Today, I am sharing the recipe for Baked Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parm or Parmigiana. This dish puts a delightful spin on the Italian-American classic by baking it instead of frying, making it a healthier option without compromising on flavor.
What You’ll Find On This Page
You can enjoy this crispy, cheesy delight with a side of pasta, a crisp salad, or your favorite roasted veggies. It's perfect for a satisfying lunch or a comforting dinner.
Baked Chicken Parmesan has its roots in the classic Italian Eggplant Parmesan, but it's a uniquely Italian-American dish that you'll mostly find in Italian-American restaurants. This recipe is a wonderful example of how traditional dishes can inspire new creations, bringing a fresh and exciting twist that everyone can love.
For this recipe, we coat chicken breasts in a Parmesan-rich breadcrumb mix and then bake them to get that perfect crispiness, all without having to fry them. We then add a tomato based sauce like marinara and a layer of melted mozzarella cheese on top. A final bake in the oven melds all the flavors and textures together into a truly delicious dish.
Discover an Array of Chicken Breast Recipes:
- Baked Chicken Breast
- Garlic Butter Chicken
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Lemon Chicken
- Pesto Chicken
- Chicken Marsala
- Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To prepare Baked Chicken Parmesan, we use a blend of simple yet flavorful ingredients, most of which are commonly found in major grocery stores. Let's take a look at them below.
Ingredients for the Sauce
- Tomatoes: Choose from tomato puree, sauce, or diced tomatoes. I personally love using diced tomatoes for their robust flavor.
- Onion and Garlic: These kitchen staples add a wonderful aroma and really enhance the flavors in the sauce.
- Dried Italian Herbs: You can use dried basil or a blend of Italian herbs. When I have them on hand, I opt for fresh herbs to brighten up the flavor.
- Basic Seasonings: A pinch of chili flakes and some black pepper add just the right amount of kick. Adjust these to your taste!
- Oil: Whether it’s olive, canola, or vegetable oil, any will do. I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its authentic flavor and the light, fresh taste it brings to the sauce.
Ingredient for Breading the Chicken
- Chicken Breast: Use medium-sized, skinless, and boneless chicken breasts. I like to slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly and get perfectly coated.
- Flour: A mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch creates a fantastic base that helps the rest of the breading stick nicely.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: These are my go-to for adding that irresistible crunch to the chicken's exterior.
- Parmesan Cheese: Blended right into the breadcrumbs, it gives the chicken a wonderfully cheesy and crispy finish.
- Basic Seasonings: A dash of oregano, chili flakes, and black pepper brings a warm and zesty flavor to the breading.
- Mozzarella Cheese: We’ll sprinkle this on top later for that beautiful stretchy, melty effect that everyone loves.
- Eggs: These are crucial for binding everything together, ensuring the flour and breadcrumbs adhere well and create a beautifully even crust.
Explore More Baked Chicken Recipes:
- Baked Chicken Thighs
- Oven Roasted Whole Chicken
- Oven Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Oven Baked Chicken Wings
How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Let’s bake this Chicken Parmesan together with my step-by-step guide, complete with photos and a video. We’ll prepare the sauce, mix the breading, coat the chicken, and then bake it to golden perfection. Ready to start? Let’s get cooking!
Enjoy More Parmesan Based Dishes:
- Chicken Parmesan
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
For Sauce
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 tbsp Onion, chopped, white, purple or yellow onion
- 2 tbsp Garlic, finely chopped
- 14 oz Diced Tomato
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Basil Leaves
- Salt, to taste
For Egg Mixture
- 3 Egg
- ¼ tsp Salt
For Breading
- 1 cup All Purpose flour
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumb
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Oregano
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
Other Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless Chicken Breast, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- Salt, to taste
- Mozzarella Cheese, for topping
- Cilantro or Basil Leaves, for garnishing
Instructions
Making the Sauce
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the oil. Once hot, add onions and garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and take on a golden color.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and continue to cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Allow the tomatoes to soften thoroughly, which will make them easier to mash and help concentrate their flavors.
- Use a potato masher to crush the tomatoes right in the skillet. Aim for a soft, mushy consistency to ensure a smooth sauce with a rich texture.
- Add chili flakes, black pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Simmer the mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This simmering allows the seasonings to infuse throughout the sauce, enhancing its overall flavor.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside for later use in the recipe.
