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The Best Ever Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Close-up of a piece of crispy chicken parmesan being lifted, showing a dramatic, long cheese pull over marinara sauce.

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You deserve a comforting meal that tastes restaurant-quality but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. This Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan delivers crispy, cheesy perfection without the mess of frying. It is the ultimate comfort food classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for breading)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups quality marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Set up your breading station using three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish. Whisk eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and oregano. Mix well.
  4. Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the cutlet firmly into the Panko mixture to coat both sides completely.
  5. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the breaded chicken cutlets for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. You are just browning the crust; it will finish cooking in the oven. Work in batches if necessary.
  6. Arrange the browned chicken cutlets in the prepared baking dish. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each cutlet.
  7. Top each piece of chicken with slices of mozzarella cheese, followed by a sprinkle of the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit) and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  9. Remove from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves. Serve this amazing dish over your favorite pasta or with a crisp salad.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy crust, you can lightly spray the tops of the breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking.
  • If you prefer a saucier dish, increase the amount of marinara sauce used.
  • This recipe works well for meal prepping; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • See more great comfort food ideas on our Pinterest page!

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