Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe For Weeknight Meals

Crispy, golden chicken meets Italian-inspired comfort in this mouthwatering easy baked chicken parmesan recipe that promises the best flavor without the hassle.

Every home cook dreams of creating a dish that looks impressive and tastes incredible.

Layers of tender chicken breast get coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and blanketed with rich marinara sauce.

Melted mozzarella adds a luxurious touch that makes this meal irresistible.

The secret lies in the perfect balance of crisp exterior and juicy interior.

No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients stand between you and a delectable dinner.

Serve this crowd-pleasing classic and watch your dinner table come alive with satisfied smiles.

Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Tasty Qualities

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This chicken parmesan transforms dinner prep into a stress-free experience with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps anyone can master.
• Create Crispy Perfection: The baking method delivers a golden, crunchy exterior without deep-frying, making it a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice delicious texture.
• Customize for Everyone: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for other proteins or using gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring it works for different dietary preferences and family needs.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines classic comfort food flavors children love with a protein-packed meal parents can feel good about serving, making mealtime enjoyable for the whole family.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Parmesan

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy cut of meat that serves as the star of this classic Italian-American dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provides a crispy, flavorful exterior that adds crunch and richness to the chicken.
• Egg: Helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken, creating a golden and crisp coating.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and provide basic seasoning.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds a classic Italian tomato-based sauce that complements the chicken.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, stretchy topping that adds creamy texture.

• Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps achieve a crisp exterior.
• Aluminum Foil: Makes cleanup easier and helps distribute heat evenly on the baking sheet.

How to Bake Chicken Parmesan at Home

Helpful Tips for Easy Chicken Parmesan

• Pat chicken dry before breading to help breadcrumbs stick better and create an extra crunchy exterior.
• Use freshly grated mozzarella for smoother melting and more authentic flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Let chicken rest on a wire rack after baking to prevent soggy bottom by allowing excess moisture to drain.
• Replace chicken with thin slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
• Add dried herbs like oregano or basil to breadcrumb mixture for an extra flavor boost that elevates the entire dish.

Creative Takes on Baked Chicken Parmesan

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Keto Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds, using minimal marinara sauce to reduce carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan: Substitute chicken with thick eggplant slices, following the same breading and baking technique.
• Air Fryer Quick Version: Cook chicken in air fryer at 375F for 12-15 minutes, achieving same crispy texture with less oil and faster preparation.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Parmesan

• Pasta Paradise: Serve this crispy chicken over a bed of al dente spaghetti or linguine, letting the marinara sauce drizzle deliciously across the plate.
• Fresh Garden Companion: Pair with a light, crisp green salad topped with cherry tomatoes and an Italian vinaigrette to balance the rich chicken.
• Veggie Side Delight: Roast some colorful vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus alongside the chicken for a complete, nutritious meal that adds vibrant flavor and texture.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Complement the dish with warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the extra marinara sauce and add a delightful crunch.

Storing Baked Chicken Parmesan Fresh

• Store cooled chicken parmesan in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain crispy texture.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 2 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm in oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave, which can make breading soggy. Add fresh cheese on top for extra flavor when reheating.
• Keep breading crisp by storing marinara sauce separately. Add sauce just before serving to maintain the chicken’s crunchy coating.

FAQs

Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crispy golden chicken parmesan brings Italian comfort straight to home kitchens with the best flavor. Melted cheese, herbed breadcrumbs, and rich marinara sauce create a simple yet satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 large chicken breasts, halved
• 1 egg, beaten

Cheese and Coating:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) breadcrumbs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) marinara sauce
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a foil-lined baking sheet with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Create a crispy coating by combining breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge through beaten egg before thoroughly coating with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Place breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring pieces are not touching. Bake for 20 minutes until the exterior turns golden and begins to crisp around the edges.
4. Remove chicken from oven and generously spoon marinara sauce over each piece. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, covering the surface evenly.
5. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling with a light golden color.
6. Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

• Choose panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and a lighter texture that stays crunchy longer.
• Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
• For gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg