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This Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe is a lighter, weeknight-friendly take on the classic comfort food everyone loves.
Crispy breaded chicken breasts are baked instead of fried, then topped with marinara and melty mozzarella for a cozy, satisfying dinner that feels special without a lot of extra work.
If you’d like to add easy chicken dinners as a regular part of your meal rotation, you might also enjoy my BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner, Easy Cashew Chicken, and Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas. Each one is simple to make, family-friendly, and perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade and delicious.
Why You’ll Love Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Baked, not fried: All the flavor of chicken parmesan with less mess and lighter prep.
- Crispy and cheesy: Golden breading paired with marinara and melty cheese.
- Weeknight friendly: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients
Find the full list of ingredients, amounts, and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken Breasts: The hearty base of this classic dish.
- Italian-Style Bread Crumbs: Create a flavorful, crispy coating.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, savory depth to the breading.
- Eggs: Help the breading stick to the chicken.
- Marinara Sauce & Mozzarella Cheese: The finishing touches that make this dish comforting and classic.
How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this easy baked chicken parmesan recipe:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (Photo 1).
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined (Photo 2).
Step 4: Dip each of the chicken pieces into the egg mixture (Photo 3), then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated (Photo 4). Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer on the baking sheet (Photo 5).
Step 5: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil and bake for 20 minutes (Photo 6).
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece (Photo 7) and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella (Photo 8).
Step 7: Return to the oven and bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Success
- Pound thicker chicken breasts slightly for more even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Keep an eye on the chicken during the second bake to avoid overcooking.
- Top with fresh basil or Italian seasoning for added flavor.
How to Serve
This baked chicken parmesan pairs well with a variety of sides, depending on whether you want something light or more comforting. Serve it over zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option, or alongside roasted acorn squash for a cozy, seasonal side. It’s also delicious with warm French baguettes for soaking up extra marinara, or with a simple lettuce salad drizzled with homemade Ranch dressing to keep the meal fresh and balanced.
How to Store
Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture, or microwave for convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well but may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.
You can bread the chicken ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
Spraying the tops with cooking spray helps the breading crisp while baking.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
- Ground Beef Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- French Onion Meatballs
- Chili Cornbread Casserole
- Skillet Lasagna
- Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
If you make this easy baked chicken parmesan recipe and enjoy it, please leave a comment with a 5-star recipe rating and let me know! Thank you!
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Equipment
- Cooking spray
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup Italian style bread crumbs
- 1 cup parmesan, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 4 chicken breast
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray. Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together until combined.
- One chicken breast at a time, coat both sides of the chicken in the egg, then transfer to the bread crumb mixture. Dredge the chicken in the mixture to ensure both sides are fully coated, then set aside on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts, placing them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Spray the coated chicken breasts with cooking spray, then bake them in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove the chicken from the oven. Top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella. Return to the oven for another 10 to 12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Notes
- Pound thicker chicken breasts slightly for more even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Keep an eye on the chicken during the second bake to avoid overcooking.
- Top with fresh basil or Italian seasoning for added flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
