Experience the ultimate comfort food with this exquisite Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe, a delightful twist on a beloved Italian-American classic. This recipe promises perfectly cooked chicken breasts that are lightly breaded and expertly seasoned, then baked to a golden crisp perfection. Say goodbye to the oil and fuss of frying, as our baked version delivers all the irresistible crunch and succulent moisture you crave, but with a significantly healthier profile. It’s an ideal choice for a wholesome family dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, proving that healthier doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture.
This mouthwatering Baked Chicken Parmesan stands out with its incredible texture profile: irresistibly crunchy on the outside, safeguarding a super moist and tender interior. It’s an incredibly easy chicken dinner that will quickly become a family favorite, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick yet delicious meal, and equally suitable for entertaining friends. The preparation is straightforward, relying on simple, wholesome ingredients to bring this iconic dish to life in your kitchen.
If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of delicious chicken recipes, we highly recommend exploring some of our other crowd-pleasing creations. You might enjoy the rich and savory notes of our Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs, a hearty and satisfying dish. Or perhaps you’d prefer the irresistible sweetness and tang of our Easy Sticky Chicken Recipe, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal. Each offers a unique culinary experience sure to delight your taste buds.
Why This Baked Chicken Parmesan is a Must-Try Recipe
Our Baked Chicken Parmesan isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for both ease and enjoyment. Here’s why this particular version deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:
A Healthier Indulgence: Unlike traditional chicken Parmesan that often involves deep-frying, this recipe opts for baking. This significantly reduces the fat and calorie content, making it a guilt-free pleasure without compromising on the classic flavors and textures you adore. You get all the crispy breading and tender chicken, transformed into a lighter, more wholesome meal.
Effortless Preparation for Busy Lives: We understand the demands of a hectic schedule. This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind, requiring minimal prep time and utilizing everyday staple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. It’s the ultimate solution for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on quality or taste, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying with your family.
Unbeatable Texture and Flavor: Prepare for a symphony of textures and flavors. The chicken breasts are perfectly tender and juicy on the inside, while the light, seasoned breading bakes to a satisfyingly golden and crispy exterior. Each bite offers a delightful contrast, enveloped in rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella. This combination makes the dish incredibly addictive and ensures everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Chicken Parmesan is a universally loved dish, and this baked version is no exception. Its familiar flavors and comforting nature make it a guaranteed hit with both children and adults. It’s an excellent way to get even the pickiest eaters excited about dinner.
Impressive for Entertaining: While incredibly easy, this Baked Chicken Parmesan looks and tastes like a dish from a fine Italian restaurant. It’s elegant enough to serve to guests for dinner parties or special occasions, yet simple enough that you won’t be stressed in the kitchen. Prepare to receive compliments!
Essential Ingredients for Your Baked Chicken Parmesan
Crafting the perfect Baked Chicken Parmesan starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece, along with some insights into each component:
Chicken Breasts: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Their lean meat cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully. You’ll want to slice each breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets, ensuring even cooking and a larger surface area for that delightful crispy breading.
Avocado or Olive Oil Spray: Essential for achieving that golden, crispy crust without excessive oil. A light, even spray ensures the breading browns beautifully in the oven. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it excellent for baking at higher temperatures, while olive oil spray also works well for flavor.
Egg Wash: This vital component acts as the binder for your breading. Our flavorful egg wash consists of:
- Eggs: The base that helps the dry mix adhere.
- Black Pepper & Onion Powder: These seasonings infuse the chicken with a foundational layer of savory flavor from the very first step.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth that elevates the overall taste profile of the chicken.
Breaded Mix: This is where the magic happens, creating that signature crunchy exterior. Our carefully balanced mix includes:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the breading.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance the chicken’s natural flavors.
- Onion Powder & Italian Seasoning: Aromatic spices that lend classic Italian flavor notes, complementing the marinara.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: The star of the breading mix, offering a salty, umami-rich depth and contributing to a beautiful golden crust. Ensure it’s finely grated for the best adhesion.
