This easy baked chicken Parmesan recipe gives you tender breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, bubbling mozzarella, and a savory Parmesan crust in about 45 to 55 minutes. The recipe serves four and uses a simple two-stage baking method: bake the breaded chicken first, then add the sauce and cheese so the coating stays pleasantly crisp.
Each bite combines juicy chicken with Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, tangy tomato sauce, and golden melted cheese. Serve it with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a comforting dinner that feels special enough for guests but is simple enough for a busy weeknight.
Jump to RecipeWhy You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked chicken Parmesan delivers the cozy flavor of a restaurant favorite without the need to fry chicken in a skillet. Baking keeps the preparation straightforward and leaves you with fewer splatters and less oil to manage at dinner time.
The two-stage method is the key to the texture. The chicken gets a head start in the oven so the breadcrumb coating can brown, while the marinara and cheese are added later to keep the crust from becoming saturated too soon.
The finished chicken is tender in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and covered with a generous layer of bubbling mozzarella. The Parmesan in the coating adds a salty, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet acidity of marinara.
If you enjoy easy oven dinners with hearty portions, you may also like our baked chicken and potato casserole for another comforting family meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is short, but every item has a purpose. Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size, and trim away any excess fat before preparing them.
- Chicken breasts: Four boneless, skinless breasts weighing about 6 ounces each provide one generous serving per person.
- Egg and water: This creates a light coating that helps the seasoned breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs: They bring texture and built-in herb flavor. Plain breadcrumbs can also be used when seasoned with Italian herbs.
- Parmesan cheese: A portion goes into the breading, while the remaining 2 tablespoons finish the dish.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade spaghetti sauce. Two cups provide enough to cover all four pieces.
- Low-moisture mozzarella: This cheese melts into a golden, bubbling layer without adding too much moisture to the crust.
Have the ingredients measured before you begin. Since the chicken is coated in separate shallow bowls, setting everything within reach makes the process tidy and efficient.
For another chicken dinner with a different flavor profile, keep our smothered baked chicken burritos handy for your next meal plan.
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Step 1: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C), then lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or cooking spray. Greasing the dish helps with serving and keeps any melted cheese from sticking firmly to the sides.
Step 2: Check the thickness of the chicken breasts before breading. Slice thick breasts horizontally into cutlets or pound them to about 1/2 inch thick, then pat them dry so the egg mixture can cling properly.
Step 3: Whisk 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon of water in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, stir together 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or basil, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Step 4: Dip each chicken cutlet into the egg mixture, turning it to coat both sides. Let the excess egg drip back into the bowl, then press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so the coating covers the surface from edge to edge.
Step 5: Place the breaded chicken in the prepared baking dish without overlapping the pieces. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, watching for a lightly browned coating and chicken that is nearly cooked through.
Step 6: Remove the dish from the oven and spoon marinara or spaghetti sauce over each piece. Spread the sauce gently rather than pressing down on the breading, which helps preserve the crust underneath.
Step 7: Sprinkle the chicken with 1 cup of shredded low-moisture mozzarella and the remaining 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan. Return the dish to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 8: Check the thickest part of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer and make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve.
Pro Tips for a Crisp Coating
Even thickness is the most important detail for reliable results. A thin section can become dry while a thick section is still cooking, so slicing or pounding the breasts creates a more consistent bake.
Patting the chicken dry also matters. Excess moisture can dilute the egg wash and make the breadcrumb mixture slide instead of forming an even crust.
For extra crispness, place the breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet during the first bake, or briefly spray the coating with oil before it goes into the oven. Add the sauce and cheese only after the initial 15 to 20 minutes.
Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best topping texture. Fresh mozzarella is delicious, but its higher water content can make the breading softer as the chicken finishes baking.
Do not rely on color alone to judge doneness. The chicken is ready when the thickest point reaches 165°F (74°C), and the cheese is melted and bubbling across the top.
When you are craving a crisp, breaded chicken dinner without the marinara topping, try our chicken schnitzel recipe for a tasty alternative.
What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan
Spaghetti tossed with extra marinara is the classic partner for baked chicken Parmesan. The pasta catches the extra sauce and turns the meal into a satisfying plate with very little additional work.
Garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the tomato sauce and melted cheese. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the rich topping.
- Spaghetti or another favorite pasta with extra marinara
- Garlic bread or warm crusty bread
- Green salad with a bright vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus
For a casual family-style spread, serve the chicken with our oven-baked French fries. Their crisp edges and simple seasoning make them a fun alternative to pasta.
Storage and Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer them to a covered container and refrigerate promptly. Properly chilled chicken Parmesan is best enjoyed within a few days for the freshest texture.
Reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven or toaster oven until hot throughout. This method helps the breadcrumb coating regain some crispness, while a short microwave reheat is convenient but may soften the crust.
If you are preparing a larger dinner, assemble the chicken and serve it shortly after the final bake. Resting for 3 to 5 minutes lets the juices settle and gives the melted cheese time to become pleasantly spoonable.
Round out the table with soft homemade rolls using our easy Hawaiian rolls. Their lightly sweet flavor is especially good with savory marinara.
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally into cutlets or pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Pat the chicken dry before breading.
- Whisk the egg with the water in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning or basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, letting excess drip away, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture until both sides are evenly coated.
- Arrange the breaded chicken in the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the coating is lightly browned and the chicken is nearly cooked.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken piece, then sprinkle evenly with the shredded mozzarella and the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point.
- Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
Final Thoughts
This easy baked chicken Parmesan recipe is a dependable dinner because it brings together familiar ingredients, simple preparation, and a method that protects the crisp coating. The chicken bakes in two stages, allowing the marinara and mozzarella to become bubbling and flavorful without turning the breading soggy.
Keep the chicken pieces even, check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and give the finished dish a few minutes to rest before serving. With spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables on the side, this comforting meal is ready for a relaxed family dinner any night of the week.