Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

If you’ve been craving a comforting Italian classic but want something quick and fuss-free, then you’re going to adore this Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time – crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s surprisingly straightforward, so you’ll find that even on a busy weekday, dinner can still feel special. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to nail it with tips I’ve discovered over many tasty attempts.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients here is a game changer. You’ll want good-quality chicken cutlets—either sliced yourself or store-bought—to keep them tender and cook evenly. Also, Italian bread crumbs with parmesan add that signature crispy and cheesy crust you’re after.

• Chicken breasts: Look for large breasts to slice into perfect cutlets; pounding them helps ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• All-purpose flour: Helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick better; you can swap for gluten-free flour if needed.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning to boost flavor inside and out.
• Eggs: Beaten until frothy, they act as the glue for the breading.
• Italian bread crumbs: The cornerstone of the crust—crispy and herby, especially if you add a pinch of oregano.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and richness straight into the breading mix.
• Light olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to that golden brown crust without overpowering flavors.
• Marinara sauce: Fresher is better but a quality jarred sauce works wonders for convenience.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey, stringy finish everyone loves.
• Fresh basil or parsley: Optional garnish that brightens the whole dish at the end.

Variations

I love sharing this recipe as a base because it lets you get creative easily. Over time, I’ve played with adding my own twists, and you’ll probably find your favorite way too!

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Using gluten-free flour and bread crumbs works perfectly if you manage the coating carefully.
• Extra Crispy Variation: I sometimes bake the breaded chicken cutlets on a wire rack before assembling to add a crunchier texture.
• Cheese Swap: Mixing provolone or adding a bit of fontina with mozzarella gives a lovely cheesy depth.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a subtle heat boost I’ve come to enjoy.

How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Cutlets

Start by trimming any excess fat and slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. If you’re working with especially large pieces, pound them gently between plastic wrap or parchment paper to about ⅓-inch thickness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Trust me, this step goes a long way toward juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station Like a Pro

I always set up three shallow bowls: one for flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with the Italian bread crumbs combined with parmesan. Dredge each cutlet first in the flour—tap off the excess, don’t shake it off, you want a good light coat—then dip it into the egg, letting the extra drip off. Finally, press into the breadcrumb mixture firmly, making sure it’s well coated all over. Let the breaded chicken sit for about 5 minutes. This little pause helps the coating stick better when it hits the pan.

Step 3: Pan-Sear Until Golden

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to cover the bottom. Once that oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in batches — it’s important not to crowd the pan or the breading won’t crisp up properly. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when it’s a beautiful golden brown, usually 3 to 4 minutes per side. At this stage, the chicken doesn’t have to be fully cooked through since it’ll finish baking in the oven.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake to Perfection

Start by spreading half of your marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Arrange the golden chicken cutlets in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon the remaining sauce over each cutlet, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella. Pop it into a 425˚F oven and bake uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F, the cheese is melty and bubbly, and the sauce is just simmering. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped basil or flat-leaf parsley right before serving. It adds a lovely herbal brightness and a pop of green that makes the dish feel vibrant and fresh. Sometimes I also grate a little extra parmesan on top if I want to impress the cheese lovers!

Side Dishes

For a classic Italian vibe, serve this Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. I also love pairing it with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy meal that really hits the spot.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I layered the chicken over a bed of spinach pasta spiralized from zucchini for a low-carb twist and it wowed my friends. For holiday dinners, plating individual portions in small gratin dishes sprinkled with extra herbs makes it feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to separate the chicken and sauce when possible to help keep the breading from getting soggy.

Freezing

I freeze individual chicken parmesan portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, which keeps them safe for up to 3 months. When it’s dinner time, this makes for an incredibly convenient, homemade meal in a pinch.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming in the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes to retain crispiness and melt the cheese again; microwaving tends to make the crust soft, which isn’t quite as tasty.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe has become my go-to for a cozy, satisfying meal that still feels like a special occasion. What I love most is how approachable it is—you don’t need a ton of fancy skills or ingredients, but the result is reliably delicious, every time. So, if you’re looking for something to impress without stress, give this recipe a try—you might just find it hits that perfect balance of easy and fabulous like I did.

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