Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
Crispy oven baked chicken parmesan is a family favorite that’s better than takeout and ready in just 30 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to a perfectly crispy crust every time. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Blueberry Cake Donuts and Ham and Cheese Croissant Recipe.
Why This Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Is Pure Comfort
- Golden, crispy breading
- Melty, bubbly cheese
- Rich, flavorful tomato sauce
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
What You'll Need for Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- all-purpose flour
- panko breadcrumbs
- grated parmesan cheese
- marinara sauce
- mozzarella cheese
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- red pepper flakes
- Optional: fresh basil
- Optional: red pepper flakes
- Optional: grated parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- chicken breasts: You can also use chicken tenders or thighs.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Instant Read Meat Thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time. → See on Amazon
- Baking Sheet — Provides even heat and crispy results. → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Dredge in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
- Bake the chicken: Place breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F (230°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add the sauce and cheese: Top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Bake in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
- Pro tip: For extra crispiness, refrigerate the breaded chicken for 30 minutes before baking.
- Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the breading and sauce ahead of time for a quick dinner.
Freezing Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
Freeze uncooked chicken parmesan for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, use whole wheat panko and part-skim mozzarella cheese.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts with chicken tenders or thighs for easier cooking.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the breading and sauce ahead of time. Bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken is not crispy, try broiling it for an additional 2-3 minutes after adding the sauce and cheese.
Want to level up this recipe?
Cast Iron Skillet — Perfect for searing chicken and getting a crispy crust. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- all-purpose flour
- panko breadcrumbs
- grated parmesan cheese
- marinara sauce
- mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- black pepper
- Italian seasoning
- red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings
- fresh basil
- red pepper flakes
- grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Dredge in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
- Bake the chicken: Place breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F (230°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add the sauce and cheese: Top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a lighter version, use whole wheat panko and part-skim mozzarella cheese.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken breasts with chicken tenders or thighs for easier cooking.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the breading and sauce ahead of time. Bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the chicken is not crispy, try broiling it for an additional 2-3 minutes after adding the sauce and cheese.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked chicken parmesan for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Prepare the breading and sauce ahead of time for a quick dinner.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sat. Fat: 9g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan FAQs
Overcooking is the most common reason for dry chicken parmesan. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) but is not overcooked.
Yes, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed cereal as a substitute for panko breadcrumbs.
Yes, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Yes, prepare the breading and sauce ahead of time. Bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
