Name: Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each, sliced in half lengthwise to make 8); 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (such as 4C, or gluten free breadcrumbs); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Romano cheese); 2 tbsp butter (melted, or olive oil); 3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded, such as Polly-o); 1 cup marinara sauce; Cooking spray; Basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

There’s something so comforting about a crispy, cheesy chicken dinner baked just right. This Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a perfect blend of crunchy breadcrumbs, melty mozzarella, and savory marinara, all without the hassle of frying. Trust me, it’s worth making on any weeknight or special occasion.

A white plate holds one layer of cooked, slightly shiny spaghetti noodles spread across the base, topped by a second layer of bright red tomato sauce with visible chunks. On top of the sauce sits a breaded, golden-brown piece of chicken covered with a third layer of melted white cheese that looks soft and slightly stretchy. The dish is sprinkled with small bright green chopped herbs for color. A silver fork and spoon rest on the plate’s edge, partially touching the noodles. The plate is set on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of chicken Parmesan recipes over the years, but this baked version really won me over because it’s lighter and less messy without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s just as satisfying as the fried kind and super simple to whip up, even on a busy night.

Healthier cooking method: Baked instead of fried, so you get all the crispiness with less oil and calories.
Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce, no fancy or hard-to-find items required.
Quick prep and bake: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 40 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Versatile and customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite cheese or herbs for a personal touch.

On a white plate over a white marbled texture, there is a layer of cooked linguine pasta spread in a circular shape. On top of the pasta, a breaded fried chicken piece with a golden-brown crust is partially covered with melted white cheese and red tomato sauce. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled over the cheese and sauce. A piece of chicken with sauce is held by a fork resting on the plate among the pasta strands. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a key role — from tenderizing the chicken to creating a golden crust. Plus, I’ve got some tips for picking quality products that make this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe totally shine.

Flat lay of four whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts with natural pink tones, a small white ceramic bowl of seasoned golden-brown breadcrumbs mixed with finely grated pale Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded fresh mozzarella cheese in soft white strands, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red marinara sauce with visible tomato texture, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, and a few fresh bright green basil leaves scattered beside the ingredients, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Slicing them in half makes thinner cutlets that cook evenly without drying out.
Seasoned breadcrumbs: Adds crunch and a burst of herby flavor; I love using 4C brand or gluten-free crumbs to keep it accessible.
Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, savory depth to the crumb coating; it’s what gives that classic Parmesan flavor.
Butter (or olive oil): Brushing this on helps the crumbs brown beautifully in the oven instead of frying.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection—part-skim keeps it lighter but still rich and stretchy.
Marinara sauce: A good-quality jar works fine here; fresh or homemade adds a bright, tangy element.
Cooking spray: Keeps the baking sheet oily enough to prevent sticking without adding grease.
Basil or parsley (optional): Fresh herb garnish brings color and freshness, elevating your final presentation.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This is one recipe where I encourage you to experiment a bit! Whether it’s swapping cheeses or adding spices, you’ll find little tweaks that make it feel like your own.

Variation: I sometimes switch mozzarella for provolone or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumbs for a little heat — it’s delicious! Feel free to use gluten-free crumbs or dairy-free cheese if you have dietary needs.
Make it herby: Mixing Italian seasoning or fresh chopped oregano into your breadcrumbs intensifies the flavor nicely.
Extra cheesy: I’m not above adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top before baking — extra cheese is always a win.
Double sauce: Sometimes I spoon extra marinara on the side for dunking — such an easy way to up the flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken for Crispy Coating

Start by slicing your chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook quickly and stay juicy. Then melt your butter — I like to do this in a small microwave-safe bowl. Lightly brush each chicken piece with the melted butter so the breadcrumb mixture will stick and brown beautifully.

Step 2: Coat with Breadcrumbs and Parmesan

Mix your seasoned breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl or plate. Dip each buttered chicken piece into the crumb mixture, pressing gently so it sticks well and creates an even coating. Place each coated cutlet on a baking sheet sprayed lightly with cooking spray. This step is key for that perfect golden crust without frying.

Step 3: Bake and Top with Cheese & Sauce

Pop the chicken in a preheated 450°F oven. Bake for 25 minutes uncovered until the crust is crispy and chicken is cooked through. Then pull the pan out, spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce onto each piece, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven for about 5 more minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles nicely.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to perfect this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe so it’s always crunchy on the outside and juicy inside without any frying stress.

Butter brush: Don’t skip brushing the chicken with melted butter before coating—it’s the magic that helps breadcrumbs toast perfectly in the oven.
Even coating: Press the breadcrumb mixture gently but thoroughly onto the chicken pieces to avoid patches with no crust.
High heat baking: Baking at 450°F is crucial to get that crisp exterior without overcooking the chicken inside.
Cheese timing: Add the marinara and cheese only after the initial 25 minutes; this keeps the cheese melty but not overcooked or rubbery.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Baked Chicken Parmesan - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a handful of fresh chopped basil right before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that balances the rich cheese and tomato sauce beautifully. Parsley works just as well if basil isn’t your jam.

Side Dishes

Pairing this baked chicken Parmesan with simple sides like spaghetti aglio e olio, roasted veggies, or a crisp Caesar salad works perfectly. I often go for a garlic breadstick or two—it feels like the ultimate Italian feast when you do.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like serving the chicken on a bed of creamy polenta or alongside a colorful ratatouille. Presentation with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil makes it feel fancy but still totally approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep that crispy crust from turning soggy, I place a layer of parchment paper between the chicken pieces.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well—just cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, uncovered, to bring back the crispness without drying out the chicken. A quick broil at the end can revive the cheese’s bubbly look.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well. They’re naturally juicier, so you might want to reduce baking time slightly and keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs easily. Just be sure they’re seasoned or add your own herbs and spices to keep the flavor punchy.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the breaded chicken on the baking sheet, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great timesaver for busy evenings.

What’s the best marinara sauce to use?

A simple, good-quality jarred marinara works fine, but if you have extra time, homemade sauce with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil will elevate your Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe to the next level.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines comfort food with a lighter twist. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a treat but doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down, and I think you’ll enjoy it just as much. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might find you turn to this easy oven-baked version time and time again.