Name: Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each, sliced in half lengthwise to make 8 pieces); 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (such as 4C, or gluten-free breadcrumbs); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Romano cheese); 2 tbsp butter (melted, or olive oil); cooking spray; 3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded, such as Polly-o); 1 cup marinara sauce; basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

There’s something so comforting about a good Italian classic done right, and this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe hits all the right cozy notes without the mess of frying. Crispy, cheesy, and saucy—all baked to a golden perfection that’ll make your kitchen smell irresistible.

A white plate with a bed of long, light-colored, flat pasta noodles spread in a loose circle near the edges, some strands overlapping each other. On top of the pasta lies a golden-brown crispy fried piece of chicken, covered with bright red tomato sauce partly spread on the pasta beneath it. The chicken is topped with a layer of melted white cheese that looks smooth and slightly glossy. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the cheese, sauce, and pasta, adding a pop of color. A silver fork and spoon rest to the side of the plate, their handles visible. The whole scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe because it manages to be both indulgent and a bit lighter by skipping the fryer—trust me, it doesn't skimp on flavor or that satisfying crunch.

Simplified Cooking: Baking means less cleanup and a healthier dish without sacrificing that crispy, golden crust you expect from Chicken Parmesan.
Perfectly Moist Chicken: Coating the chicken in butter before the breadcrumb dip locks in juiciness that’s easy to miss when frying goes wrong.
Customizable Flavors: You can easily swap cheeses or add spices to match your taste without changing the recipe’s core magic.
Quick and Weeknight Friendly: Ready from start to finish in about 40 minutes—perfect for busy evenings or last-minute guests.

Three pieces of breaded chicken are laid out on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each piece has a golden-brown, crispy texture as the base layer. On top of each chicken piece, there is a round layer of melted white cheese, smooth and slightly shiny. On the cheese, there is a small dollop of bright red marinara sauce with a chunky texture. Thin strips of fresh green basil are scattered over the sauce, adding a pop of green color. Fresh whole basil leaves are placed around the chicken on the plate for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here come together so naturally—the buttery breadcrumbs bring crunch, while the Parmesan adds that umami punch. You’ll find the combination effortlessly balances flavor, texture, and ease.

Flat lay of four raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts arranged symmetrically, a small white ceramic bowl of golden melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with seasoned golden-brown breadcrumbs mixed with grated pale Parmesan cheese, a small pile of shredded white mozzarella cheese neatly placed on a simple white plate, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright red marinara sauce, and a few fresh green basil leaves scattered adjacent, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Slicing them lengthwise to thin cutlets speeds up cooking and gives more even breading coverage.
Seasoned breadcrumbs: Using pre-seasoned crumbs like 4C adds a depth of flavor without extra fuss. Gluten-free options work equally well!
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty crunch that perfectly complements the breadcrumbs.
Butter (or olive oil): Brushing on melted butter before coating ensures the crumbs stick and brown beautifully in the oven.
Mozzarella cheese: Part-skim keeps it from feeling too heavy, while still melting creamy and stringy on top.
Marinara sauce: Homemade or store-bought, a good quality sauce provides that classic tang and sweetness.
Cooking spray: A light spray on the baking sheet and a bit on top helps achieve crispiness without frying oil.
Basil or parsley: Optional fresh garnish brightens up the final presentation and flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this baked chicken Parmesan recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you want it spicy, extra cheesy, or allergen-friendly, there’s so much room to make it your own.

Variation: For a little smoky twist, I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix—it pairs wonderfully with the garlic and Parmesan flavors.
Gluten-Free: Swap regular seasoned breadcrumbs for a gluten-free brand to keep this meal safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without losing the crispiness.
Extra Cheese: Don’t be shy with the mozzarella—adding a bit more on top before baking gives a gorgeously bubbly, golden finish.
Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top after baking adds a burst of color and freshness I love.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Cutlets

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise if they’re thick. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Then, melt your butter (or get out some olive oil) because brushing the chicken before the breading step is a game changer. It keeps those crumbs sticking and browns beautifully in the oven.

Step 2: Coat with Breadcrumbs and Parmesan

Mix your seasoned breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan in a shallow bowl. Lightly brush your chicken with butter, then dip each piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well. Arrange them all on a sprayed baking sheet—give yourself room so air can circulate.

Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Spray a little more cooking spray on top of the coated chicken for that extra crisp. Pop them into a 450°F oven for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on the color, you want a golden crust without burning. This step locks in juiciness while crisping the crust.

Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese, Then Finish Baking

Pull the chicken out and spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese—about 1 ½ tablespoons per cutlet works perfectly. Pop them back in the oven for a quick 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Top Tip

After making this baked chicken Parmesan recipe several times, I’ve realized these little tweaks make all the difference to get that perfect flavor and texture every time.

Butter Brush: Always brush the chicken with melted butter or olive oil before breading—it’s the trick that keeps the coating crispy and flavorful without frying.
Even Coating: Press the breadcrumbs gently on the chicken rather than just dipping—it’ll adhere better and prevent crumb fall-off during baking.
Hot Oven: Bake at 450°F so the outside crisps before the chicken dries out—this high heat is key for juiciness and crunch.
Cheese Timing: Wait until near the end to add sauce and cheese so they melt perfectly without overcooking the chicken underneath.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

baked chicken parmesan - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley on top right before serving—it adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that brightens the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic, a simple Caesar salad, or even roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty, soul-satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the chicken over a nest of spiralized zucchini or alfredo pasta spirals, topped with a basil chiffonade and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a restaurant-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the breading holds up well if you let it cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. I usually freeze pre-baked cutlets without sauce or cheese for up to 2 months, then add sauce and cheese fresh before the final bake.

Reheating

For reheating, I recommend baking leftovers uncovered at 375°F for about 10–15 minutes to crisp them up again. Microwaving tends to soften the coating too much for my taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before slicing and breading them to ensure they cook evenly and the coating sticks properly.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken moist when baking?

Brushing the chicken with melted butter before coating is key—it helps lock in moisture and helps the breadcrumb crust crisp up without drying out the meat. Also, baking at a high temperature (450°F) seals the juices quickly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can! Use a dairy-free butter substitute to brush the chicken and swap parmesan and mozzarella for plant-based cheeses designed to melt well. Also, check your breadcrumbs to ensure they’re dairy-free.

How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from falling off?

Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken after brushing with butter or oil. Using a shallow bowl for breading and coating one piece at a time helps ensure an even crust. Avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet so crumbs don’t get knocked off during cooking.

Final Thoughts

This baked chicken Parmesan recipe has become my go-to for a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s healthier without skimping on the crispy, cheesy goodness we all love. Give it a try—you’ll find this technique not only saves time but also delivers comfort food that feels special every time you eat it.