Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

The BEST Chicken Parmesan - baked, not fried! This easy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe features crispy chicken breast topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. One of our family's favorite dinner recipes, and ready in just 30 minutes!

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Servings:

Calories: 535kcal

Author: Cathy Trochelman

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts (2 large breasts)
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 large eggs beaten
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 Tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
2 Tablespoons fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400° F.
Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet by brushing it evenly with 2 Tablespoons olive oil. Set aside.
Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thin cut breasts.
Prepare a breading station using 3 large shallow bowls. To the first bowl, add 1/4 cup all purpose flour. To the second bowl, add 2 beaten eggs. To the third bowl, add 1 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 Tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt (mixed well.)
Dip each chicken cutlet into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, then into the bread crumb mixture, pressing the crumbs firmly into the chicken to coat.
Place breaded chicken breasts onto prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and top each breast with 1/2 cup marinara sauce and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. (Optionally, flip the breasts before adding the sauce and cheese.)
Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted and internal temperature of the chicken is 165° F.
Optional: For additional browning, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve over pasta with additional sauce or as desired.

Notes

Recipe Variations

- Use chicken tenders in place of chicken breasts

- Substitute regular or Italian seasoned bread crumbs for panko crumbs

- Add fresh minced parsley or oregano to the breading

- Add additional seasonings to the breading (e.g. onion powder, black pepper, rosemary, or thyme)

- Use fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced, instead of shredded

- Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan on top of the chicken

- Garnish with fresh oregano or parsley

Storing & Reheating

Leftover chicken parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To reheat in the oven: Place the chicken in an oven-safe container and cover with foil. Reheat at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and chicken is heated through.

To reheat in the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°. Place the chicken in air fryer basket and heat for 5-8 minutes or until heated through.

To reheat on the stovetop: Place the chicken in a small skillet, cover with a lid, and heat over medium heat until cheese is melted and chicken is heated through.

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