Print

Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

crispy oven baked chicken parmesan - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy oven baked chicken parmesan features a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust, juicy chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a lighter, fuss-free twist on the classic Italian-American comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk (any kind)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil spray)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, for topping
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and lightly spray or brush with oil.
  2. Place each chicken breast between sheets of parchment or plastic wrap. Pound to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). Pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Set up dredging station: In one bowl, add flour. In a second bowl, whisk eggs with milk. In a third bowl, combine panko, parmesan, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and olive oil. Toss to coat crumbs with oil.
  4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, letting excess drip back. Press both sides firmly into panko-parmesan mixture.
  5. Arrange coated chicken on wire rack, spacing pieces out. Spray tops lightly with oil. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 160°F.
  6. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons marinara over each chicken piece. Sprinkle with mozzarella and extra parmesan. Return to oven for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot. For extra gooey cheese, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.

Notes

For extra crispiness, toast panko breadcrumbs before coating. Press crumbs firmly onto chicken for best crunch. Use a wire rack for even baking, or flip chicken halfway if baking directly on tray. Don’t over-sauce to avoid soggy breading. Cheese can be broiled for a bubbly finish. Recipe is flexible—swap chicken for eggplant for vegetarian, use gluten-free or dairy-free substitutes as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, oven baked, crispy chicken, Italian, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, weeknight recipe, cheese, panko, baked chicken

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/crispy-oven-baked-chicken-parmesan-recipe-easy-melted-cheese-dinner/