Discover the ultimate Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe that’s bursting with flavor! With perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs, gooey mozzarella, and a delicious marinara sauce, this dish is sure to impress. It's easy to prepare and makes for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion meal. Ready to make your kitchen sizzle? Click through to explore the full recipe and tips for a beautiful presentation! Your taste buds will thank you!
2 large chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded to a uniform thickness of 1/2 inch
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (for added flavor)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup marinara sauce (your choice: store-bought or homemade)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves, for an aromatic garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Olive oil spray, for achieving a crispy top
![- Chicken breast preparation - 2 large chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded to a uniform thickness of 1/2 inch - Seasoning and breadcrumb mixture - 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Toppings and garnishes - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 cup marinara sauce (your choice: store-bought or homemade) - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves, for an aromatic garnish - Olive oil spray, for achieving a crispy top These ingredients make Baked Chicken Parmesan easy and fun to prepare. Each one adds depth to the dish. The seasoned breadcrumbs provide texture, while the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese bring richness. Fresh basil adds a lovely touch at the end. I love using quality ingredients to make this dish stand out. For the full recipe, check the details above. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This hot oven helps the chicken cook evenly. Next, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easy. Now, let’s coat the chicken. Take each butterflied chicken breast and dip it into a bowl with a beaten egg. Make sure to cover all sides. Let any extra egg drip off back into the bowl. Then, move to the breadcrumb mixture. This mix has seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Press the chicken into the crumbs firmly. This helps the coating stick well. Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the baking sheet, leaving space between them. Mist the tops lightly with olive oil spray. This helps create a tasty, crispy top. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when done. The breadcrumbs will turn a beautiful golden brown. After this, it’s time to add flavor. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken piece. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble, showing it’s ready. After baking, let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. For the final touch, garnish each piece with fresh basil leaves. This adds color and a burst of flavor to your dish. To get that perfect crispy texture, using oil spray is key. A light mist helps the breadcrumbs brown nicely in the oven. Without it, your chicken may come out soggy. If you want to try something else, you can use a mix of grated Parmesan and panko crumbs. Panko gives an airy crunch that is hard to beat. Spices and herbs can boost the flavor of your chicken. I suggest adding dried oregano and crushed red pepper for some heat. You can also mix in fresh parsley for a bright finish. When it comes to marinara, a homemade sauce will always win. But a good store-bought option works in a pinch. For serving, try placing the chicken on a bed of spaghetti. This makes a lovely plate that looks inviting. Drizzle some extra marinara over the top for added color. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. They not only look great but add a nice aroma too. This way, your dish looks as good as it tastes. {{image_4}} If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap out regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Look for options made from rice, corn, or almond flour. These work great, and they keep the dish tasty. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers or ground oats. Just make sure to read labels for any hidden gluten. You can change up the cheese for more flavor. For a twist, try using provolone or gouda. They melt nicely and add a new taste. You can also mix in some ricotta for creaminess. If you want more veggies, consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers on top before baking. They add color and nutrition, making the dish even better. Pair your Baked Chicken Parmesan with simple sides. A fresh salad with greens and veggies is a great choice. Garlic bread is also a classic option that everyone loves. If you prefer pasta, serve it with spaghetti, penne, or even zoodles for a lighter touch. These sides balance the flavors and create a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the linked instructions. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh for up to four days. Always label the container with the date you made it. This way, you will know when to eat it. For the best texture, reheat in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the chicken soggy. If you go this route, heat on medium for a few minutes. To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Baked Chicken Parmesan can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps it safe and tasty. For the full recipe, check the link provided. To make your Baked Chicken Parmesan extra crispy, use these tips: - Coat well: Ensure the chicken is fully covered in the breadcrumb mix. - Oil spray: Lightly mist the top of the chicken with olive oil spray before baking. - Hot oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for that perfect crunch. - Broil briefly: For the last few minutes, switch to broil. This will add extra crispiness. A crispy coating makes each bite delightful. Yes, you can make Baked Chicken Parmesan ahead of time. - Prep chicken: Coat the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Bake later: Just bake it when you are ready to eat. This saves time on busy nights. - Reheat tips: If you bake it ahead, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Meal prep makes cooking easier and more fun. If you want to switch things up, consider these alternatives: - Chicken thighs: Juicier and just as tasty. - Turkey breasts: A leaner option with great flavor. - Eggplant: A great vegetarian choice, sliced and baked. - Tofu: Firm tofu can soak up flavors well. These options keep the dish exciting and suit different diets. Baked Chicken Parmesan can be healthy. - Lean protein: Chicken is a good source of protein. - Whole ingredients: Use homemade marinara for less sugar. - Balanced meal: Serve with a side of veggies for added nutrients. Portion size matters. Enjoy it while keeping your goals in mind. Baked Chicken Parmesan lasts for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. - Storage: Place it in an airtight container. - Cool first: Let it cool before sealing to prevent moisture. Eating leftovers is a great way to reduce waste. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. It's a great guide to help you make this dish perfectly every time! This blog post covered how to make Baked Chicken Parmesan. We discussed the key ingredients, like chicken and seasonings. I provided step-by-step instructions for prepping, coating, and baking the chicken. You gained tips for a crispy texture and flavor boosts, plus variations for gluten-free options and different toppings. In the end, you now have all the tools to make a tasty dish. Enjoy your cooking adventures!](https://lushplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5455e754-a53f-4e79-a6f6-f1db744a6f8e-300x300.webp)