Easy Oven Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is an easy and delicious weeknight dinner. Thinly sliced chicken that is dredged in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese and baked to crispy golden perfection. Add on marinara and mozzarella and pair with your favorite sides.

Oven baked chicken parmesan will help remove excess grease compared to frying in a skillet. Plus, it allows for a hands-off cooking process.

Make sure to try out my chicken cordon blue casserole for another satisfying chicken dinner. Or my slow cooker chicken and gravy is another popular boneless chicken recipe.

Ingredients For Oven Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

• Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts are what you will need. Thinly slice the chicken cutlets so they are even sliced. 
• Breadcrumbs – You can use Italian breadcrumbs or plain breadcrumbs, depending on the flavor you want. If you do use plan you might flavor with some garlic powder, Italian seasoning, etc. Panko bread crumbs can be used as well.
• Parmesan Cheese – Parmesan helps to add a nice flavor to the chicken! 
• Butter – I do recommend real butter, not margarine. I find that you get a lot more flavor. 
• Mozzarella Cheese – You can use fresh mozzarella or shredded. Just use what you have on hand. 
• Marinara Sauce- Here, you can use homemade marinara sauce or your favorite store-bought jar. Just know it’s a bold flavor, so make sure you like the flavor. 

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Substitutions and Variations

• You can use Panko breadcrumbs for more of a crunch.
• You can also toast breadcrumbs in a tablespoon of butter on the stove for an even more crunchy texture.
• To make extra, just ensure the chicken is in a single layer.
• Thin chicken is key, or you will need to add additional baking time to the recipe.
• For extra crispy chicken, pan-fry it for a few minutes in a large skillet with a little oil to create a really golden crust. Then, finish baking in the oven.
• Once done, top with extra sauce for a delicious meal the whole family can enjoy.
• You can use a spaghetti sauce or even a homemade tomato sauce in replace of the marinara.
• Add grated cheese on top right before serving.

How To Make Baked Chicken Parmesan

1. Begin by heating your oven and prepping a casserole dish with non-stick spray to avoid the sticking of the Parmesan crust. 
2. In a shallow plate, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan, stirring the mixture well. (Photo 1) 
3. Melted butter is brushed over both sides of the chicken cutlets using a silicone pastry brush. (Photo 2) 
4. Coat each buttered chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. (Photos 3 & 4) 

1. Cook according to the recipe’s specified time, then remove from the oven to add marinara and a sprinkle of mozzarella before returning to bake until bubbly and golden brown. (Photos 5 & 6) 

Once done, the chicken is ready to be plated, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and served alongside your favorite sides.

Recipe Tips 

• Even Coating: Ensure each chicken cutlet is evenly coated with the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture to achieve uniform crispiness and flavor.
• Prevent Sogginess: Avoid overcrowding the baking dish to ensure each piece of chicken cooks evenly and stays crisp.
• Proper Thickness: If you can’t find thinly sliced chicken, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness yourself.
• Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only garnish the dish but also add a burst of freshness to contrast the rich flavors.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of hard cheese for the crust – Asiago or Romano can offer a new taste profile.
• Sauce Coverage: Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken carefully – too much sauce can make the crust soggy.
• Baking Dish: Use a wire rack in the baking dish to allow heat circulation and to keep the bottom of the chicken from getting too moist.
• Oven Variability: Know your oven – if it runs hot or cold, adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid over or undercooking the chicken.
• Clean Workstation: Keep one hand for wet ingredients (like butter) and one for dry (bread crumbs and cheese) to make breading easier and less messy.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: Use it to ensure chicken has reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) if you’re unsure about cook times.

Storing Tips 

Refrigerate any leftovers you have in the fridge. Place in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. 

To reheat, warm in the microwave for a quick reheat. Or you can place it on a baking sheet, cover it tightly with foil, and reheat it in the oven until warmed. 

You can freeze your chicken, too. Just place it in a freezer-friendly container and freeze it for up to 3 months. Then, thaw in the fridge the night before. Or reheat from frozen if you want. 

What to Serve with Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Pair with a delicious side salad, garlic bread, or even serve over a bed of pasta. The options are endless. And if you want to watch what you are eating, serve with some zucchini noodles.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Weeknight Dinner Recipes? Try These:

• Chili Dog Bake
• Slow Cooker Beef Broccoli
• Club Sandwich
• Baked Tri Tip Recipe
• Bacon Wrapped Salmon
• Sheet Pan Fajitas
• See all our main dishes to try out.

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