbly. If you cut into the thickest part of a chicken breast, the juices should run clear, not pink.

How can I scale up the Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe for more servings?

To double the recipe, simply double all the ingredients. You may need to use two baking sheets to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking. The baking time might need to be increased slightly by 5-10 minutes, so check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

What is the nutritional value of Baked Chicken Parmesan?

Baked Chicken Parmesan is a good source of protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle building and repair. It also provides calcium from the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, contributing to bone health. The marinara sauce contains lycopene, an antioxidant linked to various health benefits, making this baked version a healthier alternative to fried chicken parmesan.