Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Name: Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil

Highlighted under: Hearty & Comforting

I absolutely love making Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan because it strikes the perfect balance between delicious and healthy. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the baked coating, all while locking in the juicy flavor of the chicken. Plus, it’s a meal that the entire family can enjoy! Paired with a simple side salad or some whole grain pasta, it makes for a delightful dinner that’s ready in no time. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you—it’s become a staple in our household!

Created by

Camilla Rhodes

Last updated on 2026-02-23T19:05:39.728Z

When I first set out to make a healthier version of Chicken Parmesan, I knew I had to nail the crispiness factor without frying. After several experiments, I discovered that a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and a sprinkling of Parmesan works wonders! It not only gives the chicken an incredible crunch, but it also adds a deliciously cheesy flavor.

One of my favorite tips is to use a meat mallet to tenderize the chicken before breading it. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It also helps create that perfect juicy bite everyone loves. Trust me, this recipe will change the way you think about baked chicken!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crispy coating that rivals fried versions
Juicy, tender chicken every time
Quick and easy weeknight dinner

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving a crispy and flavorful coating lies in using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and lighter, resulting in a delightful crunch when baked. Combined with grated Parmesan cheese, they enhance the flavor and create a golden-brown crust. This recipe's seasoning—garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper—ensures a well-rounded taste that balances the richness of cheese and the acidity of marinara.

Using quality chicken breasts is crucial for this dish. Opt for fresh, organic chicken if possible, as it tends to be juicier and more flavorful. If you find chicken breasts are too thick, pounding them to an even thickness not only helps in cooking them uniformly but also retains their moisture. This technique prevents drying out, resulting in perfectly cooked, tender chicken.

Baking Tips for Perfection

When it comes to baking, a preheated oven is essential. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and make sure it reaches this temperature before placing the chicken inside. This ensures the breading sets quickly, creating that desired crunch. Keep an eye on your chicken; while 20 minutes is the general baking time, it’s important to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, which you can verify with a simple kitchen thermometer.

After the initial baking, applying marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese transforms the dish, adding moisture and gooeyness. Remember, not all marinara sauces are created equal—choose one that is rich and flavorful to complement the chicken. If you're feeling adventurous, a homemade marinara can elevate this dish to another level, with fresh herbs and garlic adding even more depth.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious dinner:

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

Make the Breading

In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of spices.

Coat the Chicken

Brush each chicken breast with olive oil and then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Chicken

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Then, spoon marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Finish Baking

Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture or serving with fresh basil as a garnish.

Serving Suggestions

To round out your meal, consider pairing the Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan with a refreshing side salad. A mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a pleasing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken. Alternatively, serve it over whole grain pasta tossed in olive oil and sautéed vegetables for a fulfilling dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

For a fun twist on this classic dish, try serving the chicken as sliders. Use small ciabatta or whole grain rolls and layer in marinara sauce and extra mozzarella. This makes for a delightful lunch or game day snack, allowing guests to indulge in the flavors they love in a new form.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and breading in advance; simply store the coated chicken breasts in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This not only saves time on busy nights but can also allow the flavors to meld for a more intense taste.

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the coating as opposed to using a microwave, which can make it soggy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well, but may require slightly longer cooking time.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes! You can use eggplant or zucchini slices as a substitute for chicken.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Certainly! Bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad, pasta, or steamed vegetables.