Description
Treat yourself to a comforting, golden, and cheesy delight with this crispy oven baked chicken parmesan recipe. With tender chicken coated in a light, crunchy breading and topped with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella, it’s the perfect way to elevate your dinner tonight. Best of all, it’s baked—not fried—so you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic dish without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over it.
- Prepare the Breading Station:
- In the first bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
- In the second bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, grated parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- Add Marinara and Cheese:
- Remove the chicken from the oven.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously on top.
- Finish Baking: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle minced parsley over the top for added freshness and color. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before breading.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan and high-quality mozzarella elevate the flavor.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven to maintain the crispiness of the breading.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American