If you love the comfort of classic Italian flavors without the fuss (and mess) of frying, this Baked Chicken Parmesan delivers tender, juicy chicken bursting with crispy coating, savory marinara, and melty cheese—all made in your oven. It’s a weeknight favorite that feels restaurant-worthy but is secretly super simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sheet Pan Simplicity: Everything—crispy chicken and roasted broccoli—cooks on a single pan, making prep and clean-up easy-breezy.
- Perfectly Crisp, Never Greasy: Skipping the frying pan means you get all the crunch with a fraction of the oil (thank you, panko and parmesan!).
- Melty, Cheesy Goodness: Nothing beats the magic of golden, bubbling mozzarella over chicken bathed in tangy marinara.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: This Baked Chicken Parmesan is the kind of meal that gets big smiles from both kids and adults—classic comfort with a fresh twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe is how it relies on straightforward, reliable ingredients—each one bringing its own punch of flavor, texture, or color. Let’s take a quick walk through what makes each component shine!
- Large egg: The “glue” that helps the breadcrumb-parmesan coating adhere beautifully to every chicken breast.
- Panko bread crumbs: These extra-crispy crumbs are lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, giving your chicken a satisfyingly crunchy crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty depth and plenty of savory flavor to the coating.
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder: The trio that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed star.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast halves: Choose evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking—no dry bits here!
- Olive oil-flavored cooking spray: This gives your breading a golden color and keeps things feeling lighter than traditional fried Chicken Parmesan.
- Fresh or frozen broccoli florets: Roasted right alongside the chicken, they emerge caramelized and sweet, making dinner a true one-pan wonder.
- Marinara sauce: Your favorite jarred or homemade sauce adds that irresistible Italian tang and moisture to the baked chicken.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that ooey-gooey, bubbling blanket that makes this dish irresistible.
- Minced fresh basil (optional): A sprinkle of fresh basil wakes up the whole dish with color and herby aroma—totally optional, but always a treat.
Variations
Baked Chicken Parmesan is super customizable—don’t be shy about making it your own! Here’s how to tailor the recipe to fit different palates, dietary goals, or whatever’s hanging out in your fridge.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers for that signature crunch without any wheat.
- Swap the veggie: Not a broccoli fan? Try roasting zucchini, bell peppers, or even green beans right on the same pan.
- Spicy twist: Mix a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into your marinara or add a dash of cayenne to the crumb mixture for a gentle heat.
- Dairy-free option: Use plant-based cheeses and skip the Parmesan in the breading for a fully dairy-free chicken parm experience.
How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan
Step 1: Bread the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly coat your baking pan with cooking spray. In one shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In another, combine the panko, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder—this forms that magic crust. Dip each chicken breast first in the egg, letting the excess drip off, then press into the crumb mixture, making sure all sides get a good coating. Lay the breaded chicken in the center of your pan and give the tops a spritz with cooking spray for a golden finish.
Step 2: First Bake
Pop the chicken into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. This first stint gets the coating set and sealed, giving you that signature crunch without having to use any messy frying oil.
Step 3: Add the Broccoli and Bake Again
Take the pan out of the oven and scatter your broccoli florets on each side of the chicken, forming a colorful border. Don’t worry if you’re using frozen broccoli—just break apart any big clusters. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes so everything cooks up tender and golden.
Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese, Then Broil
Here’s where the magic really happens! Preheat your broiler. Spread a generous spoonful of marinara over each breast, then pile on the shredded mozzarella. Slide the pan under the broiler (about 3-4 inches from the heat) for 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbling and the broccoli finishes roasting. A final sprinkling of fresh basil seals the deal.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Maximize Crunch: Pat the breaded chicken so the crumb coating adheres in a thick layer—don’t just sprinkle it on—then spritz generously with cooking spray for the crispiest result from your oven.
- Broil Boldly, but Watch Carefully: The broiler caramelizes cheese in a flash, so keep an eye out—this is the difference between gooey golden cheese and burnt topping.
- Even Sizing Matters: Use chicken breasts of similar thickness, or pound them gently so they cook through at the same rate and always stay juicy.
- Flavorful Breadcrumbs: For extra depth, toast the panko with a splash of olive oil in a skillet before breading—or add Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan
Garnishes
A generous shower of freshly chopped basil is the ultimate finishing touch—it adds a burst of color and a subtle hint of peppery flavor that wakes up the dish. If you’re out of basil, a sprinkle of chopped flat-leaf parsley or even a dusting of extra Parmesan will make your Baked Chicken Parmesan look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pasta is a classic pairing—think a twirl of spaghetti tossed with a little olive oil, or try creamy polenta for comforting variety. You can also serve your chicken and broccoli over a bed of baby greens for a lighter take, or set out warm, crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, slice the baked chicken and layer it onto toasted sandwich rolls for homemade chicken parm subs—kids (and grown-ups!) will love them. Or, serve individual portions atop mini piles of zoodles or roasted vegetables for a fresh, lighter look. Arrange bright roasted broccoli around the chicken to create a beautiful, restaurant-worthy sheet pan presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure everything cools completely before sealing, so the chicken keeps its wonderful texture and the broccoli stays crisp-tender.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked, cooled chicken breasts (without the broccoli for best quality) tightly wrapped or in freezer bags for up to 2 months. To avoid soggy breading, add the cheese and marinara after reheating rather than before freezing, if possible.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat the chicken uncovered in a 375°F oven or air fryer until warmed through—the breading stays crunchy, and the cheese melts to perfection. Microwaving works in a pinch for leftovers but tends to soften the coating.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Baked Chicken Parmesan?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well, and they tend to stay extra juicy. Simply adjust the cooking time—thighs may need a few additional minutes to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
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How do I get my breading to stick really well?
Make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading, dip fully in the egg, and firmly press the crumb mixture onto each side. A gentle spritz with cooking spray before baking also helps seal everything in place for a golden, crunchy crust.
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Is it okay to use store-bought marinara sauce?
Store-bought marinara is perfect for convenience, and a high-quality jarred sauce will make your Baked Chicken Parmesan taste amazing. If you feel adventurous, homemade sauce is always a tasty upgrade, but there’s no shame in shortcuts!
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Can I make Baked Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken breasts and keep them covered in the fridge a few hours ahead. For best results, bake and broil right before serving, so the coating stays ultra-crispy and the cheese is gooey.
Final Thoughts
Give this Baked Chicken Parmesan a try, and I’m willing to bet it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth and happiness to the table—no fancy tricks needed, just honest flavors and a bit of cheesy magic. Invite your loved ones, dig in, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe is a delicious and simple dish that combines crispy breaded chicken with savory marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. Served with a side of roasted broccoli, it’s a complete meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
- Olive oil-flavored cooking spray
For the Broccoli:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (about 10 ounces)
For Assembly:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup minced fresh basil, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In another bowl, mix the panko, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat with the crumb mixture. Place the chicken on the baking pan and spritz with cooking spray.
- Bake: Bake the chicken for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and add the broccoli to the sides of the pan. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Broil: Preheat the broiler. Spread marinara sauce over the chicken, then top with mozzarella cheese. Broil the chicken and broccoli until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding your favorite herbs and spices to the breading mixture.
- Feel free to substitute the broccoli with your preferred vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
