This baked chicken parmesan is golden brown crispy chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese. A lighter take on the classic chicken parmesan that tastes like something you’d get in a restaurant!
I love chicken parmesan but it’s often deep fried at my local Italian restaurants. I make my own baked chicken parmesan that has the same great flavor without all the grease! Serve your chicken parmesan over pasta with a side of roasted broccoli or baked zucchini for a dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Chicken parmesan is a classic dish that’s popular for good reason – how could anyone resist the combination of crispy chicken, marinara sauce and plenty of melted cheese? While I love chicken parm as much as anyone else, it can sometimes be a heavy offering since the chicken is often deep fried. This baked chicken parmesan is a little bit lighter of a take on this dish. It’s just as good as what you’d get at your favorite restaurant!
How do you make chicken parmesan?
This recipe starts with boneless skinless chicken breasts. You’ll want to use thinner chicken breasts, as the really thick ones will take a long time to cook, and your coating to meat ratio will be off. The chicken breasts are dipped in melted butter, then coated in a mixture of Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs and seasonings.
The chicken is coated with a little bit of butter and oil, then baked until golden brown. The finishing touch is a topping of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Put the chicken back in the oven long enough to melt the cheese and you’ll be ready to eat.
Tips for baked chicken parmesan
- It’s best to use chicken breasts that are all approximately the same size so that they’ll bake at the same rate.
- You can add as much or as little sauce as you like to the chicken. I typically spoon a little over the top, then serve it in more sauce as shown in the photos. The sauce does make the coating on the chicken a little softer so if you like ultra crispy chicken, go light on the sauce.
- For an extra special treat try my homemade marinara sauce recipe. Store bought sauce will also work just fine!
- I typically use whole milk mozzarella cheese on top of my chicken, but you could also use a fresh mozzarella cheese or fontina cheese.
- You can garnish your chicken parmesan with chopped parsley or fresh basil, whatever you have on hand.
What to serve with chicken parmesan
I typically serve my baked chicken parmesan over spaghetti, which is the classic preparation. That being said, you can really use any type of pasta you like. I’ve seen chicken parmesan served with penne pasta, orzo pasta or even a side of tortellini! I also like to serve a green vegetable on the side, such as roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli. If you’re looking for a full Italian meal, whip up a batch of garlic knots, Italian salad or Olive Garden minestrone soup to go along with everything else.
Once you try this baked chicken parmesan, you won’t want to go back to the deep fried version ever again!
More great Italian recipes
- Pizza Stuffed Shells
- Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
- Bruschetta Chicken
- Chicken Parmesan Pasta
- Chicken Pesto Pasta
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 4 thin boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1-1 1/4 lbs
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped basil or chopped parsley
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the butter in a medium bowl.
- Place the Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a large shallow bowl and mix well.
- Dip each chicken breast into the melted butter, then into the breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Place each chicken breast on a sheet pan coated with cooking spray.
- Coat the top of each chicken breast with cooking spray and drizzle any remaining butter over the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove the pan from the oven. Place a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce and a slice of cheese on top of each chicken breast.
- Heat the broiler, then put the pan of chicken back in the oven. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until cheese has melted and browned.
- Sprinkle with basil or parsley, then serve.
I am wonder if your Baked Chicken Parmesan dish can be frozen? If so, what is the best way?
You would need to freeze the chicken separate from the sauce and cheese so it doesn’t get soggy! I’d reheat the chicken first until crispy in the oven at 400 degrees F, then add the sauce and cheese.
I am always looking for more chicken recipes, so this is so perfect!! Thank you so much for the recipe 🙂
This is the meal I always gravitate to when I’m craving comfort food, such a great recipe!
I am ready for chicken parmesan any time if you ask me 🙂 This is my type of dinner and any time of the week, too!
Hmmm this recipe looks fantastic! Love that these are a bit lighter than the original!
Your recipe is amazing. Thank you very much for the step-by-step explanations. I went ahead and made it for our lunch today. It is beyond delicious!
I just happen to have all the ingredients in my pantry – cant wait to try it!