There’s something so satisfying about comfort food that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy, and this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe hits that perfect note. It’s crispy, cheesy, and deliciously saucy—all while being baked, not fried, which makes it a lighter, easier weeknight winner.

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface holding a layered dish. The bottom layer is a tangle of light yellow noodles spread loosely, with bits of red tomato sauce seen in between. On top of the noodles is a golden-brown breaded cutlet, with a textured crispy look and slightly darker edges. Over this cutlet is a bright red sauce, partially covered by a smooth layer of melted white cheese that shows soft, melted texture. Small green chopped herbs are scattered on top and around the dish, adding a fresh color contrast. A pair of forks rest on the left side of the plate, with their handles leaning outward. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I’m pretty obsessed with how this baked chicken parmesan comes together with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Skipping the frying means less mess, but you still get that golden, crispy crust with melty cheese and rich marinara. It’s healthier, faster, and seriously tasty.

Lighter and Healthier: Baking instead of frying cuts the fat but keeps the chicken moist and crunch perfect.
Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy needed—just basics you likely have on hand to make an impressive dinner.
Keeps Chicken Juicy: The way you brush melted butter before breading helps lock in moisture during baking.
Family-Friendly: Everyone from picky kids to grown-ups will enjoy this classic flavors combo.

Three golden brown breaded chicken pieces lie on a white plate with a subtle lined design, each topped with a round slice of melted white mozzarella cheese, a small dollop of chunky red tomato sauce in the center, and thin strips of fresh green basil scattered on top. A few fresh basil leaves are placed around the chicken on the plate. The chicken shows a crispy texture from the breading, while the cheese looks smooth and soft. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe really shines because of how its simple ingredients complement each other. The seasoned breadcrumbs pair perfectly with nutty Parmesan for a flavorful crust. Mozzarella melts beautifully on top, while marinara adds that bright tomato tang every bite needs.

Flat lay of four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with smooth pale pink flesh, a small white ceramic bowl of seasoned golden breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, a few pats of creamy pale yellow butter on a simple white ceramic dish, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded white mozzarella cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, and a few fresh bright green basil leaves arranged neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Slicing them lengthwise helps them cook evenly and makes serving easier.
Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Using pre-seasoned crumbs adds flavor without extra steps; gluten-free options work great too.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the breadcrumb coating.
Butter (melted): Brushing it on before breading creates a crispy, golden crust while keeping chicken moist.
Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese: A great melting cheese that’s not too greasy—Polly-O is my go-to.
Marinara Sauce: Fresh and tangy, it gives a classic Italian flavor that ties everything together.
Cooking Spray: Helps the crispiness develop without extra oil or added calories.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of herbaceous flair.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe is how versatile it is. I like to experiment with a few variations depending on what I have on hand or how much time I want to spend. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Variation: I often swap fresh mozzarella for shredded part-skim for an even creamier melt, and sometimes add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a little kick.
For Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free breadcrumbs works just as well and the outcome is equally delicious.
Herb Boost: Adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mix amps up flavor with minimal effort.
Make It Heartier: Top with sautéed mushrooms or spinach before the cheese layer for a veggie twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Butter the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F and lightly spraying a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Slice your chicken breasts lengthwise to get thinner cutlets. Then, melt your butter or warm olive oil and brush each chicken piece lightly but thoroughly on all sides. This step seals in moisture and helps the crumbs stick.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Next, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl. Dip each buttered chicken piece into this mixture, pressing firmly so the crumbs cling well and create an even coating. Place the breaded cutlets on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching to let them crisp fully.

Step 3: Bake Until Crispy

Give your chicken a light spritz of cooking spray on top to help it brown beautifully, then pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through. I find that checking with a meat thermometer—looking for 165°F internal temperature—helps avoid drying out.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Finish Baking

Remove the chicken from the oven, spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce over each piece, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles just right. If you like, broil for the last 1–2 minutes for extra bubbly and slightly browned cheese—just keep an eye on it!

Top Tip

After making this Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe many times, I learned a few tricks that really make a difference. These tips help ensure your chicken stays juicy and your crust crisps up perfectly every time.

Brush with Butter Before Breading: This locks in moisture and helps the breadcrumbs crisp nicely in the oven.
Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid under or overcooking—aim for 165°F internally.
Don’t Skip Spraying the Crust: A quick mist of cooking spray before baking creates a gorgeous golden color without excess oil.
Let it Rest Briefly: After baking, letting the chicken sit for a couple of minutes helps the juices settle and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

baked chicken parmesan - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my chicken Parmesan with fresh basil—it adds just the right pop of color and freshness. If basil isn’t available, parsley works beautifully too. A light drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil over the finished dish is also something I often do to give a subtle richness.

Side Dishes

Some of my favorite sides include a simple garlic butter pasta, steamed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad. For a cozy meal, roasted broccoli tossed with lemon and Parmesan is an easy, tasty match too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try plating the chicken on a bed of creamy polenta or alongside a vibrant ratatouille. You can also make mini chicken Parmesan sliders using small sandwich buns for a fun party twist that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover chicken parmesan cool completely, then store it airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps maintain moisture, but if you want, you can store sauce separately to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! I wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep texture intact.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I reheat in a 375°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Microwave works too, but the crust won’t stay as crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! You can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. They’ll add a bit more richness and stay very juicy.

What’s the best way to get a crispy crust without frying?

Brushing the chicken with melted butter before coating it in the breadcrumb mixture and spraying the breaded chicken lightly with cooking spray before baking are essential steps. These help achieve that golden, crispy texture without the extra oil and mess from frying.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives for mozzarella and Parmesan. There are many plant-based cheeses available that melt well. Also, use olive oil instead of butter for brushing the chicken before breading.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Slicing the chicken breasts thinly helps them cook quickly and evenly, which reduces drying out. Also, brushing with melted butter before breading and not overbaking ensures juicy, tender chicken. Monitoring internal temperature with a meat thermometer is a great way to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to because it combines classic comfort with a lighter touch that feels good to eat. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes. Roll up your sleeves, grab your breadcrumbs and cheese, and get ready to wow your family or friends with this delicious Italian-inspired dish!