Simple Baked Chicken Parmesan featuring succulent chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey cheese beneath a crispy coating that’s simply delicious! This chicken is oven-baked, not fried, and comes together effortlessly in less than 30 minutes!
Table of Contents
This recipe encompasses all the elements of traditional Chicken Parmesan, but skips the heavy breading and frying! Tender, juicy chicken crowned with tasty marinara sauce and gooey cheese, baked to perfection with a wholesome, crispy coating. No butter, olive oil, or all-purpose flour required. The ultimate baked chicken parmesan that’s comforting, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. A simple chicken dinner that everyone in the family will adore!
Reasons to Love This
- Healthier – This chicken parmesan recipe is baked, not fried, utilizing straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Achieves crispiness without frying!
- Protein-rich – Chicken breast naturally offers high protein and low fat, making it one of my favorite choices to meet your protein needs.
- Family-approved – This recipe is a sure hit that the entire family will enjoy! An ideal simple weeknight meal.
- Perfect for meal prepping – Leftovers reheat wonderfully, making this dish a stellar choice for meal prepping.
Necessary Ingredients
- chicken – I opted for boneless skinless chicken breasts, but chicken tenders would also work nicely.
- breadcrumbs – Whole wheat panko bread crumbs were used for that crunchy exterior. You could even toast the breadcrumbs lightly before coating for added crispiness.
- marinara – I prefer using a premium marinara low in sugar like Rao’s tomato sauce, or you can make our family favorite homemade sauce!
- eggs – Essential as a binder to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken for that crispy coating.
- cheese – This recipe features freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh mozzarella slices on top. Shredded mozzarella can also be used.
- flaxseed meal – Boosts nutrition and fiber in the chicken without changing the flavor.
- fresh basil – Provides a splash of color and a fresh finish to the dish right before serving.
- seasonings – A blend of Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If Italian seasoning is unavailable, a mix of oregano and basil works well too.
Steps to Prepare Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Prepare chicken. Cut the chicken horizontally and position it between layers of plastic wrap. Using a meat tenderizer or mallet, pound the chicken cutlets to about 1/2 inch thickness, seasoning both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Prepare the breading. Create a dredging station by combining breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, flaxseed meal, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish. In a separate shallow dish, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- Coat the chicken. Coat each chicken cutlet in the egg wash, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil and repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Bake. Spray the tops of the breaded chicken with cooking spray and cook in the oven at 425 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, until juices run clear and chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Add cheese. When golden brown, spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce onto each chicken breast and top with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven for 5 to 6 minutes or until cheese melts and is bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy. Garnish chicken with fresh basil and serve over cooked spaghetti noodles with extra sauce. Savor the dish!
How to Prepare in an Air Fryer
You can effortlessly create crispy chicken parmesan in the air fryer by setting it to 400 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add sauce and cheese and cook for a few additional minutes in the air fryer or oven until the cheese melts! A fantastic method for achieving crispy chicken with less oil.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan
- Pound chicken evenly – uniform thickness ensures chicken cooks evenly and stays moist. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Pat the chicken dry – this crucial step ensures the egg and breadcrumb mixture adhere properly.
- Don’t overload with sauce – too much marinara can make the crust soggy. Spoon just enough to cover the top of the chicken before adding cheese.
- Broil at the end – to achieve a bubbly, golden cheese finish, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
- Let chicken rest – allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving locks in juices.
Variations
- Gluten-free – for a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Low-carb – to reduce the carbs, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour mixed with extra parmesan cheese.
- Vegetarian – check out my eggplant parmesan recipe that can be prepared in the air fryer or baked in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Spaghetti – traditionally, chicken parmesan is served atop pasta dressed in warm marinara sauce with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Veggies – lighter alternatives such as zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash provide more nutritional benefits and lower carbs.
- Sandwich – place it on toasted ciabatta or hoagie rolls with extra marinara sauce, cheese, and some red pepper flakes for an enticing crispy chicken parm sandwich.
- Side salad – pair chicken parmigiana with a healthy Caesar salad or a crisp chopped salad.
- Family style – double or triple the recipe for a crowd, arranging the baked chicken on a large serving platter with pasta noodles in a separate bowl.
Storage and Preparation
Leftover chicken parmesan can be stored in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave, but this may soften the crust.
More Baked Chicken Recipes
Enjoy this healthier Baked Chicken Parmesan! If this recipe delights you as much as it does us, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!
- Begin by preheating the oven to 425 degrees F and preparing a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the chicken horizontally and set between plastic wrap. Using a meat tenderizer or rolling pin, flatten each chicken piece to about 1/2 inch thick, seasoning both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, flaxseed meal, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. In another separate shallow dish, whisk the eggs until frothy.
Coat each chicken cutlet in the egg mixture, then press into the breadcrumb mixture ensuring both sides are covered. Move to the prepared baking sheet and repeat for the remaining chicken breasts.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray and bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the chicken is completely cooked.
- When golden, add 1/4 cup of marinara sauce on each chicken breast and a slice of mozzarella cheese. Put back in the oven for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish the chicken with fresh basil and serve atop cooked spaghetti noodles with extra marinara sauce. Enjoy!
Serving: 1chicken breast | Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.4g | Protein: 35.2g | Fat: 10.8g | Saturated Fat: 3.3g | Cholesterol: 162.3mg | Sodium: 552mg | Fiber: 2.2g | Sugar: 2.1g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
**Delicious and Simple Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe**
Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American meal that brings together the delightful tastes of breaded chicken, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. This baked variant is not just straightforward to make but also a healthier option compared to the traditional fried version. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making a delightful Baked Chicken Parmesan that will please your palate.
**Ingredients:**
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (ideally Italian seasoned)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Cooking spray
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Set your oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
2. **Prepare the Chicken:**
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. If they are thick, you might want to flatten them to an even thickness for quicker and more consistent cooking.
3. **Set Up the Breading Station:**
Arrange three shallow bowls with flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese in the third.
4. **Bread the Chicken:**
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any surplus. Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, cover the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick properly.
5. **Bake the Chicken:**
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts, cooking for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
6. **Add Sauce and Cheese:**
Evenly distribute the marinara sauce over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7. **Bake to Perfection:**
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
8. **Garnish and Serve:**
Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for a few moments. Add fresh basil leaves as a garnish if desired. Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan with pasta, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete dining experience.
**Tips for Success:**
– For added flavor, consider mixing garlic powder or Italian seasoning into the breadcrumb mix.
– For a spicier kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinara sauce.
– To keep the chicken juicy, make sure not to overbake. A meat thermometer can ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe brings a wonderful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. Relish the comforting flavor of this classic dish with a healthier twist!
sparta