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Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan

Tender chicken cutlets are coated in a crunchy Parmesan-panko crust, baked until golden, and finished with marinara and melted mozzarella. This lighter oven-baked version makes four satisfying dinner servings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 large, about 1½ pounds total Large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Breading
  • ½ cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 large Large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Water or milk
  • 1 cup Plain panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup Finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
Seasoning
  • ¾ teaspoon, divided Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon, divided Freshly ground black pepper
Baking and Topping
  • 2 tablespoons, plus more for the pan or rack Olive oil
  • cups Marinara sauce
  • 1 cup Shredded low-moisture mozzarella
Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons, chopped, optional Fresh parsley or basil

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly oil or spray the rack.
  2. Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into four cutlets. Cover with plastic wrap and pound each piece to an even thickness of about ½ inch, then season both sides with the remaining salt and pepper.
  3. Set out three shallow bowls. Add flour to the first, beat the eggs with water or milk in the second, and combine panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and the remaining salt and pepper in the third.
  4. Coat each cutlet in flour and shake off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, then press firmly into the seasoned panko-Parmesan mixture so the coating adheres.
  5. Arrange the breaded cutlets on the prepared rack. Drizzle or lightly spray the breading with olive oil.
  6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, turning once if desired, until the coating is browned and the chicken reaches about 155–160°F internally.
  7. Spoon approximately ⅓ cup marinara over each cutlet and top evenly with mozzarella. Return the chicken to the oven for 5–8 minutes, until the cheese melts and the chicken reaches 165°F.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve immediately with pasta, salad, or vegetables.

Notes

Use panko for the crunchiest coating, keep marinara and cheese off the chicken until the final minutes, and pound the cutlets evenly. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat in a hot oven or air fryer when possible to help restore the crisp coating.