Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan
This Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-inspired chicken dinner recipe made with crispy breaded chicken breasts, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. And easy dinner recipe, ready in no time!
Tackle 2026 dinners with our gorgeous Ultimate Meal Planner - just $4.50 this week with coupon code MARCH50. Get it here.
WANT TO SAVE THIS FOR LATER?
We'll email it to you - along with our free printable party planner!
It’s a comforting meal that works for so many occasions and is great for family dinners, casual gatherings, date nights at home, or even a cozy Sunday meal.
The crispy chicken is topped with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese and is perfect to serve over spaghetti or any of your favorite pastas. It pairs perfectly with Garlic Bread and a fresh Caesar Salad if you want to serve it with a side.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan:
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Place the flour in a shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a third.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure it sticks.
5. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish.
7. Bake with Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot.
Important Recipe Notes
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before breading. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. (I used to think this was a step I should skip… but I was wrong about that lol.)
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the coating stick better.
- Press the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture firmly onto the chicken for a crispier crust.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying. Cook in batches if needed so the chicken browns properly.
- The chicken does not need to be fully cooked during the skillet step since it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Use a good-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor, since it is one of the main ingredients in the dish. If you go for a cheaper sauce, don’t be afraid to add your own extra spices to dress it up – basil, oregano, and garlic are some of my go-to choices.
- Add the sauce only on top of the chicken rather than underneath to help keep the breading crispy.
- Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the chicken is full cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to help the juices redistribute.
- For extra flavor, use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs or add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to plain breadcrumbs.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer for the best texture. (I also never hesitate to throw leftovers into the freezer, but with this one, know that the crispy coating won’t remain as crispy unless reheated in an airfryer.)
Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Spaghetti or pasta of your choice cooked, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the flour in a shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure it sticks.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish.
- Bake with Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve hot. For a complete meal, serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
Check Out More Chicken Dinner Recipe Ideas:
Cheesy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
