Easy Oven Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Baked chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese on a plate with pasta.

4.34 from 3 votes

Easy Oven Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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.

Prep Time5

Cook Time25

Total Time30

Course: Main Dishes

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 490kcal

Author: Kim Schob

Equipment

Chef’s Knife
Baking Dish

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts pounded or cut thin
¾ cup bread crumbs
¼ cup parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter melted
¾ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
1 cup marinara sauce
Cooking spray

Cups - Metric

Instructions

Begin by heating your oven to 450℉ and prepping a casserole dish with non-stick spray to avoid the sticking of the Parmesan crust.
Cooking spray
In a shallow plate, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan, stirring the mixture well.
¾ cup bread crumbs, ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Melted butter is brushed over both sides of the chicken cutlets using a silicone pastry brush.
2 tablespoons butter, 4 chicken breasts
Coat each buttered chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Cook according to the recipe's specified time, bake for 20-25 minutes, then remove from the oven to add marinara and a sprinkle of mozzarella before returning to bake for 5 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
1 cup marinara sauce, ¾ cup mozzarella cheese
Once done, the chicken is ready to be plated, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and served alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

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.

Nutrition