Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Easy, crispy baked chicken parmesan is the perfect 30-minute dinner solution. After making this countless times, I’ve discovered the trick to a perfectly crispy crust and a tender, juicy chicken breast every time. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies and Peaches and Cream Crumble Bars.

What You'll Need for Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Optional: Fresh basil leaves
• Optional: Red pepper flakes
• Optional: Grated parmesan cheese

How to Make Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

1. Prepare the chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts horizontally, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then set aside.
2. Set up the breading station: In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning (if using).
3. Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Bake the chicken: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C), place the breaded chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
5. Add the sauce and cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven, top each breast with 1/4 cup marinara sauce and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, then return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Storing & Reheating Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the breaded chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Freezing Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Freeze cooked chicken parmesan for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and reheat for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat and make the chicken soggy.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
• Best substitution: Use store-bought Italian seasoning if you don't have fresh herbs.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the breaded chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If the chicken is not crispy, try increasing the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C) and baking for an additional 5 minutes.

Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

⏱

Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

25 mins

⏳

Total

40 mins

🍽

Serves

4 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free option: use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Fresh basil leaves
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts horizontally, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then set aside.
2. Set up the breading station: In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning (if using).
3. Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Bake the chicken: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C), place the breaded chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
5. Add the sauce and cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven, top each breast with 1/4 cup marinara sauce and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, then return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
• Best substitution: Use store-bought Italian seasoning if you don't have fresh herbs.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the breaded chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
• Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If the chicken is not crispy, try increasing the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C) and baking for an additional 5 minutes.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken parmesan for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Oven reheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and reheat for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave reheat: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat and make the chicken soggy.
• Make ahead: Prepare the breaded chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sat. Fat: 10g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!