Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan
A fuss-free, crispy baked chicken parmesan recipe that delivers golden crunchy crust and melty mozzarella without frying. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170g each), pounded to even thickness
- Salt and pepper, to season
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (150g), preferably Japanese-style
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Olive oil spray or melted butter, for coating
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (375ml)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (225g)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Place chicken breasts between parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound to about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thickness.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, dried Italian herbs, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into eggs, and press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Place coated chicken breasts on the wire rack. Lightly spray or brush tops with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
- Remove from oven. Spoon about 3 tablespoons marinara sauce over each breast and top with fresh mozzarella slices.
- Return to oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles without browning too much.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a wire rack to ensure crispiness by allowing air circulation. Press breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken for better crust adhesion. Let chicken rest before serving to keep cheese melty and juices locked in. For gluten-free, substitute panko and flour with gluten-free alternatives. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crust crispness; reheat in oven on wire rack instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken parmesan, baked chicken parmesan, crispy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, mozzarella, panko crust