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If you have ever craved a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines crispy, cheesy, and saucy all in one, then this Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe is absolutely going to become your new go-to. It’s a simplified, healthier take on the classic Italian-American favorite, baked to golden perfection rather than fried, making it lighter yet just as indulgent. The crunchy coating, warm marinara, and melty mozzarella layered over tender chicken breasts served atop perfectly cooked spaghetti is a combination you will want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each bring something important to the table, whether it’s flavor, texture, or that perfect golden color. No complicated or hard-to-find items here, just essentials that work beautifully together.
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour: Creates a light base layer helping the coating stick to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors doing a quiet but essential job.
- 2 eggs: Acts as a glue between the flour and breadcrumb layers, ensuring a crispy crust.
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs: Bring flavorful crunch, seasoned with herbs that give Italian flair.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory boost to the breadcrumb coating.
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (3 chicken breasts): The lean protein star of the dish, sliced into cutlets for even cooking.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus more for serving): The zesty tomato sauce that keeps everything juicy and bright.
- 10 ounces fresh sliced mozzarella: Melts into gooey perfection over the chicken, providing creamy richness.
- 12 ounces spaghetti (3/4 of a normal sized box): The perfect pasta base that soaks up extra sauce to complete the dish.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pasta Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 400º F and lightly greasing a sheet pan. This prevents sticking and helps the chicken brown evenly. At the same time, prepare to cook your spaghetti by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil, so it’s ready when you need it.
Step 2: Prepare Your Breading Stations
Set up three bowls for an easy and efficient breading process. The first holds the flour mixed with kosher salt for seasoning, the second is whisked eggs, and the third combines Italian breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. This triple-layer coating is what makes the chicken so irresistible.
Step 3: Slice the Chicken
Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create two thinner cutlets. This step is a game-changer because it ensures faster, even cooking and results in tender juicy chicken every time.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken Cutlets
One by one, dredge the chicken first through the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb and Parmesan blend. Be sure to press the breadcrumbs well so they stick nicely. Transfer each breaded cutlet to the greased sheet pan as you go.
Step 5: Bake and Flip
Lightly spray or drizzle the chicken with oil to help it crisp in the oven. Bake the cutlets for 12 minutes until they begin to turn golden. After that, carefully flip each piece over and bake for another 10 minutes. This ensures a crispy crust on both sides without drying out the chicken inside.
Step 6: Cook the Spaghetti
Once your chicken is nearly done, add the spaghetti to your boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to plate your creation.
Step 7: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Finish Baking
Remove the chicken from the oven briefly and spoon marinara sauce onto each cutlet, then layer with fresh mozzarella slices. Return the pan to the oven and bake an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165º F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley sprinkled over the top add a burst of color and a fresh herbaceous note that brightens each bite. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan can also elevate the flavors and add a bit of elegant flair.
Side Dishes
This is a hearty meal on its own, but you can round it out with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans. Garlic bread also pairs beautifully for those who want a little extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken parmesan layered in individual ramekins over the spaghetti with the sauce and cheese melted on top, almost like a mini baked pasta dish. Or arrange the cutlets in a large shallow platter with pasta piled in the center to create an inviting, family-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down completely before sealing to keep it at its best.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken cutlets individually wrapped in plastic wrap and foil or stored in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze before adding the melted cheese for optimal texture when reheated.
Reheating
For the tastiest leftovers, reheat your chicken parmesan in the oven at about 350º F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the breading crispy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and add a little extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking times slightly as thighs can cook a bit faster.
Is it necessary to use fresh mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella gives this recipe that creamy melt and authentic texture, but if you only have shredded mozzarella, you can use that too. Just sprinkle generously over the chicken before the final bake.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour and Italian breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Many stores carry gluten-free breadcrumbs that work perfectly for coating.
What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Go for a quality store-bought marinara or make your own if you have time. A sauce with a good balance of herbs and acidity will elevate the dish beautifully.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before baking, but it’s best to bake and add the cheese fresh when ready to serve for optimum crispiness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a good chicken parmesan, and this Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe delivers all the classic flavors with less fuss and guilt. It’s the perfect dish to impress family and friends or treat yourself to something wonderful on a weeknight. Give it a try soon — I promise it will become a staple in your recipe collection!
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Print
Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender, breaded chicken cutlets baked to golden perfection, topped with marinara sauce and melted fresh mozzarella, served over a bed of spaghetti. A healthier alternative to fried versions, this classic Italian-American dish combines crispy crust and cheesy goodness, making it perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (3 chicken breasts)
- Cooking spray or oil (for spraying the chicken)
For the Sauce and Topping:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
- 10 ounces fresh sliced mozzarella
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti (3/4 of a normal sized box)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 400º F and lightly grease a sheet pan. Fill a large pot with water, cover, and bring to a boil for cooking the spaghetti later.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the flour and kosher salt. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine Italian breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Cut each chicken breast in half horizontally to create six thin, even cutlets total.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour mixture, then dip in the eggs, letting excess drip off, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture. Place coated cutlets on the greased sheet pan. Repeat for all cutlets.
- Bake Chicken – First Side: Lightly spray the coated chicken cutlets with oil and bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Baking: Carefully flip each cutlet over and bake an additional 10 minutes.
- Cook Spaghetti: When the chicken has about 10-11 minutes remaining, add spaghetti to the boiling water. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Add Toppings and Final Bake: Remove the chicken from the oven, spoon a tablespoon of marinara sauce onto each cutlet, and top with two slices of fresh mozzarella. Return to the oven and bake 3-5 more minutes until the chicken reaches 165ºF internally and the cheese is melted.
- Rest and Serve: Let chicken parmesan rest for 5 minutes. Serve chicken cutlets over the cooked spaghetti with additional marinara sauce as desired.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced chicken cutlets for even cooking and breading adherence.
- Make sure to spray the chicken lightly with oil before baking to help achieve a crispy crust.
- Check internal temperature of chicken to ensure it reaches 165ºF for safe consumption.
- Fresh mozzarella melts best and provides a creamy texture contrasting the crispy coating.
- This recipe can be adapted to gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
