Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
If there’s one meal that never fails to impress both family and guests, it’s the Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe—or as Italians call it, Pollo alla Parmigiana.
I still remember the first time I made it at home. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was craving something warm, comforting, and full of flavor. I didn’t feel like frying (or cleaning up the oil splatters afterward), so I decided to try an oven-baked version instead. And wow—the result was everything I hoped for and more.
This Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe has that perfect balance of crispy coating, juicy chicken, and gooey melted cheese smothered in rich tomato sauce—all without deep-frying. It’s healthier, easier, and every bit as satisfying as the classic version you’d get in an Italian restaurant.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner, a date night in, or a Sunday family meal, this Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe hits all the right notes—golden, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
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Ingredients for Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
This Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe makes 4 generous servings.
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs total)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Olive oil spray (for coating)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
This Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe comes together in simple steps—and your kitchen will smell like an Italian trattoria in no time!
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. You should have four pieces total.
Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to about ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and that perfect juicy texture.
Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
You’ll need three shallow bowls or plates:
- Flour mixture: Add the flour and a pinch of salt.
- Egg wash: Beat the eggs with a tablespoon of water until combined.
- Breadcrumb mixture: Combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Dip each chicken cutlet first in flour (shake off excess), then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Place each breaded chicken breast on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Lightly spray the tops of the breaded chicken cutlets with olive oil spray—this helps them crisp up in the oven.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Your kitchen will already smell incredible by now—that’s the Parmesan and garlic doing their magic!
Step 4: Make the Sauce (Optional)
While the chicken bakes, prepare your sauce.
In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the marinara sauce, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to develop flavor.
If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and use a quality jarred marinara sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Chicken Parmesan
Once the chicken is baked and crispy, remove the tray from the oven.
Spoon a few tablespoons of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If you want that signature golden-brown finish, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch it closely!).
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness.
That’s it—a perfect Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe that’s crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor, ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
The Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe is such a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with many sides. Here are some of my favorites:
- Classic spaghetti: Serve over a bed of spaghetti tossed in marinara or olive oil.
- Zucchini noodles: For a lighter, low-carb option.
- Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
- Roasted veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans balance the richness.
- Side salad: A simple Caesar or Italian salad adds freshness.
If you’re serving this for guests, pair it with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon — the perfect Italian dinner!
Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Pound chicken evenly. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry edges.
- Don’t skip the oil spray. It gives that fried-like crispness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and adds authentic flavor.
- Avoid soggy chicken. Keep the sauce and cheese for the last few minutes of baking—this keeps the breading crisp.
- Rest before serving. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing or serving so the cheese sets slightly.
- Use quality marinara sauce. A flavorful sauce makes a huge difference.
- Double batch for meal prep. It reheats beautifully, so you’ll have easy lunches all week.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try mixing things up!
1. Spicy Chicken Parmesan
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumb mix for a kick of heat.
2. Pesto Chicken Parmesan
Replace marinara with a layer of basil pesto and top with mozzarella—it’s bright and aromatic!
3. Chicken Parmesan Subs
Tuck the baked chicken into toasted sandwich rolls, add marinara and cheese, and melt under the broiler. Instant handheld comfort food!
4. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Cook the breaded chicken in the air fryer at 375°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Add sauce and cheese, then air fry another 2 minutes until melted.
5. Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a celiac-friendly twist.
6. Lightened-Up Version
Use part-skim mozzarella and a lighter coating of cheese for a lower-calorie meal.
7. Eggplant Parmesan Variation
Swap chicken for thin slices of breaded eggplant for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I make Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread and bake the chicken ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven, top with sauce and cheese, and bake until hot and bubbly.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
3. How do I reheat Chicken Parmesan?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving — it can make the breading soggy.
4. Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Yes! Assemble the dish without baking the final step (sauce and cheese). Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 400°F for about 30–35 minutes.
5. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and gives better flavor.
6. What if I don’t have Italian breadcrumbs?
Mix plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a little extra Parmesan.
7. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip Parmesan in the coating.
8. What’s the difference between Chicken Parmesan and Chicken Parmigiana?
They’re the same dish! “Parmigiana” is the Italian name; “Parmesan” is the Americanized version.
9. Why did my chicken turn out soggy?
Likely too much sauce or baking for too long after adding cheese. Add sauce just before the final bake, and don’t overdo it.
10. What’s the best side dish for Chicken Parmesan?
You can’t go wrong with pasta, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad. It’s all about balancing richness with freshness.
Nutrition Information (Approx. per serving)
(Based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients used.
Final Thoughts on Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic like the Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that never goes out of style—simple, hearty, and packed with flavor.
This Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe proves you don’t need to fry to get that same crispy texture and delicious taste. It’s lighter, easier, and still feels like a special meal you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant.
Every time I make this, it brings back memories of cozy dinners, the smell of bubbling cheese, and the joy of gathering around the table with family. It’s a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—just made with love and a few quality ingredients.
So the next time you’re craving Italian, skip the takeout and make this Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe at home. It’s golden, crispy, saucy, and everything you want in a weeknight (or weekend) dinner.
Mangia bene—eat well and enjoy every cheesy bite!