Baked Chicken Parmesan

Our easy Baked Chicken Parmesan is a classic recipe that every member of the family will enjoy. Be sure to read through our pro tips and freezer meal methods to save yourself time and money!

Not only is Chicken Parmesan my favorite dish from my childhood, but it’s a family favorite around my house now, too.  It’s also one of the first meals I ever learned to cook on my own, because it’s so simple and yummy.

If you couldn’t tell already, we have a thing for Chicken Parmesan Recipes. Here are a few variations of this classic recipe:

• Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Sliders
• Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Sliders
• Chicken Parmesan Casserole

I mean, can you blame us for coming up with all sorts of ways to combine the delicious flavors of breaded chicken, marinara, and cheese? I think not.

A Few Cooking Tips

1. Avoid Food Poisoning

You can definitely get sick from raw or undercooked chicken.  So, be sure to keep all the raw chicken and the surfaces it touches away from everything else. Use a disinfectant spray or hot soapy water to wash your counter.  Be sure to wash your hands with warm, soapy water immediately after handling.

2. Prepare Well

Read over the entire recipe carefully and make sure you understand all the steps before starting. Then, collect all the tools you’ll need.  Here’s what you’ll need:

• plastic wrap
• 9×13 dish or baking sheet
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil
• Two shallow dishes or bowls
• Spoon
• Measuring cups

Work Ahead of Time:

You can bread the chicken ahead of time and put them in the fridge (for up to a day or so) until you’re ready to cook them. If you do this, set them out on the counter for about 10 minutes before putting them in the oven to take the chill off.

What Ingredients Do I Need for Baked Chicken Parmesan?

Here is what you’ll need to make this easy-peasy recipe. You probably have all of the ingredients already!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• Egg
• A splash of water (or milk)
• Dried bread crumbs (you can use Italian seasoned bread crumbs, whole wheat, or Panko bread crumbs)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Marinara sauce (Here is how to make your own marinara in the crockpot)
• Shredded Mozzarella cheese

How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan

Now, let’s get down to business. You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the chicken and another 25 minutes to bake and finish it. Just follow these steps:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cover a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil that’s sprayed with cooking spray.

In a shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper.

In another shallow dish, whisk together the egg and a splash of water. 

On a cutting board, slice chicken in half lengthwise, resulting in 6 thinner chicken breasts.

Using just one hand to touch the raw chicken, season the front and back of each chicken breast with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip chicken breasts, one at a time, in egg mixture, turning to coat. Allow excess to drip off.

Then dip chicken pieces in breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat. Press the mixture onto the chicken so it sticks. Place breaded chicken on the sheet pan. (Freezing instructions begin here.)

Bake for 15-18 minutes, until the thickest piece registers close to 160°F internally with a meat thermometer.

Top each chicken breast with about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce (enough to mostly cover the piece). Then, sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each piece, as well. Put chicken back in the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Serve warm over pasta, if desired.

Can I Freeze Baked Chicken Parmesan?

Like many of our amazing freezer meals, we have provided methods to prep this meal ahead and freeze for later.

Freeze For Later: Bread the chicken and place in a single layer in a flat gallon-sized freezer bag or casserole dish. Divide layers with parchment paper, if needed. Seal the bag or tightly wrap the dish. Freeze alongside a bag of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Prepare From Frozen: Thaw chicken completely in the refrigerator over night. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake according to the recipe.

What to Serve with Baked Chicken Parmesan

I usually serve this dish with some whole wheat pasta (like angel hair, egg noodles, etc) that has been tossed with butter and Parmesan cheese.  We have a recipe for Butter Noodles, if you want to follow that. A side salad, steamed veggie, and maybe some nice crusty bread would finish it nicely.