Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food with a crispy, cheesy twist but want to keep it light and easy, this Baked Chicken Parmesan is your new weeknight champion. Golden, oven-crisp chicken meets bubbling mozzarella and a blanket of zesty marinara, all crowned with fresh basil—and you don’t even need to pull out the frying pan!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Chicken Parmesan relies on everyday ingredients, each one bringing something special to the table—think crunch, savoriness, and a pop of color. Don’t skip a thing if you want that classic flavor in every bite!

• Large Egg: The secret “glue” for getting that crunchy coating to stick and brown perfectly in the oven.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: For irresistible crunch that stays crisp even after the sauce and cheese go on top.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Delivers salty, nutty flavor directly into the breadcrumb coating.
• Salt, Black Pepper & Garlic Powder: These classic seasonings make every bite pop—you’ll taste the difference if you use freshly cracked pepper!
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves: Tender, juicy, and perfect for piling on the flavor; try to pick evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
• Olive Oil-Flavored Cooking Spray: Ensures the coating crisps up beautifully while keeping things light.
• Broccoli Florets: Roasting right on the pan absorbs savory juices and gives you a built-in veggie that even kids love.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds that essential tang and ties all the Italian flavors together; use your favorite jarred or homemade version.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts and bubbles to utter perfection, giving you those magical cheese pulls.
• Minced Fresh Basil (optional): A sprinkle of basil at the finish makes the dish feel bright and authentic.

Variations

One of the best things about Baked Chicken Parmesan is how easy it is to tailor it to your own pantry or cravings. Here are my favorite ways to mix things up—don’t hesitate to add your own twist!

• Gluten-Free: Swap the panko bread crumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety (or even crushed rice crackers) for a wheat-free version with all the crunch.
• Low-Carb: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of panko for a keto-friendly crispy coating.
• More Veggies: Add sliced zucchini, red peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the baking pan for extra color and flavor alongside your broccoli.
• Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne into your breadcrumb mixture if you’re in the mood for a little heat.

How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Gather Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly coating a rimmed baking pan with cooking spray. This ensures everything will crisp up without sticking. Lay out all your ingredients—this makes the next steps a breeze!

Step 2: Prepare Coatings and Dredge Chicken

Whisk your egg in a shallow bowl, then combine the panko, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in another. Dip each chicken breast in egg first, let the excess drip off, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so every inch is coated. Place each piece in the center of your pan and give them a good spritz of cooking spray for golden, crunchy results.

Step 3: First Bake for Crispiness

Bake the coated chicken breasts for 10 minutes—just enough to start setting the crust. This first quick bake helps lock in the juices and ensures the coating stays on when you add sauce later.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Continue Baking

Remove the pan from the oven and scatter the broccoli florets on either side of the chicken. If your broccoli is frozen, break it apart so it roasts evenly. Pop the tray back in and bake for another 10 minutes, letting those florets get deliciously toasty at the edges.

Step 5: Top with Marinara and Cheese, Then Broil

Here comes the magic: spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and pile on the shredded mozzarella. Set your oven to broil and return the pan for 3-5 minutes, watching closely so the cheese melts and browns but doesn’t burn—the chicken should be juicy and the broccoli beautifully roasted by now.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

If you like, shower the finished Baked Chicken Parmesan with a handful of fresh basil for color and aroma. Serve directly from the pan while everything is hot and the cheese is extra melty.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan

Garnishes

Nothing says “finished with love” like a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving. A final dusting of extra Parmesan adds a nutty, salty note and makes your Baked Chicken Parmesan look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish is fabulous with classic spaghetti, twirled with extra marinara or even pesto for a fresh twist. Or, keep it simple and healthy with your roasted broccoli right on the side (built in!), and maybe some warm garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, slice your Baked Chicken Parmesan and layer it on a platter over a swirl of pasta, or serve it as a crispy sandwich on toasted ciabatta rolls for a fun dinner. Set up a “Parmesan bar” with extra toppings—think chili flakes, lemon zest, or even a dollop of creamy ricotta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan stores beautifully! Pop any cooled extras in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days—the coating stays fairly crisp and the flavors deepen overnight.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, freeze the baked (but unsauced and uncheesed) chicken on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. When ready, thaw overnight, top with sauce and cheese, and broil as directed. This keeps the coating extra crispy!

Reheating

To reheat, bake leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again—about 10-12 minutes. Skip the microwave if possible, so your coating stays deliciously crisp rather than turning soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this Baked Chicken Parmesan quickly becomes a star at your table, just like it is at mine. There’s something so comforting about melty cheese, tangy sauce, and oven-crisp chicken—share it with family, friends, or just treat yourself to a cozy night in. Bon appétit!

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