Roast & Bake

Baked Chicken Parmesan

Name: Baked Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs); 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup (250g) tomato sauce; 8 oz (225g) mozzarella cheese, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup (120g) chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh basil

By Wren Merriweather · June 19, 2026 · Roast & Bake

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made Baked Chicken Parmesan for my family. It was a weeknight, and I was looking for something easy, yet satisfying. The combination of crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese was a hit with everyone.

Over the years, I've perfected my recipe, and it's become a staple in our household. The best part? It's incredibly simple to make, and the ingredients are probably already in your pantry.

Baked Chicken Parmesan is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even a casual gathering with friends. And the best part? You can make it from scratch in under an hour.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious Baked Chicken Parmesan that's sure to become a family favorite. From the crispy breading to the rich tomato sauce, every component is designed to work together in perfect harmony.

So, let's get started and make some Baked Chicken Parmesan magic happen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The combination of crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese is a hit with everyone.
You can make it from scratch in under an hour.
It's a great way to get your family to eat more chicken and vegetables.
The recipe is highly customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Baked Chicken Parmesan is in the layers of flavor and texture. First, you've got the crispy breaded chicken, which provides a satisfying crunch. Then, you've got the rich tomato sauce, which adds a depth of flavor and moisture. Finally, you've got the melted mozzarella cheese, which ties everything together.

But what really makes this recipe work is the cooking technique. By breading the chicken and then baking it in the oven, you get a crispy exterior without the need for deep-frying. And by using a combination of tomato sauce and melted cheese, you get a rich, creamy sauce that's sure to please.

The other important factor is the resting time. After baking the chicken, it's essential to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as olive oil, salt, and pepper.

When shopping for ingredients, look for high-quality chicken breasts and fresh mozzarella cheese. You can also use leftover tomato sauce or make your own from scratch.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)Look for high-quality chicken breasts that are fresh and have no added hormones or steroids. You can also use leftover chicken or chicken tenders if you prefer.
1 cup (120g) breadcrumbsUse plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for a lighter coating. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseUse high-quality Parmesan cheese that's fresh and has no added preservatives. You can also use other hard cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella.
1 cup (250g) tomato sauceUse leftover tomato sauce or make your own from scratch using canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. You can also add some sugar or red wine to balance out the acidity.
8 oz (225g) mozzarella cheese, slicedUse fresh mozzarella cheese that's high in moisture and has no added preservatives. You can also use other types of cheese like cheddar or provolone.
2 tbsp olive oilUse high-quality olive oil that's fresh and has no added preservatives. You can also use other types of oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic that's minced or crushed for the best flavor. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer.
1 tsp dried oreganoUse high-quality dried oregano that's fresh and has no added preservatives. You can also use other herbs like basil or thyme.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse high-quality salt and pepper that's fresh and has no added preservatives. You can also use other seasonings like paprika or cayenne pepper.
1 cup (120g) chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley that's chopped or curly for the best flavor. You can also use other herbs like basil or oregano.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh basilUse fresh basil that's chopped or curly for the best flavor. You can also use other herbs like parsley or oregano.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large baking dishShallow dish for breadingInstant-read thermometerOvenStovetopColander or strainer

How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan

1
Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C).
2
Prepare the breading station by placing the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a shallow dish.
3
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
4
Dip each chicken breast in the breading mixture, coating both sides evenly.
5
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165 F (74 C).
7
While the chicken is baking, heat the tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
8
After the chicken has baked for 15-20 minutes, remove it from the oven and spoon some tomato sauce over each breast.
9
Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese and return the skillet to the oven.
10
Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
12
Garnish with chopped parsley and basil, and serve with your favorite sides or salads.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh chicken and mozzarella cheese, for the best flavor.
Don't overbread the chicken, as this can make it heavy and greasy.
Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Let the chicken rest before slicing and serving, as this allows the juices to redistribute.
Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to add more flavor to the dish.
Serve with a side of pasta or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Use leftover tomato sauce or make your own from scratch for the best flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Overbreading the chicken, which can make it heavy and greasy.
Not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Not letting the chicken rest before slicing and serving, which can make it dry and tough.
Not using enough sauce or cheese, which can make the dish dry and flavorless.
Not experimenting with different seasonings and herbs, which can make the dish boring and predictable.

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a unique flavor.
Add some spice to the dish by using red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Use leftover chicken or chicken tenders for a quicker and easier meal.
Experiment with different herbs and seasonings, such as basil or oregano, for added flavor.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad for a healthier option.
Use a different type of sauce, such as marinara or Alfredo, for a unique flavor.

What to Serve With Baked Chicken Parmesan

Baked Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and salads. Some popular options include pasta, garlic bread, and a green salad.

For a more substantial meal, try serving the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a hearty grain like quinoa or brown rice.

Pasta with marinara sauceGarlic breadGreen salad with Italian dressingRoasted vegetablesQuinoa or brown rice

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Baked Chicken Parmesan can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

To store in the fridge, place the cooked chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40 F (4 C) or below.

To freeze, place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze at 0 F (-18 C) or below.

To reheat, place the frozen chicken in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the internal temperature of cooked chicken?

The internal temperature of cooked chicken should be at least 165 F (74 C).

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover chicken for this recipe. Simply chop or shred the cooked chicken and add it to the dish.

What type of cheese is best for Baked Chicken Parmesan?

Mozzarella cheese is the most commonly used cheese for Baked Chicken Parmesan, but you can also use other types of cheese like cheddar or provolone.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Simply prepare the chicken and sauce, and then assemble and bake the dish when you're ready to serve.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when making Baked Chicken Parmesan?

Some common mistakes to avoid include not using high-quality ingredients, overbreading the chicken, and not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature.

What are some variations of Baked Chicken Parmesan?

Some variations of Baked Chicken Parmesan include using different types of cheese, adding spice to the dish, and serving with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.

Can I freeze Baked Chicken Parmesan?

Yes, you can freeze Baked Chicken Parmesan. Simply place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze at 0 F (-18 C) or below.

How do I reheat frozen Baked Chicken Parmesan?

To reheat frozen Baked Chicken Parmesan, place the frozen chicken in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

The Full Recipe

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