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; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp butter (melted, or olive oil); 3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese; 1 cup marinara sauce; Cooking spray; Basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

There’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of bubbling cheese and herbs filling your kitchen — that’s exactly what you get with my favorite Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe. It’s a lighter twist on a beloved classic, delivering crispy, juicy chicken smothered in marinara and melted mozzarella without the mess of frying.

A white plate shows a bed of light yellow pasta strands arranged loosely in a circle. On top of the pasta is a golden-brown breaded chicken cutlet, partially covered with bright red tomato sauce and melted white cheese. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the cheese, sauce, and pasta for a pop of color. Two silver forks rest on the plate, slightly touching the pasta. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. 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’ve made this baked chicken Parmesan recipe countless times for weeknight dinners and casual weekend meals. It’s a total winner because it’s fuss-free, healthy, and hits all the comfort food notes without sacrificing flavor.

Lighter but Crispy: No frying necessary — the baked chicken comes out perfectly crisp using seasoned breadcrumbs and a touch of butter or olive oil.
Juicy & Flavorful Chicken: Brushing the chicken with melted butter keeps it moist, while the cheese and marinara give it that classic Italian-American taste.
Quick & Easy Prep: You can have this on the table in about 40 minutes — perfect for busy nights when you want something homemade without spending hours.
Customizable Simplicity: You can easily swap out cheeses, use gluten-free crumbs, or add your favorite herbs to tailor it just how you like.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a serving of creamy-colored spaghetti arranged loosely in a circular shape. On top, there is a golden-brown fried chicken piece covered with melted white cheese and tomato sauce, with small green parsley pieces sprinkled over it. A fork rests on the plate, holding a small piece of the fried chicken with tomato sauce, and the chicken shows a white inside layer. More tomato sauce and parsley are spread lightly over the spaghetti and around the plate edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe comes together with straightforward ingredients that balance texture and flavor beautifully. Each component plays a role in making sure every bite is tender, crispy, and cheesy.

Flat lay of fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of seasoned golden breadcrumbs, a small white bowl filled with finely grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter in a small white bowl, shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese in a simple white bowl, vibrant red marinara sauce served in a small white bowl, and a few bright green basil leaves arranged neatly, 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: I slice them lengthwise to thin the cutlets so they cook quickly and evenly, which also helps keep them juicy.
Seasoned breadcrumbs: Using a pre-seasoned brand like 4C saves on extra seasoning, but you can also make your own or try gluten-free crumbs if needed.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch to the breadcrumb coating that’s key to that signature flavor.
Melted butter or olive oil: Brushing this onto the chicken before breading helps the crust crisp up nicely without deep frying.
Part-skim mozzarella cheese: I go with Polly-O for its melty texture that gives you gooey cheesiness without too much fat.
Marinara sauce: A good-quality marinara really elevates this dish — I like it chunky and herby for that fresh, hearty tomato flavor.
Cooking spray: Lightly sprayed on top before baking for an extra crisp golden finish.
Basil or parsley (optional): Fresh herbs sprinkled on right before serving add bright color and a fragrant lift.

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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 about this baked chicken Parmesan recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over time, I’ve tried swapping cheeses and spices to suit different moods and dietary needs — and honestly, it’s hard to go wrong.

Variation: I often use shredded provolone instead of mozzarella for a sharper tang—my family can’t get enough of it!
Dietary swaps: For gluten-free options, just choose gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your marinara sauce. It’s just as good.
Herb boosts: Toss in some dried oregano or Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs for an extra flavor kick that makes this extra special.
Heat it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara before spooning it on for a subtle spicy twist.

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

Step 1: Prep & Coat the Chicken

First, preheat your oven to 450°F and lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. While that’s heating, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, melt your butter (or use olive oil if you prefer). I like to brush the melted butter directly on the chicken pieces — this step is key for creating that great golden crust. Then, dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure every side gets coated well. Place the coated chicken on your prepared baking sheet and repeat for all pieces.

Step 2: Bake Until Golden & Crispy

Give the chicken a quick spritz of cooking spray on top — this helps with extra crispness in the oven. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You want the chicken cooked through and the crust turning a beautiful golden brown. No flipping needed here, which is one less thing to worry about.

Step 3: Sauce & Cheese Finish

When the chicken’s baked, take it out and spoon about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over each piece. Then sprinkle roughly 1 ½ tablespoons of shredded mozzarella on top. Pop it back in the oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. At this point, the kitchen smells incredible — that’s your cue to start setting the table!

Top Tip

Having made this baked chicken Parmesan recipe many times, I’ve picked up some handy little tips to help you nail it on your first go. These tricks helped me avoid soggy coatings and dry chicken, so I’m confident they’ll give you great results.

Butter Brush: Don’t skip brushing the chicken with melted butter before breading—it’s the secret to that crisp, golden crust without frying.
Even Thickness: Slice your chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
Cooking Spray Finish: A light spray on top before baking gives you that perfect crunch—just be careful not to overdo it so the coating stays intact.
Hot Oven: Baking at 450°F cooks the chicken quickly for juicy meat and crispy coating—lower temps can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Baked Chicken Parmesan - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley over the finished chicken Parmesan — it adds a bright pop of color and fresh aroma that lifts the whole dish. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts either if you’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli tossed with garlic and olive oil. Classic spaghetti with extra marinara sauce on the side also pairs perfectly for a hearty, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

When serving this at a dinner party, I sometimes slice the finished chicken into strips and arrange it over a bed of creamy risotto or a vibrant roasted vegetable medley. Drizzling a little balsamic glaze around the plate gives it a restaurant-worthy touch that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3 days. The key is to let it cool a bit before refrigerating so the cheese doesn’t get rubbery when reheated.

Freezing

Freezing works great too, especially if you want to meal prep. I wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then tuck them all into a freezer bag. They freeze for up to 2 months. When you want one, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and melts the cheese nicely again. I avoid microwaves since that can make the chicken rubbery and the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too. They’re a little more forgiving with juiciness and add a richer flavor. Just adjust the baking time slightly as thighs can be thicker — aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap out the seasoned breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Also, check your marinara sauce label to confirm it’s gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy switch without losing that crispy texture.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance and bake later?

Yes, you can bread the chicken in advance and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to keep it well-wrapped so it doesn’t dry out. Baking time remains the same once it goes into the oven.

What’s the best way to get the cheese melted perfectly?

Adding the mozzarella cheese after the initial bake and giving it a quick final bake (about 5 minutes) ensures the cheese melts evenly without overcooking the chicken. Using part-skim mozzarella helps prevent too much oil from separating while still getting that gooey melt.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate—simple, satisfying, and made just a little healthier. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as reliable and delicious for your family and friends as I do. Trust me, once you try baking instead of frying, you won’t look back!