Marinara Sauce: A high-quality marinara sauce is key. You can opt for your favorite store-bought brand for convenience or make your own homemade version for an extra personal touch. Choose a sauce with a vibrant tomato flavor and a balanced acidity.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Slices of fresh mozzarella melt beautifully, creating that iconic gooey, stretchy topping. Its mild, creamy flavor perfectly balances the rich marinara and savory chicken. Shredded mozzarella can also be used in a pinch, but fresh slices offer a superior texture.
Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnishing. These fresh herbs add a burst of color and a fragrant, peppery finish, enhancing both the visual appeal and the fresh taste of the dish.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Best Baked Chicken Parmesan
Follow these detailed instructions to create a truly exceptional Baked Chicken Parmesan that’s crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Prepare the Chicken Cutlets: Begin by taking your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If they are thick, carefully slice each breast horizontally through the middle to create two thinner cutlets. This technique ensures faster and more even cooking. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels; removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a crispy breading. You can also lightly pound the cutlets to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) for uniform baking results.
Set Up Your Breading Stations: You’ll need two separate shallow bowls or dishes for the breading process.
- In the first bowl, prepare your “wet” egg wash. Whisk together the eggs, minced garlic, half of the black pepper, and half of the onion powder until well combined and slightly frothy. This mixture acts as the adhesive for the dry breading.
- In the second bowl, create your “dry” breading mixture. Combine the flour, the remaining black pepper and onion powder, salt, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Use a fork or whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly, ensuring all spices and cheese are evenly distributed.
Coat the Chicken: Working with one chicken cutlet at a time, first dip it completely into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, transfer the chicken to the dry flour mixture. Press the breading firmly onto both sides of the chicken, ensuring an even and thorough coating. Place the fully coated chicken cutlet onto a baking tray that has been lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process for all remaining chicken pieces, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding the pan.
Initial Bake for Crispiness: Preheat your oven to a high temperature, ideally 450°F (230°C). Once preheated, generously spray the top of each breaded chicken cutlet with avocado or olive oil spray. This step is critical for developing that beautiful golden-brown and crispy crust. Place the baking tray into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. The chicken should be mostly cooked through and the breading should be starting to crisp up and turn golden.
Add Toppings and Final Bake: Carefully remove the baking tray from the oven. Evenly spoon a generous amount of your favorite marinara sauce over each chicken cutlet. Then, place a slice or a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, you can sprinkle some freshly chopped basil at this stage. Return the tray to the oven and continue baking for another 7-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is perfectly melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Garnish: Once baked to perfection, remove the Baked Chicken Parmesan from the oven. Let it rest for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with more fresh chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and aromatic finish. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Expert Tips and Notes for Perfect Baked Chicken Parmesan
Mastering this Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe is easy with these helpful tips and tricks, ensuring a flawless dish every time.
Evenly Sliced Chicken Breasts: To ensure uniform cooking and prevent some pieces from drying out while others are still cooking, it’s best to slice your chicken breasts into cutlets of approximately the same thickness. Pounding thicker parts lightly with a meat tenderizer (between two sheets of plastic wrap) helps achieve this consistency and also tenderizes the meat.
For Maximum Crispiness: While the sauce and cheese are delicious, they can sometimes soften the breading. If you prefer an extra crispy chicken, consider baking the breaded chicken on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around all sides, promoting an even crispier crust. Also, go a little lighter on the marinara sauce, or only add it to individual servings rather than baking it on top.
The Power of Store-Bought Marinara: Don’t hesitate to use a good quality store-bought marinara sauce. It’s a fantastic time-saver that doesn’t compromise on flavor, making this recipe even more accessible for busy weeknights. Look for brands with natural ingredients and robust tomato flavor.
Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil as a garnish not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also brings a fresh, aromatic finish that brightens the entire dish. Don’t skip this simple step for an elevated culinary experience.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When placing the breaded chicken on the baking sheet, ensure there’s enough space between each piece. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of baking it crisply, resulting in a soggy coating. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
Achieve Optimal Internal Temperature: For food safety and the best texture, ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding bone) is the most accurate way to check.
