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 something so comforting about the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy chicken and rich marinara sauce that makes this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe a standout in my kitchen. It's simpler, healthier, and every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate.

A white plate on a white marbled texture holds a meal with three layers: the bottom layer is a nest of light yellow spaghetti noodles scattered loosely, some with bits of red tomato sauce; the middle layer is a thick piece of golden brown fried chicken with a crispy texture; the top layer is a mix of melted white cheese and more red tomato sauce spread over the chicken; green chopped herbs sprinkled on top and around add a fresh touch. Two silver forks rest on the left side of the plate. 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

I honestly can’t get enough of this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe. It takes everything we adore about the classic fried version but ditches the mess and extra calories from deep frying. Plus, it’s so quick to throw together that it’s become a weeknight favorite in my house.

Lighter Yet Satisfying: Skipping the frying keeps it healthier without sacrificing that golden, crispy crust.
Super Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it a no-fuss dinner option.
Moist & Flavorful: Brushing with butter before coating keeps the chicken juicy and adds depth to the flavor.
Customizable: Ready to adapt with different cheeses, herbs, or breadcrumbs to match your taste or pantry staples.

Three pieces of golden brown breaded chicken cutlets are placed on a white plate with a white marbled texture beneath. Each cutlet has three visual layers: a crispy textured chicken base, topped with a smooth round layer of melted white cheese, followed by a dollop of rich red tomato sauce, and sprinkled with thin strips of fresh green basil leaves. Around the chicken are scattered bright green basil leaves adding a fresh touch to the scene. The photo shows a close-up view with bright, natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in satisfying that crave-worthy combo of crispy, cheesy, and saucy that makes baked chicken Parmesan so beloved. Let me walk you through why I pick these staples and what to keep in mind when shopping.

Flat lay of four raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts arranged evenly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden seasoned breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely grated pale Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl holding shredded white mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red marinara sauce, and a small cluster of fresh bright green basil leaves, all placed 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 in half lengthwise means they cook evenly and stay tender—no dry chicken here.
Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Using pre-seasoned crumbs like 4C adds a nice herby punch without extra effort; gluten-free crumbs work great too.
Parmesan Cheese: Goes beyond topping—it blends with the breadcrumbs to create that unbeatable crust.
Butter (or Olive Oil): Brushing melted butter gives flavor and keeps breading moist as it bakes.
Mozzarella Cheese: Part-skim melts beautifully without excess oil, and Polly-O is my go-to for that perfect stretch.
Marinara Sauce: Pick a good-quality sauce you enjoy since it’s the heart of the dish.
Cooking Spray: Just a light mist helps ensure golden crispiness without sticking.
Basil or Parsley (optional): A fresh sprinkle at the end lifts the whole dish with color and a hint of brightness.

📝

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

One of the things I love most about this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your liking. Whether you want to make it a little cheesier or add some spice, there’s plenty of room to make it feel like yours.

Variation: I’ve swapped part of the mozzarella for provolone or fontina sometimes—adds a nice melt and slightly different flavor that feels fancy but takes no extra time.
Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free breadcrumbs I keep the dish approachable for friends with sensitivities without missing out.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix or swirl some spicy marinara for a little heat.
Herbs: Fresh basil tops it perfectly, but parsley or even oregano can shake up the profile depending on what’s on hand.

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

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half horizontally so you end up with thinner cutlets that cook evenly—about 8 pieces total. Preheat your oven to a sizzling 450°F and lightly spray a large baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Step 2: Create That Crispy Coating

In one bowl, combine your seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. In another, melt the butter—this step is key because brushing the chicken with butter before coating it helps the crumbs brown beautifully and keeps the crust crispy but not dry. Brush each piece of chicken with butter, then dredge it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing slightly to ensure good coverage. Place them spaced out on your greased baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Give the tops a light spray of cooking oil, then pop the tray in the oven for 25 minutes. This is when the magic happens—the chicken cooks through and the crust gets that irresistible crispy texture without frying.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Take the chicken out, spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce over each piece—it keeps things juicy and flavorful—then sprinkle 1 ½ tablespoons of shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Back in the oven they go for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts to gooey perfection.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe dozens of times, the secret to success really boils down to these small details that elevate the dish beyond your usual weeknight dinner.

Butter Brushing: Don’t skip brushing butter on the chicken before breading—it’s what prevents dryness and creates that crave-worthy golden crust.
Even Chicken Thickness: Splitting breasts evenly ensures all pieces cook at the same rate—no drying out or undercooking.
Quality Marinara: A sauce you enjoy eating on its own will always make this dish shine.
Final Bake Time: Keep an eye on the last 5 minutes so the cheese melts perfectly without burning.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley—that herbal pop brings freshness and color that makes the whole plate look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite pairings is a simple spaghetti tossed with garlic and olive oil or a light Caesar salad. Roasted veggies like asparagus or sautéed green beans also balance the meal perfectly and keep it feeling wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the chicken cutlets in a baking dish with extra cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving—turns it into an elegant, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds up surprisingly well, with the crust staying fairly crisp and the chicken moist.

Freezing

Sometimes I freeze leftovers by wrapping pieces tightly in plastic wrap then placing them in a freezer bag. When you thaw and reheat, it’s almost like freshly made—just be sure to reheat gently to keep the cheese from drying out.

Reheating

My go-to is reheating in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. This brings back the delightful crispness of the breadcrumb crust and melts the cheese just right without turning the chicken rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will result in a juicier dish, but you may want to adjust the baking time slightly since thighs are thicker and contain more fat. Just keep an eye on them so they cook through without drying out.

What’s the best way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap out the seasoned breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety. Many stores offer gluten-free panko or Italian-style breadcrumbs. Make sure your marinara sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The recipe works seamlessly with this substitution.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect if you want to prep in advance. Just bring the chicken to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

How do I avoid the chicken drying out when baked?

The key is slicing the chicken breasts thin and evenly, plus brushing them with melted butter before coating. Also, baking at a high temperature (450°F) for a relatively short time helps lock in juices. Avoid overbaking after adding the sauce and cheese by keeping that step to just 5 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe is hands down a staple in my rotation because it delivers classic comfort food vibes without the extra work or guilt of frying. It’s approachable for cooks at any level, always impresses without fuss, and makes dinner feel special on even the busiest nights. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it just as often as I do!