Name: Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each, sliced in half lengthwise to make 8 pieces); 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (such as 4C, or gluten-free crumbs); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Romano cheese); 2 tbsp butter (melted, or olive oil); 3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded, such as Polly-o); 1 cup marinara sauce; Cooking spray; Basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

There’s nothing quite like the comforting, cheesy goodness of a classic Italian dish, and this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe hits all the right notes without the extra oil from frying. It’s light, flavorful, and seriously easy to whip up on any night you want a crowd-pleaser.

A white plate holds a serving of cooked spaghetti as the bottom layer, with thin, light yellow noodles slightly mixed with bright red tomato sauce and small green herb pieces scattered on top. On the center of the spaghetti sits a piece of golden brown fried meat covered with a layer of melted white cheese that has a smooth texture and some red sauce peeking through. More green herb pieces are sprinkled on the cheese and around the plate. Two metal forks rest on the left side of the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment I discovered this baked version, it turned into one of my go-to comfort meals that’s easier and less messy than the fried counterpart. You get all the crispy, cheesy, tomatoey happiness with a fraction of the effort and calories, making it perfect for weeknights and dinner parties alike.

Lighter Yet Crispy: Baking instead of frying keeps the crust crunchy without soaking up extra oil.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry already—no special runs needed.
Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to butter brushing and quality cheese, the chicken stays juicy under that golden crust.
Customizable: Easy to swap cheeses or add herbs for your own signature touch.

Three golden brown crispy breaded cutlets arranged diagonally on a white plate with a ridged edge, each topped with a round layer of melted white cheese, a small dollop of chunky red tomato sauce, and thin strips of fresh green basil leaves scattered on top. Bright green basil leaves are placed around the cutlets on the plate, adding a fresh touch. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. Starting with tender chicken breasts sliced thin ensures a quick, even bake, while the breadcrumb and Parmesan combo create that crave-worthy crunch.

Flat lay of four boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small mound of golden seasoned breadcrumbs next to a small white bowl of finely grated Parmesan cheese, a few slices of creamy white mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce, a few fresh green basil leaves, a small white bowl containing melted golden butter, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Slicing them thin helps them cook quickly and stay moist, which is key.
Seasoned breadcrumbs: Adds a flavorful, crispy coating—feel free to use gluten-free if needed.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, savory depth that elevates the breading.
Butter or olive oil: Brushing this on before coating locks in moisture and helps browning.
Part-skim mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully with a gooey, stretchy finish without tons of fat.
Marinara sauce: A classic, tangy tomato sauce that wraps everything in comforting warmth.
Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and encourages a crispy outer layer.
Basil or parsley: Fresh herbs add brightness and color right before serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe, especially by swapping cheeses or swapping fresh herbs. You can make it richer or lighter depending on your mood, and that’s part of what keeps it coming back to my dinner table.

Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mix for a little kick—it gives just enough heat to cut through the cheese.
Dairy-Free Option: Try using a vegan mozzarella and skip the Parmesan—or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Herbs: Subbing fresh oregano or thyme really changes things up and brightens the flavors nicely.
Gluten-Free Crumbs: I’ve swapped classic seasoned breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions with great success—just watch the coating for crispiness and add a little extra butter if needed.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and lightly spraying a large baking sheet—this keeps things from sticking and helps with browning. Take chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets (this cooks faster and stays juicy). Melt the butter and keep it ready. Next, mix your breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese together in a bowl.

Brush each piece of chicken lightly with the melted butter. Don’t skip this step—it's what helps the crumbs stick and brown beautifully. Then, dip the buttered chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat thoroughly. Arrange them on the baking sheet without overcrowding.

Step 2: Bake and Add the Toppings

Give them a quick spritz of cooking spray on top for extra crispness, then bake for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for golden brown crust and cooked-through chicken. Timing can vary slightly depending on how evenly thick your cutlets are, so keep an eye after 20 minutes.

Once the chicken is baked through, spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce over each piece, followed by 1 ½ tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese. Pop it back into the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Top Tip

After making this recipe countless times, I've picked up a few tricks to get that perfect texture and flavor every time. Trusting the baking times and making sure your chicken pieces are roughly the same thickness is key.

Uniform Thickness: I use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound chicken breasts to an even thickness. It really helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
Butter Brushing: Don't rush this step—make sure each piece is well coated to lock in moisture and encourage browning of the crust.
Breadcrumb Pressing: Press your breadcrumb mixture on firmly but gently, so it sticks during baking without falling off.
Watch the Cheese: Keep a close eye during the final melt stage. Depending on your oven, cheese can go from melty to burnt quickly!

How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Baked Chicken Parmesan - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top. Not only does it add a lovely pop of green, but it also brightens the dish and adds a fresh herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich cheese and tomato sauce.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this with a simple spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic or a bed of buttery garlic mashed potatoes. Roasted veggies like zucchini or a crisp Caesar salad also make great companions to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I've served this dish layered in a casserole with extra marinara and mozzarella on top—like a deconstructed chicken parm bake. It's a hit when feeding a crowd and looks stunning when garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days and still taste amazing reheated—just avoid stacking the pieces to keep that crispy crust intact.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully if you want to prep ahead. Freeze individual portions on a baking sheet first so they don't stick together, then transfer to freezer bags. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep that crisp crust, I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes instead of the microwave. This refreshes the crunchy coating and melts the cheese nicely without drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

You can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely before slicing and preparing to ensure even cooking and the best texture. Cooking from frozen will result in uneven doneness.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute the seasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer seasoned or plain gluten-free breadcrumbs that work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to check your Parmesan cheese is also gluten-free if that’s a concern.

Can I make this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the breaded chicken cutlets and refrigerate them before baking. When ready, bake according to the recipe instructions. It’s also great for freezing in individual portions to reheat later.

What do you recommend serving alongside this dish?

Classic sides like spaghetti with garlic olive oil, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully. You could also serve mashed potatoes or a crusty bread to soak up any extra marinara sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe has become one of those comforting dishes that always hits the spot whether I’m cooking for just me or feeding a crowd. Its simplicity, flavor, and lighter approach make it a winner in my book every time. I’m confident you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is to pull off, and it might just become a staple in your weekly rotation too. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy a cozy, delicious meal with less fuss and more flavor.