Salt the Egg Wash, Season the Flour: Make sure to season both the egg wash and the flour mixture well. Layering flavors at each step ensures that every part of the chicken is delicious, not just the outside. This includes salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs/spices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Chicken Parmesan
What Exactly is Chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmigiana, widely known as Chicken Parmesan, is a beloved Italian-American dish that features a breaded chicken cutlet, generously topped with a rich tomato sauce and a blend of melted cheeses, typically mozzarella, Parmesan, or sometimes provolone. Traditionally, the chicken is pan-fried to achieve its crispy exterior. However, our recipe embraces a healthier approach by baking the chicken. This method not only delivers an equally satisfying crispy coating but also locks in moisture, resulting in incredibly juicy chicken, all while being significantly healthier than its fried counterpart. It’s a testament to how classic comfort food can be adapted for modern, health-conscious diets without sacrificing taste.
Can I prepare this Baked Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken cutlets by slicing them and even breading them a few hours in advance. Store the breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the refrigerator, loosely covered, until you’re ready to bake. For the sauce and cheese, it’s best to add them just before the second baking phase to prevent the breading from becoming soggy. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or entertaining.
What to Serve with This Delightful Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Baked Chicken Parmesan is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic and hearty meal, serve it alongside a generous portion of spaghetti or your favorite pasta, tossed with extra marinara sauce. Kids and adults alike will adore it! If you’re looking for a lighter option or following a low-carb diet, grilled or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette are excellent choices. Crispy baked or air-fried potatoes, creamy polenta, or even a side of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce also make fantastic accompaniments.
How Do I Store Leftovers and Can I Freeze It?
Storing leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan is straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for meal prepping. Allow any leftover chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use a microwave, but for best results (to maintain some crispiness), reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
For freezing, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven. The breading might lose some of its crispness upon thawing and reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious!
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this delightful Baked Chicken Parmesan, we invite you to explore more exciting chicken recipes from our kitchen. Our collection is designed to bring flavor and ease to your everyday cooking.
- Spicy Sriracha Chicken
- Cheesy Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken
- Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken
- Creamy Parmesan Chicken Recipe
- Chicken Avocado Wrap
We genuinely hope you enjoy exploring all the wonderful recipes we share, especially this simple yet spectacular Baked Chicken Parm. We encourage you to try it out, savor every bite, and share your experience with friends and family! Your feedback helps us grow and create even more amazing dishes for you.
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Baked Chicken Parmesan
Mariam Ezzeddine
This delicious Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender chicken that’s lightly breaded and marinated, then baked to perfection for a healthier meal option. It’s wonderfully crunchy on the outside yet incredibly moist on the inside, offering all the classic flavors without the guilt of frying.
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
8
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of chicken breasts
- Avocado or olive oil spray
EGG WASH:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tbsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp. onion powder
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
BREADING MIXTURE:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tbsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for topping)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded (for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each boneless, skinless chicken breast horizontally in the middle to create two thinner cutlets. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy coating.
- Make Egg Wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, minced garlic, 1/2 tablespoon black pepper, and 1/2 tablespoon onion powder until thoroughly combined.
- Prepare Breading Mix: In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour, the remaining 1/2 tablespoon black pepper, 1/2 tablespoon onion powder, salt, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well with a fork until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet first into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then transfer it to the flour mixture. Press the flour mixture firmly onto both sides of the chicken until it’s well coated. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking pan lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Initial Bake: Generously spray the top of the breaded chicken with avocado or olive oil spray. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is mostly cooked and the breading starts to turn golden and crispy.
- Add Toppings: Carefully remove the baking pan from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken cutlet. Place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce on each piece. If desired, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil at this stage.
- Final Bake: Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let rest for a minute, then garnish with more fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving immediately with your preferred sides.
Notes
- For thinner cutlets and faster cooking, slice each chicken breast horizontally into two pieces. Ensure all pieces are of similar thickness for even baking.
- If you prefer a super crispy crust, avoid overloading the chicken with marinara sauce. You can also add sauce to individual servings after baking.
- Using a good quality store-bought marinara sauce is a great way to save time without compromising on flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for enhanced aroma and visual appeal.
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; use multiple sheets if necessary to allow proper air circulation for crispier results.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g |
Calories: 291kcal |
Carbohydrates: 14g |
Protein: 36.2g |
Fat: 8.9g |
Saturated Fat: 2.6g |
Sodium: 1058.1mg |
Sugar: 0.2g