Chicken parmesan has a special place at my dinner table. I mean, who can resist crispy chicken, a blanket of melted cheese, and a rich tomato sauce all baked together? It’s like the food version of a warm hug after a long day. I’ll admit, I’ve tried my share of chicken baked recipes, and most of them left me wishing for more crunch or more flavor. This baked chicken parmesan fixes that. The breading bakes golden, the cheese gets perfectly gooey, and the sauce pulls it all together without drowning the chicken. What I love most is how this dish fits so many moods. It’s a weeknight rescue when we’re tired but hungry. It’s a date-night-at-home dinner when we want something that feels a bit fancy without being fussy. And if you’re hunting for baked chicken recipes that feel both classic and healthy, this chicken parmesan recipe hits the sweet spot. Think of it as your go-to healthy chicken parmesan recipe that still feels indulgent.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
3) Ingredients for Baked Chicken Parmesan
4) How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan
5) Tips for Making Baked Chicken Parmesan
6) Making Baked Chicken Parmesan Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan
8) Try these chicken recipes next!
9) Baked Chicken Parmesan
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe shows you how to make crispy baked chicken parmesan at home.
The process is simple and uses easy to find ingredients.
You can prepare it ahead of time and store leftovers without losing flavor.
This dish fits any occasion from weeknights to family dinners.

2) Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

I’ve had plenty of chicken recipes pass through my kitchen but baked chicken parmesan keeps coming back. The crunch of the breading and the soft pull of melted cheese make me happy in a way that only comfort food can. I like that it feels rich but it still keeps things balanced. It doesn’t take long to prepare which makes it even more appealing for a tired evening.

The best part is how versatile it feels. I can serve it with pasta when I want a full plate or slide it next to a salad when I want a lighter take. My kids ask for it by name which saves me the trouble of wondering what to cook. Among baked chicken recipes this one manages to stand out because it balances flavor, crunch, and simplicity in a way few others do.

I keep this recipe bookmarked on my site Simply Cooked Recipes at https://www.simplycookedrecipes.com. It’s one of those chicken baked recipes that doesn’t sit long on the table before disappearing.

3) Ingredients for Baked Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Breasts I prefer boneless and skinless pieces since they cook evenly and hold the breading better. If they’re thick I’ll slice them into cutlets so each portion bakes quickly and stays juicy.

Breadcrumbs Italian style adds herbs and seasoning which helps the coating taste better. They crisp up in the oven and create that golden shell you expect from chicken parmesan.

Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated Parmesan mixes into the crumbs and melts into the breading. It deepens the flavor and adds a nutty sharpness to the crust.

Garlic Powder and Oregano These add fragrance and a hint of spice without overpowering the chicken. They turn the coating into something more than plain crumbs.

Eggs Beaten eggs act as glue between the chicken and crumbs. Without them the coating slides off too easily. With them everything sticks together and bakes neatly.

Marinara Sauce A good tomato sauce lifts the dish and adds moisture. I use a simple jarred version on busy nights but a homemade batch works if I have time.

Mozzarella Cheese Shredded mozzarella melts fast and covers the chicken with that gooey top. It’s the part that makes everyone reach for a fork right away.

Fresh Basil A few leaves on top add freshness and color. They finish the plate in a way that feels complete and bright.

4) How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan

Step 1 Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. This keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easier when dinner is over.

Step 2 Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and oregano in a bowl. This blend becomes the outer coat and it’s where much of the flavor sits.

Step 3 Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs and then press them into the crumb mixture. I push down gently so the crumbs cling to every side.

Step 4 Place the coated chicken on the baking sheet. A light spray of olive oil across the tops helps the crust turn crisp in the oven.

Step 5 Bake for 20 minutes. Flip once halfway through so both sides brown evenly. At this point the chicken is almost ready but not fully cooked.

Step 6 Spoon marinara sauce over the tops and scatter mozzarella cheese over each piece. Return them to the oven and bake for another 7 minutes until the cheese melts.

Step 7 Pull the sheet out, top with fresh basil, and serve right away. The smell usually draws everyone to the table before I can call them.

5) Tips for Making Baked Chicken Parmesan

I’ve learned that pounding chicken to an even thickness makes all the difference. If the pieces vary in size some dry out before the others finish. A few taps with a mallet help them cook at the same speed. It may sound like an extra step but it saves you from chewy bites.

Another lesson is to let the crumbs rest on the chicken for a minute before baking. I used to coat and toss them in the oven right away. Giving them time lets the eggs and crumbs stick together which creates a crust that doesn’t fall apart at the first cut.

I also like to bake on a wire rack set over the sheet pan. It lets heat move around the chicken and keeps the bottoms crisp instead of soggy. It turns this healthy chicken parmesan recipe into one that feels restaurant ready without the fryer.

6) Making Baked Chicken Parmesan Ahead of Time

I often prep this dish earlier in the day when I know dinner will be rushed. I bread the chicken in the morning and keep it in the fridge until I’m ready to bake. The coating holds fine and the flavor doesn’t change. It gives me peace of mind on evenings when time runs short.

Sometimes I bake the chicken until almost done then stop before adding sauce and cheese. I cool the pieces and store them covered. Later I warm them up in the oven, add the toppings, and finish the bake. This split method keeps the breading crisp and makes serving faster.

For anyone who likes to meal prep, this recipe fits well. It reheats without turning limp which isn’t true for every baked chicken recipe. I appreciate that it lets me plan ahead without losing taste.

7) Storing Leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan

Leftovers rarely last more than a day in my house but when they do I store them in a sealed container in the fridge. They stay good for about three days. I like to reheat them in the oven at 350°F so the breading stays crisp. The microwave works but the crust softens and loses some of that snap.

If I plan on freezing portions I wrap each piece tightly and add them to a freezer bag. They keep for a month and can be reheated straight from frozen. It takes about 20 minutes in the oven for them to heat through and the flavor still holds up.

These tricks keep the dish ready for quick meals later. Having cooked chicken parmesan on hand is like having a hidden win sitting in the fridge waiting to save dinner.

8) Try these chicken recipes next!

9) Baked Chicken Parmesan