Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

If you are looking for the best Chicken Parmesan recipe, look no further! This Baked Chicken Parmesan is crispy, juicy, and full of incredible flavor, yet a lighter version of the classicly fried Italian recipe.

Serve Homemade Chicken Parmesan with a side of pasta, Homemade Garlic Toast, and a Copycat Panera Greek Salad, for a delicious, hearty meal.

Jump to:

• Baked Not Fried
• The Secret to Crispy Baked Chicken
• Step-By-Step Directions
• Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan
• More Chicken Breast Recipes
• Recipe
• Comments

Baked Not Fried

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?!

But this classic Italian dish pan-fried and quite a heavy, high-calorie dish. My recipe for Chicken Parmesan is not at all heavy, yet every bit as tasty as the classic.

Crusted with Parmesan and Panko breadcrumbs, the chicken is baked for crispy, juicy, flavorful chicken that mimics the pan-fried texture. The Crispy Parmesan Chicken is finished with a classic topping of mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, this dish truly knocks it out of the park!

The Secret to Crispy Baked Chicken

To make perfectly crispy baked Chicken Parmesan, I use the same tricks as I do for my recipe for 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.

Step-By-Step Directions

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 a 9x13 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.
• Serve as desired.

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 a baking rack, use an oven-safe stainless steel cooling rack instead. If you don't have either, place breaded chicken directly onto a 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.

More Chicken Breast Recipes

• The Best Chicken Marsala
• Honey Lemon Chicken Skillet
• Greek Chicken
• Chicken Piccata
• Instant Pot Chicken Breasts
• Easy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu

If you enjoyed Homemade Chicken Parmesan, I would love for you to leave a comment and rating below. 

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