Description
This Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan, inspired by North Italia, brings restaurant-quality flavor home with a healthier, simpler baked twist. It's a family-favorite dish that offers savory, crispy goodness without the fuss of deep-frying, making cleanup a breeze. Incredibly satisfying and packed with flavor, it's a comforting meal that even picky eaters will adore.
Ingredients
4 (about 1.5 lbs) Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup All-purpose flour
2 Large eggs
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
To taste Salt and black pepper
2 tbsp Olive oil
1.5 cups Marinara sauce
8 oz Fresh mozzarella cheese
For garnish Fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Butterfly the chicken breasts or pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness
- Set up a dredging station: Place flour in one shallow dish. Whisk eggs in another. In a third dish, combine panko, 1/2 cup Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
- Dip each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip it in egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the panko mixture, ensuring a full coating
- Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle or brush each piece with a little olive oil
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C)
- Remove the baking sheet. Spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken. Top generously with fresh mozzarella slices
- Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles. Finish with fresh basil
Notes
Always pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
Don't skip the olive oil drizzle on the breaded chicken before baking; it's crucial for a gorgeous golden crisp.
Use high-quality panko breadcrumbs for best texture and flavor.
Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to get a quick, even crisp.
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; give each piece room to crisp up.
Use a good marinara sauce as it forms the backbone of this dish.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
For a dairy-free option, omit Parmesan in the breading and use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs for a little heat or finely chopped fresh parsley for extra freshness.
You can use turkey cutlets instead of chicken breasts for a different protein.
Store leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat leftovers in the oven (preheated to 350°F/175°C for 10-15 minutes) or an air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid the microwave to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken, parmesan, baked, crispy, dinner, family-friendly