🍗🧀 Baked Chicken Parmesan
A lighter, oven-baked take on a classic—crispy breaded chicken topped with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. Comfort food without deep frying.
🛒 Ingredients:
🍗 Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (halved horizontally for thinner pieces)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
🥣 Breading:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup flour
🍅 Topping:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra Parmesan (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat oven
Set to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet or lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Bread chicken
Set up 3 bowls:
- Flour
- Beaten eggs
- Breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and seasonings
Dip chicken in:
- Flour → Egg → Breadcrumb mixture
Press coating firmly so it sticks.
4. Bake (first step)
Place chicken on baking sheet.
Lightly spray or drizzle with oil.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, until crispy and nearly cooked through.
5. Add toppings
Remove from oven.
Spoon marinara over each piece.
Top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
6. Final bake
Return to oven for 8–10 minutes, until:
- Cheese is melted and bubbly
- Chicken is fully cooked
🍽️ Serve with:
- Spaghetti or pasta
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
🔥 Flavor profile:
- 🍗 Crispy, golden chicken
- 🍅 Tangy tomato sauce
- 🧀 Gooey melted cheese
- 🌿 Classic Italian herbs
🔄 Variations:
- 🍝 Chicken Parmesan pasta bake
- 🌶️ Spicy version with chili flakes
- 🧄 Garlic butter crust upgrade
- 🧀 Extra cheesy stuffed version
- 🥖 Chicken Parmesan sandwich
💡 Tips:
- Use thin chicken cutlets for even cooking
- Don’t overload sauce before first bake (keeps it crispy)
- Panko gives best crunch
- Broil 1–2 minutes at end for golden cheese