Chicken Parmesan
Perfectly crispy chicken parmesan baked in the oven, featuring an aromatic marinara sauce and gooey cheese, this dish is a classic family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour substitute with gluten-free flour if needed
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs Italian seasoned breadcrumbs make a great alternative
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided fresh is best, but pre-grated works too
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- as needed Olive oil cooking spray essential for crispy chicken parmesan in the oven
For the Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce homemade or high-quality store-bought
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
For Topping
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- as needed Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to an even ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy pan.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Breading Station
- Prepare three shallow dishes for your breading assembly line:
- Dish 1: Combine flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- Dish 2: Beat eggs with 1 tablespoon of water.
- Dish 3: Mix panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, remaining salt, and pepper.
Bread the Chicken
- Working with one piece at a time, dredge chicken in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Press firmly into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
- Place breaded chicken on a wire rack and let rest for 5 minutes.
Prepare for Baking
- Place breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spray both sides generously with olive oil cooking spray.
- Ensure chicken pieces are not touching each other to promote even browning.
First Bake
- Bake chicken in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- While chicken is baking, prepare your sauce by heating olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, adding minced garlic.
- Add marinara sauce, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 5-7 minutes and keep warm.
Add Sauce and Cheese
- Remove chicken from the oven and flip each piece.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, using about 2-3 tablespoons per piece.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan.
Final Bake
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For an extra golden cheese top, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken parmesan rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For healthier alternatives, consider whole wheat breadcrumbs, reduced-fat cheese, or chicken alternatives like tenderloins.