I promise you, once you sink your teeth into this crispy Chicken Parmesan topped with luscious marinara and melty mozzarella, you’re going to wonder why you ever ordered takeout. Seriously, let’s dive into this cheesy goodness together!
I love creating recipes that balance flavor and ease, like my Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan. With juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a blend of Parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs, it offers an irresistible crunch.
My dish has savory notes of Italian seasoning, and I think topping it with marinara sauce and mozzarella makes it truly special.
Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: High in protein, low in fat; keeps you full longer.
- Bread Crumbs: Adds crunch; a source of carbohydrates.
- Parmesan Cheese: Rich in calcium and protein; a savory, nutty flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds herb blend flavor; no calories, enhances taste.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts flavor; potential health benefits and low calorie.
- Eggs: Provide structure; rich in protein and essential nutrients.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats; essential for crispiness and flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and tang; made from tomatoes.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully; mild flavor, calcium-rich.
Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
How to Make this Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the flour in a separate shallow dish. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
4. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even cooking.
5. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
6. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken, covering the sauce.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired and serve immediately.
Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Aluminum foil
4. Cooking spray or brush for olive oil
5. Shallow bowls (2)
6. Shallow dish
7. Whisk
8. Meat mallet or rolling pin
9. Large skillet
10. Spatula or tongs for flipping chicken
11. Spoon for marinara sauce
12. Knife and cutting board (for basil, optional)
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe, though you can use homemade if you prefer.
- Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe? To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
- Can I substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but adjust the cooking time as they may require slightly less time to cook through.
- How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy? Make sure to pat the chicken dry before coating, and don’t skip preheating the oven and using a wire rack if possible to allow hot air circulation underneath the chicken.
- Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can bread the chicken up to a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- What if I don’t have Italian seasoning? You can make your own by combining dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
- Is fresh basil necessary for garnish? Fresh basil adds a lovely flavor and aesthetic touch, but it’s optional and can be omitted if you don’t have any on hand.
Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Breadcrumbs: Substitute with panko for extra crunch or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Parmesan cheese: Use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor profile.
- Italian seasoning: Replace with a mix of dried oregano and basil for a similar taste.
- All-purpose flour: Swap with whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier option.
- Olive oil: Use melted butter or avocado oil for a different flavor.
Pro Tips
– Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: For a superior texture and flavor, consider using fresh breadcrumbs. You can make these by pulsing day-old bread in a food processor until it forms coarse crumbs.
– Season the Flour: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the flour before dredging the chicken. This extra seasoning layer enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
– Cheese Variation: Mix some grated mozzarella into the breadcrumb mixture for extra cheesiness throughout the coating, adding another dimension of flavor.
– Prevent Sogginess: Place the browned chicken on a wire rack set over the baking sheet, rather than directly on it. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, keeping the bottom from getting soggy during baking.
– Resting Time: Allow the chicken parmesan to rest for a few minutes before serving. This rest time allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.
Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
My favorite Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Aluminum foil
4. Cooking spray or brush for olive oil
5. Shallow bowls (2)
6. Shallow dish
7. Whisk
8. Meat mallet or rolling pin
9. Large skillet
10. Spatula or tongs for flipping chicken
11. Spoon for marinara sauce
12. Knife and cutting board (for basil, optional)
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the flour in a separate shallow dish. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
4. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even cooking.
5. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
6. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken, covering the sauce.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired and serve immediately.
