Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a crunchy coating and rich marinara sauce. Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, this recipe is a family favorite that is both easy to make and satisfying to eat.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It uses simple ingredients that you may already have at home. Plus, baking instead of frying means less mess and fewer calories while keeping the flavors delicious!

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts, about 1 pound total
1 egg
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons minced parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Line a baking sheet with foil and brush the foil with olive oil. Adjust the oven rack to the second from the top position. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the chicken breasts in half through the middle to create four equal-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a gallon-sized zip-top bag in a single layer, seal the bag, and use a meat pounder or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness. You can also place the chicken between two layers of cling wrap.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season them with salt and pepper.
In one shallow dish, combine panko bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. In another shallow dish, whisk the egg.
Dip each piece of chicken into the whisked egg, then coat it fully in the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick, and then place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
Place the baking sheet in the oven on the second from the top rack. Bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Flip the chicken and pour 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each piece. Top with mozzarella cheese. Return the baking sheet to the oven and turn on the broiler. Broil for 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges of the chicken are browned.

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

Serve your Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Add a sprinkle of minced parsley on top for a pop of color.

How to Store Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Tips to Make Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps the coating stick better.
For extra flavor, you can add Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
If you want to save time, use store-bought marinara sauce.

Variation

You can make a healthier version by using grilled chicken instead of breaded chicken. Also, you can swap mozzarella cheese with a different cheese like provolone if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw them before cooking.

2. Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking it.

3. What can I serve with Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan?
It pairs nicely with pasta, steamed vegetables, or a side salad. Garlic bread is also a great option!