Make restaurant-quality, crispy Chicken Parmesan without frying. This baked version is quick, cheesy, and perfect for a weeknight family dinner.
Author:David Bako
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:23 min
Total Time:38 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for breading)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish. Whisk eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, oregano, and garlic powder.
Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko mixture to coat completely.
Place the breaded cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly drizzle the tops with olive oil to promote crispiness.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over each cutlet. Top generously with mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Serve immediately over pasta or with a side salad.
Notes
For extra crispiness, place the breaded chicken on a wire rack set inside the baking sheet before baking.
Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
If you prefer a saucier top, add the sauce after the initial 15-minute bake, but before the final cheese topping.