Breading the Chicken
- Season each chicken breast slice with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set them aside to marinate briefly, which helps the spices infuse deeper into the meat.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt until the mixture is nicely frothy. This texture helps the egg mixture stick better to the chicken.
- Combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, pepper powder, oregano, and a dash of salt in a shallow tray. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with flavors in the subsequent steps.
- First, dip each seasoned chicken breast into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. This acts as the glue for the breading. Then, dredge the chicken through the breading mixture, pressing gently to coat it thoroughly on all sides. Ensure complete coverage for the perfect crisp. Repeat with all chicken slices.
Baking Chicken Parmesan
- Start by arranging the breaded chicken breasts on an oil-greased baking tray. For an even crispier exterior, consider giving the chicken a light spray with cooking oil. This helps to avoid any powdery flour spots and enhances the golden color.
- Place the tray in a preheated oven set to 425°F. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken achieves a beautiful golden hue and a crispy texture.
- Once the chicken is crispy, remove it from the oven. Generously coat each piece with the marinara sauce prepared earlier, ensuring it covers the chicken uniformly for maximum flavor.
- Layer a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce and sprinkle fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch. The basil not only adds flavor but also infuses the dish with a delightful aroma as it bakes.
- Return the chicken to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and slightly browned at the edges.
- Once done, remove the Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan from the oven. For a fresh finishing touch and a pop of color, garnish with finely chopped basil or cilantro. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serving
- Enjoy this Baked Chicken Parmesan over pasta or on its own, paired with your favorite grains, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or any other side dishes you love. For more delicious pairing ideas, check out the serving suggestions section below.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Breading: For a crispy exterior, coat the chicken breast with a mixture of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, panko, and Parmesan cheese. Dip the seasoned chicken in beaten eggs or buttermilk to ensure the breading adheres well.
- Avoiding Powdery Flour: To prevent a powdery or chalky appearance on your chicken, lightly spray the breaded pieces with cooking oil before baking. This step not only enhances the golden color but also helps achieve a more appealing and crisp texture.
- Cheese Quality: While freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan typically offer a superior melt and richer flavor, don’t hesitate to use pre-grated cheese if that’s what’s available. I find it works wonderfully and can be just as delicious, making it a practical and tasty option for busy days.
- Layering the Cheese: Instead of just topping the chicken with cheese, layer some mozzarella within the chicken coating as well. This creates pockets of gooey cheese inside the breading for an extra cheesy experience.
- Making it Gluten-Free: To accommodate dietary restrictions, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients, like flour and cornstarch, are gluten-free varieties.
- Resting the Breaded Chicken: Before baking, allow the breaded chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps the coating to set and adhere better, reducing the likelihood of it flaking off during baking.
- Baking Time and Temperature: Bake the chicken at 425°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and crisp. After adding cheese, continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Depending on the size and thickness of your chicken, you might need to adjust the oven temperature between 400°F and 450°F to ensure even cooking. Importantly, regardless of the temperature setting or chicken size, always make sure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, as recommended by the USDA. This step is crucial to ensure that the chicken is cooked safely and thoroughly.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Looking for more delicious dishes? Explore our collection of recipes featuring chicken breast, fried chicken, and baked dinners, along with vegetable sides. Each offers a range of flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for casual meals or special occasions.
Serving Suggestions
The Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. It’s particularly tasty served over pasta or alongside fresh salads. For even more delicious pairing options that I love, check out my recommendations below.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a more robust meal, try it with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, potatoes, asparagus, cauliflower, carrots, or green beans.
- Whole Grains: Serve the chicken over a bed of whole grains like quinoa, farro, or brown rice. These grains add a nutty flavor and a hearty texture, complementing the richness of the chicken.
- Low-Carb Options: For a lower-carbohydrate meal, serve the chicken over spiralized vegetables or cauliflower rice. These options are light yet satisfying and keep the dish balanced and health-focused.
- Polenta: Creamy polenta is another excellent base for Baked Chicken Parmesan, offering a soft texture contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Zucchini Noodles: Another great low-carb alternative, zucchini noodles (zoodles) are light and can be a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the chicken.
Storage Suggestions
For the best flavor, I suggest enjoying your Baked Chicken Parmesan fresh. However, if you need to prepare ahead of time, you can bake the breaded chicken breasts and freeze them for up to a month.
When you're ready to enjoy, simply top the frozen chicken with sauce and cheese, then bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. This method allows you to enjoy a delicious meal with all the convenience of advance preparation.
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