Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan
A simple and satisfying oven-baked chicken parmesan recipe featuring a crispy crust and gooey melted mozzarella, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 grams), pounded to even thickness
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 grams)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (100 grams)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray
- 1 cup marinara sauce (240 ml)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (225 grams), sliced or shredded
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to about ½-inch (1.3 cm) thickness. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Lightly dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, then press into breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly on both sides.
- Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and spray lightly with olive oil spray. Arrange breaded chicken breasts on the rack and spray tops lightly with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 15 minutes until coating is golden and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from oven. Spoon about ¼ cup (60 ml) marinara sauce on each chicken breast, then layer generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Return to oven and bake an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Use a wire rack for crispier chicken bottom. Olive oil spray helps achieve a golden crust without frying. Add sauce and cheese after initial baking to keep breading crispy. Broil 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness but watch carefully to avoid burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 45
Keywords: chicken parmesan, oven-baked chicken, crispy chicken, mozzarella, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food