If you’re craving a classic Italian comfort dish that’s crispy, cheesy, and full of rich flavor—but still lighter and healthier than the traditional version—this Baked Chicken Parmesan is the perfect recipe for you. It delivers all the goodness of the beloved Chicken Parm without deep frying, making it an ideal weeknight meal that feels indulgent while staying nutritious and easy to prepare. With golden, breaded chicken baked to perfection, topped with melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and warm marinara sauce, every bite is satisfying, cozy, and bursting with Italian-inspired flavor.

What makes this dish truly exceptional is how simple and efficient it is. Instead of frying, the chicken gets its crispiness from a high-heat oven bake with a well-seasoned breadcrumb mixture. This not only reduces the calories and cleanup but also makes the recipe accessible to cooks of all levels. The chicken stays juicy on the inside while the crust browns beautifully on the outside. A generous layer of marinara and cheese transforms it into a comforting meal that feels like something you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant.

Another great feature of this recipe is its versatility. You can use your favorite marinara sauce—store-bought or homemade—add fresh basil for brightness, or even spice it up with red pepper flakes. Serve it over pasta for a classic pairing, alongside roasted vegetables for a lighter option, or with garlic bread for the full Italian experience. It also stores and reheats well, making it a great choice for meal prep or next-day leftovers.

Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or simply craving a cozy and flavorful dinner that doesn’t require much effort, this Baked Chicken Parmesan delivers every single time. It’s wholesome, delicious, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to become a staple in your weeknight rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Parmesan

Baked Chicken Parmesan is one of those timeless comfort dishes that manages to be both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare. It has all the flavors people adore in the classic Italian-American version—crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan—but without the heaviness that comes from deep frying. Baking the chicken keeps it juicy and tender while delivering the perfect crisp exterior, making this recipe a healthier and easier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

This recipe is also highly reliable. Whether you’re a beginner cook or someone who prepares meals daily, the steps are straightforward and the result is consistently delicious. The key lies in using high heat and a well-seasoned coating, which gives the chicken its signature crunch. Pair that with your favorite marinara and freshly melted cheese, and you get a dish that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food made right at home.

Another major benefit is versatility. Baked Chicken Parmesan can be served in many different ways, depending on the occasion or what you have on hand. Serve it over spaghetti for a traditional Italian dinner, pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a lighter meal, or tuck it into a sandwich for a crispy chicken parm sub. Its leftovers reheat beautifully, making it excellent for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Ingredients & Why Each One Matters

⭐ Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook evenly and are easy to bread. Butterflying or pounding them ensures uniform thickness.

⭐ Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs create a light, extra-crispy coating. You can also use whole wheat for a healthier option.

⭐ Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan adds saltiness and depth of flavor to the breading and topping.

⭐ Eggs

Whisked eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.

⭐ Marinara Sauce

Choose a flavorful marinara sauce—store-bought or homemade. Look for varieties with no added sugar for a cleaner version.

⭐ Mozzarella Cheese

Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the dish its iconic cheesy top.

⭐ Italian Seasoning

Adds the classic herb blend found in traditional chicken parmesan: basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

⭐ Olive Oil Spray

Using spray instead of heavy oil helps the breading crisp up without frying.

How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan (Step-by-Step)

⭐ 1. Prepare the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise or pound them to an even thickness. This ensures faster, more even baking.

⭐ 2. Set Up the Breading Station

You’ll need three bowls:

Flour (optional, helps coating stick)
Beaten eggs
Breadcrumb mixture with Parmesan and seasoning

Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat well in the breadcrumb mixture.

⭐ 3. Bake the Chicken

Place the breaded chicken on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Spray lightly with olive oil to help the crust crisp up.

Bake at high heat until golden and fully cooked.

⭐ 4. Add Marinara & Cheese

Once baked, spoon warm marinara over each chicken breast. Top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

⭐ 5. Broil for the Perfect Finish

Broil the chicken for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.

⭐ 6. Serve Hot

Top with basil or parsley and enjoy!

Variations You Can Try

⭐ Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your marinara is gluten-free.

⭐ Keto/Low-Carb Version

Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

⭐ Spicy Chicken Parmesan

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or use spicy marinara.

⭐ Chicken Parmesan Bowls

Serve the chicken sliced over cooked quinoa, rice, or zucchini noodles.

⭐ Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Cook breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes, then add sauce and cheese and air fry for 2 more minutes.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some favorites:

Spaghetti or linguine
Roasted broccoli or green beans
Caesar salad
Garlic bread
Mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option

You can also slice the chicken and serve it over mixed greens for a lighter meal.

Storage & Reheating

⭐ Refrigerate

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

⭐ Reheat

Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Avoid microwaving unless necessary, as it can soften the breading.

⭐ Freeze

Freeze breaded (but not sauced) chicken cutlets for up to 3 months.
Bake from frozen, then add marinara and cheese.

Baked Chicken Parmesan

A lighter and healthier version of classic chicken parmesan—crispy baked chicken topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Full of Italian flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe

Calories: 430

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced or pounded thin)
2 large eggs beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Olive oil spray
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Method

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pound chicken to an even thickness or slice breasts in half lengthwise.
In one bowl, add beaten eggs. In another bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to fully coat.
Arrange chicken on the baking sheet and spray lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Remove from oven, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and top with mozzarella.
Return to the oven and bake for 5 minutes, or broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• For a crispier texture, place chicken on a wire rack over the baking sheet.
• Use whole wheat panko for extra fiber.
• Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
• Serve with pasta, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Estimated per serving: Carbs 18g – Protein 48g – Fat 17g – Fiber 1g.

Final Thoughts

Baked Chicken Parmesan is the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. It offers everything people love about the traditional dish—crispy coating, melty cheese, savory marinara—while being lighter, easier, and healthier. It’s a recipe that works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, and it’s versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. Once you try this baked version, you may never go back to frying!