Baked Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that captures the essence of Italian-American comfort food. But it’s about more than just the chicken; it’s about creating a well-rounded meal. For that, I love pairing it with a side of spaghetti aglio e olio, lightly coated with garlic-infused olive oil and sprinkled with a hint of parsley. The simplicity of the garlic spaghetti complements the richness of the chicken, adding a lovely contrast.

You can also serve it alongside a fresh arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. The peppery taste of arugula balances the buttery flavors of the baked chicken. And let’s not forget some crusty garlic bread—it’s a must for mopping up that wonderful marinara sauce.

Now, let’s dive headfirst into why Baked Chicken Parmesan is a standout recipe for anyone in the kitchen today.

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A Dish Worth Loving

Here’s the deal: Baked Chicken Parmesan is not only gratifying but also straightforward to make, which is why it takes center stage on my dinner table. After a long day, pulling this dish together feels like a warm hug. It brings back memories of family dinners where laughter mingled with the aroma of cheese and herbs. As an avid home cook and a registered dietitian, I appreciate food that is both flavorful and health-conscious.

With this recipe, you get the comfort of a rich Italian meal without all the fuss. Plus, baking instead of frying means less oil and fewer calories. That’s a bonus that I can’t ignore. The combination of crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty marinara is irresistible. Let’s face it; this is the kind of dish that makes your family cheer.

I’ve had the pleasure of experimenting with ingredients to shape a dish that feels balanced and satisfying. Let me take you through what goes into this delightful meal.

Ingredients List

1 jar (approximately 24 ounces) of rich marinara sauce
This acts as the base, adding deep, comforting flavors.

1/2 bunch of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Freshness in every bite; it brightens up the dish.

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, separated
Great for both cooking and dressing.

1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
This blend brings complexity and depth.

4 large eggs, beaten
A binding agent for the breadcrumbs.

2 1/2 cups Japanese-style panko crumbs
These give the chicken a fantastic crisp.

2 pounds thinly sliced chicken breast cutlets (about 8 pieces)
The star of the show, lean yet fulfilling.

1/3 cup plain all-purpose flour
For dredging—it helps the egg and crumbs stick.

2 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt, divided
Essential for flavoring the chicken and crumbs.

Zest of 1 small lemon
Adds that zing we all love.

12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
Because melted cheese makes everything better.

5 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese
Nutty and salty, it tops off the dish beautifully.

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For those who like a bit of heat.

1 small bunch of fresh basil leaves, torn
A fragrant finish that encapsulates every bite.

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Essential for a little kick.

How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to make a dish that will surely impress.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). You want the chicken to bake evenly and get that golden brown color we crave.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station

Now, while the oven warms up, it’s time to set up a little production line. In one bowl, place the flour mixed with 1 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. Finally, in a third bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, Italian herb blend, black pepper, and remaining salt. Keep everything close at hand; you’ll be working quickly here.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Take a piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour first, making sure to coat it lightly. Shake off the excess, then dip it in the beaten egg—let that excess drip off, too. Finally, coat it with the panko mixture. Press down gently, ensuring it sticks. Repeat the process for each cutlet. Trust me; that crunch will be worth it.

Step 4: Sauté for Crispness

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, add your coated chicken slices (you may need to work in batches). Sauté for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step is all about enhancing that crunch before it goes into the oven.

Step 5: Assemble in the Baking Dish

After the chicken is nicely browned, spread about half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer the chicken cutlets over the sauce. Then, pour the rest of the marinara sauce on top of the chicken. Add the lemon zest generously over the sauce.

Step 6: Cheese, Please

Time to layer that cheesy goodness! Lay the mozzarella slices over the chicken, ensuring every piece is covered. Finish it off with the grated Parmesan. At this point, it’s worth noting that cheese really elevates this dish, melding everything together.

Step 7: Bake Away

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful bubbling cheese and a delightful golden hue.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

When it’s out of the oven, the scent will be heavenly. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before garnishing with torn basil and chopped parsley. You want to give it a moment to cool slightly, making it easier to serve.

