If you are looking for the best Chicken Parmesan recipe, look no further! This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy, juicy, and full of incredible flavor, yet it is baked for a lighter version of this Italian Classic!

For more Italian Favorites, check out Oven Baked Meatballs, Easy Lasagna, or Slow Cooker Baked Ziti.

One of my all-time favorite meals is Chicken Parmesan. I adore the crispy chicken smothered in rich marinara and mozzarella cheese…..I mean, there is not much not to like about that, right?!

This classic Italian dish is typically pan-fried and has a reputation for being a heavy dish. I make my Chicken Parmesan lightened up, but every bit as tasty as the classic.

While I love restaurant’s Chicken Parmesan, I love my Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan just as much, if not more.

This Parmesan Crusted Chicken is full of flavor, crispy, juicy, and when smothered in tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella, it is simply PERFECT! Truly one of my all-time favorite comfort foods.

How to get Crispy Baked Breaded Chicken

There are a few tricks to making incredibly crispy breaded chicken in the oven. I used these same tricks to make Chicken Tenders, which is another family favorite.

Panko Breadcrumbs–The panko breadcrumbs give this chicken crunch and texture. I highly recommend panko breadcrumbs over Italian breadcrumbs whenever possible.
High Heat–By using a high temperature, the breading has a chance to brown before the chicken gets overcooked.
Baking Rack–It is so important to cook this Parmesan Crusted Chicken on a baking rack placed on a sheet pan. By elevating the chicken on a baking rack, the heat can circulate evenly, allowing the breading to brown evenly.

How To Make Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Step One: Prepare Chicken

I love to buy thin chicken cutlets to cut down on preparation, but they can be expensive. You can make chicken cutlets easily yourself.

Place one hand flat on top of a chicken breast and holding knife parallel to the cutting board, slice it horizontally, from the thick end to the thin end, into two even pieces.
Place chicken in between two pieces of plastic wrap.
Pound chicken breasts with meat mallet evenly.
Season each side of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step Two: Set Up Breading Station

Set up three shallow dishes.
In the first dish, mix together flour with seasonings.
In the second dish, whisk together eggs.
In the third dish, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.

Step Three: Bread Chicken

Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess flour.
Dip in egg mixture, shaking off excess.
Evenly coat chicken with breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing the mixture into the chicken to coat.
Place chicken on a rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with a baking rack.
Lightly spray chicken breasts with olive oil cooking spray.

Step Four: Bake Chicken

Bake chicken for 10 minutes.

Step Five: Finish Chicken Parmesan

Place breaded chicken in 9×13 pan.
Top each chicken breast with 1-2 tablespoon marinara sauce and 1 slice of fresh mozzarella.
Return to oven and bake for 5-8 more minutes, or until cheese is browned and melted.

Step Six: Serve Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is traditionally served with spaghetti and marinara. I love to serve it with a tossed salad and garlic bread.

Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan

I love to use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, but regular panko breadcrumbs work as well.
For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of jarred Parmesan.
If you don’t have baking rack, use an oven safe stainless steel cooling rack instead. If you don’t have either, place breaded chicken directly onto greased baking sheet and flip after 5 minutes of cook time.
If you love garlic flavor, feel free to add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the bread crumb mixture.

Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

How to get Crispy Baked Breaded Chicken