Baked Chicken Parmesan

Our easy, healthier Baked Chicken Parmesan is a classic recipe that every member of the family will enjoy. You can even prep this meal ahead and freeze for later using our instructions.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

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.

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

• Plain dry breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning, crushed in hand
• Garlic powder
• Salt & pepper
• Large egg
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (here’s where we get ours from)
• Marinara sauce
• Shredded or fresh mozzarella cheese

How to Make 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. Here’s the general overview (find all the details in the printable recipe card at the bottom):

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, salt, and pepper. In a second 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. 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 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (or two pieces of fresh mozzarella) 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.

If you’re simply wondering how long to bake your Chicken Parmesan at 350°F, the answer is that it depends on the thickness of your chicken breast. If you’ve pounded out or sliced your chicken breast into thin cutlets, the bake time is only 15-18 minutes.

However, for a full chicken breast, the bake time at 350°F will be 25-30 minutes. It’s done with when the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken breast registers 160-165°F or there is no longer any pink inside. (The temp will continue to rise a few degrees after being removed from the oven.)

Photos and video by Whitney Reist of Sweet Cayenne.