Recipe Notes

Understanding the ingredients can elevate your cooking game. Here are some notes on the star ingredients:

Marinara Sauce: Opt for a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade if time permits. It’s critical for flavor.

Panko Crumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs create an incredible crunch. They soak up less oil than traditional breadcrumbs.

Chicken Breast: Thin cutlets cook faster, keeping them juicy while achieving a satisfying texture.

Olive Oil: A higher-quality extra-virgin olive oil enhances both the flavor and health benefits of this dish.

Cheese Selection: Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess, while Parmesan gives it a salty depth. They work in harmony.

Recipe Variations

While Baked Chicken Parmesan is a classic, feel free to innovate:

Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve over spiralized zucchini instead of pasta.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pankocrumbs and flour to cater to dietary restrictions.

Spicy Twist: Mix some sriracha with the marinara for a kick.

Veggie-Packed: Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms into the marinara for added nutrients.

Sheila Browder

Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Baked Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that captures the essence of Italian-American comfort food. But it’s about more than just the chicken; it’s about creating a well-rounded meal. For that, I love pairing it with a side of spaghetti aglio e olio, lightly coated with garlic-infused olive oil and sprinkled with a hint of parsley. The simplicity of the garlic spaghetti complements the richness of the chicken, adding a lovely contrast.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Breakfast, Lunch

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 1 jar approximately 24 ounces of rich marinara sauce
• .1/2 bunch of flat-leaf parsley roughly chopped
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil separated
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
• 4 large eggs beaten
• 2 1/2 cups Japanese-style panko crumbs
• 2 pounds thinly sliced chicken breast cutlets about 8 pieces
• 1/3 cup plain all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt divided
• Zest of 1 small lemon
• 12 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced
• 5 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 1 small bunch of fresh basil leaves torn
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Method

 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). You want the chicken to bake evenly and get that golden brown color we crave.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station

1. Now, while the oven warms up, it’s time to set up a little production line. In one bowl, place the flour mixed with 1 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. Finally, in a third bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, Italian herb blend, black pepper, and remaining salt. Keep everything close at hand; you’ll be working quickly here.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

1. Take a piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour first, making sure to coat it lightly. Shake off the excess, then dip it in the beaten egg—let that excess drip off, too. Finally, coat it with the panko mixture. Press down gently, ensuring it sticks. Repeat the process for each cutlet. Trust me; that crunch will be worth it.

Step 4: Sauté for Crispness

1. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling, add your coated chicken slices (you may need to work in batches). Sauté for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step is all about enhancing that crunch before it goes into the oven.

Step 5: Assemble in the Baking Dish

1. After the chicken is nicely browned, spread about half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer the chicken cutlets over the sauce. Then, pour the rest of the marinara sauce on top of the chicken. Add the lemon zest generously over the sauce.

Step 6: Cheese, Please

1. Time to layer that cheesy goodness! Lay the mozzarella slices over the chicken, ensuring every piece is covered. Finish it off with the grated Parmesan. At this point, it’s worth noting that cheese really elevates this dish, melding everything together.

Step 7: Bake Away

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful bubbling cheese and a delightful golden hue.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. When it’s out of the oven, the scent will be heavenly. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before garnishing with torn basil and chopped parsley. You want to give it a moment to cool slightly, making it easier to serve.

Notes

Understanding the ingredients can elevate your cooking game. Here are some notes on the star ingredients:

Marinara Sauce: Opt for a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade if time permits. It’s critical for flavor.

Panko Crumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs create an incredible crunch. They soak up less oil than traditional breadcrumbs.

Chicken Breast: Thin cutlets cook faster, keeping them juicy while achieving a satisfying texture.

Olive Oil: A higher-quality extra-virgin olive oil enhances both the flavor and health benefits of this dish.

Cheese Selection: Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess, while Parmesan gives it a salty depth. They work in harmony.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Parmesan isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It brings people together, fills the home with warmth, and leaves everyone asking for seconds. With a little bit of prep work and some quality ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only healthy but also indulgent.

So, fire up your oven, gather your loved ones, and dive into this delightful dinner. And remember, cooking is about sharing joy and creating memories—this dish embodies that perfectly. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!

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