Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Baked Chicken Parmesan is a variation of the traditional Chicken Parmesan dish. Instead of frying the chicken, it is baked to achieve a crispy and golden crust, making it lighter and healthier. The chicken is first breaded, then baked until perfectly cooked. It is topped with marinara sauce and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for added richness. This dish is a great option for those who want the deliciousness of Chicken Parmesan without the extra calories from frying. It’s simple to prepare and can easily be served with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

To make Baked Chicken Parmesan, the total time required is about 40 minutes. This includes around 15 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for baking. If you’re looking to save time, you can even prepare the chicken breasts in advance and bake them when you’re ready. Baking the chicken ensures it’s evenly cooked, and the cheese becomes beautifully melted and bubbly on top. The result is a tasty, hassle-free meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavour or texture.

When it comes to making Baked Chicken Parmesan, the recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. The crispy breading and the richness of the marinara sauce blend together perfectly, creating a meal everyone enjoys. The key is ensuring the chicken stays tender inside while the coating crisps up just right. Whether served with spaghetti or a side of vegetables, it’s the ideal dish for those seeking something delicious yet easy to make.

Why You’ll Love It Baked Chicken Parmesan

• Deliciously Crispy Coating: The crispy, golden crust on baked chicken parmesan creates the perfect texture. It’s crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, making each bite a satisfying experience.
• Low-fat Alternative: Baking instead of frying offers a healthier version of this classic dish. You’ll enjoy all the flavour without the extra fat, making it a lighter meal option.
• Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The homemade marinara sauce adds rich, tangy flavour to the chicken. Paired with melted cheese, it’s a mouthwatering combination that brings the whole dish together.

Ingredient Notes for a Baked Chicken Parmesan

• Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are the main protein in this dish. They cook up juicy and tender, making them the perfect base for the crispy, cheesy topping.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is used for coating the chicken before dipping it in egg and breadcrumbs. It helps the coating stick to the chicken, giving it a crunchy texture when baked.
• Eggs, Beaten: Beaten eggs act as a binding agent. They help the breadcrumbs and flour adhere to the chicken breasts, ensuring a crisp outer layer during baking.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs for coating. They create the golden, crunchy crust that makes Chicken Parmesan so delicious. For extra flavor, you can toast the breadcrumbs slightly before coating the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. It’s mixed into the breadcrumb coating and also sprinkled on top of the chicken for that irresistible cheesy finish.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder gives the chicken an extra layer of flavor. It’s a simple way to add depth to the dish without the need for fresh garlic.
• Dried Oregano: This herb adds a warm, earthy flavor. It pairs well with the other Italian herbs in the recipe, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Dried Basil: Like oregano, dried basil brings a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor to the chicken, giving it a more authentic Italian taste.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper bring out the natural flavors in the chicken and the seasoning. Be sure to adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to lightly fry the coated chicken breasts before baking. It helps achieve a crispy golden brown exterior and adds a subtle richness to the dish.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch to Baked Chicken Parmesan

Baked Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that’s loved by many. To make it stand out, use fresh ingredients and seasonings. Choose quality chicken breasts and season them well for a flavourful result. Add a touch of garlic, oregano, and basil to elevate the taste.

To ensure your Baked Chicken Parmesan is crispy, bread the chicken with a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Bake it instead of frying to keep it lighter. The baking process helps the chicken stay juicy while maintaining a golden, crunchy exterior.

You can adjust the sauce to your liking. Homemade marinara sauce gives a fresher taste than store-bought varieties. Don’t forget to add a layer of mozzarella cheese on top before baking. It will melt beautifully and add that creamy, cheesy finish everyone loves.

Baked Chicken Parmesan Variation

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a healthier version, try using whole wheat breadcrumbs or substituting the chicken for turkey or eggplant for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for a unique flavour twist.

For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the breading mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce. If you’re looking to cut down on carbs, try serving the Baked Chicken Parmesan on zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan

Baked Chicken Parmesan is delicious on its own, but there are many ways to serve it:

• Serve it over spaghetti or linguine for a traditional Italian meal.
• Pair it with a side salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich chicken and cheese.
• Add some garlic bread on the side to soak up the extra marinara sauce.
• For a low-carb option, serve with steamed vegetables or roasted cauliflower for a nutritious twist.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Baked Chicken Parmesan stores well and can be enjoyed the next day. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze Baked Chicken Parmesan, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs About Baked Chicken Parmesan

Is Baked Chicken Parmesan healthy?
Baked Chicken Parmesan is healthier than the traditional fried version because it’s baked, reducing the amount of oil used. However, it’s still important to watch your portion sizes as it can be high in calories and sodium.

Can I make Baked Chicken Parmesan gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Baked Chicken Parmesan gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring your marinara sauce is free from gluten. This version is just as delicious and safe for those with dietary restrictions.

Can I freeze Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Yes, you can freeze Baked Chicken Parmesan after baking it. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container for up to three months.

What should I serve with Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Baked Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with pasta, such as spaghetti, or a simple side salad. You can also enjoy it with garlic bread for a complete meal.

Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Baked Chicken Parmesan is a variation of the traditionalChicken Parmesan dish. Instead of frying the chicken, it is baked to achieve acrispy and golden crust, making it lighter and healthier. The chicken is firstbreaded, then baked until perfectly cooked. It is topped with marinara sauceand a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for added richness. Thisdish is a great option for those who want the deliciousness of Chicken Parmesanwithout the extra calories from frying. It's simple to prepare and can easilybe served with pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For theChicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably Italian-style
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for greasing

For the Sauceand Topping:

• 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves optional, for garnish

Equipment

• Baking Dish (9x13-inch)
• Two Shallow Bowls
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Oven
• Cooking Spray

Method

 

1. Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your chicken breasts by trimming the excess fat and, if needed, pounding them to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
2. Set Up the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
4. Prepare for Baking: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
5. Bake the Chicken: Place the dish in the oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown.
6. Add the Sauce and Cheese: Once the chicken is done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Spoon the marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Bake Again: Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves (if desired), and serve immediately. Pair it with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

To achieve the best results, make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated in breadcrumbs before baking. The crispiness of the breadcrumb crust is one of the highlights of this dish. Additionally, if you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs, you can substitute them with plain breadcrumbs, and just add a little extra Italian seasoning for flavor. Don’t rush the baking process—let the chicken bake fully before adding the sauce and cheese to avoid soggy breading.