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Best Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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A quick and easy baked chicken Parmesan that delivers shatteringly crispy chicken with juicy meat and melted cheese, all without the fuss of deep-frying. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • Cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. Cover with plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. Cut each breast in half crosswise to make four equal pieces.
  3. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: first bowl with flour, second bowl with whisked eggs, third bowl with panko, ½ cup Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper mixed together.
  4. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg wash, letting excess drip off. Press into panko mixture until fully coated. Place on a plate.
  5. Place a wire rack inside a baking sheet. Lightly spray rack with nonstick cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Arrange breaded chicken pieces on the rack, leaving space between each.
  6. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil evenly over the tops of the chicken pieces.
  7. Bake for 12 minutes until edges start to turn golden.
  8. Remove from oven. Spoon about 2 tablespoons marinara sauce onto each piece. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then finish with remaining ¼ cup grated Parmesan.
  9. Return to oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are deep golden brown. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for extra color.
  10. Let chicken rest on the rack for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately over pasta, with a side salad, or on its own.

Notes

Don’t skip the wire rack—it keeps the bottom crispy. Pound chicken evenly for even cooking. Use panko for the crispiest texture. Don’t over-sauce; about 2 tablespoons per piece is ideal. Let chicken rest after baking to keep it moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, baked chicken parmesan, crispy chicken parmesan, easy chicken parmesan, weeknight dinner, chicken recipe