Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

ByVerj Recipes

Chicken Parmesan is one of those dinners that instantly makes a regular night feel a little more special. It’s cozy, familiar, and downright satisfying — that crunchy, golden chicken tucked under warm marinara and a blanket of melty mozzarella. The moment it comes out of the oven, you get that mix of tomato-and-garlic aroma with bubbling cheese on top, and honestly… it’s hard not to sneak a bite before it even hits the table.

I love this version because you get that classic crispy crust, but the oven finish keeps it easy and gives the cheese time to melt into all the nooks and crannies. It’s perfect for a Sunday comfort meal, a “friends are coming over” dinner, or anytime you want something hearty that feels like a hug served on a plate.

Let’s make it the kind of chicken parm you’ll want to repeat.

Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 tablespoons milk

  • 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup olive oil (for shallow frying)

  • 2 cups marinara sauce

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set it aside.

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them tender instead of dry.

2. Season it well

Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Simple, but it makes a big difference.

3. Set up your breading station

Grab three shallow dishes:

  • One for the flour

  • One for the eggs + milk (whisk them together until smooth)

  • One for the breadcrumbs + Parmesan (mix them so the cheese is evenly spread through)

This part feels a little “assembly line,” but it goes fast once you start.

4. Bread the chicken

Dredge each chicken breast in flour and shake off the excess.

Dip it into the egg mixture, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Really press — that’s how you get that thick, crunchy coating that doesn’t fall off.

5. Fry until golden

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Fry the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side, just until golden brown and crisp. You’re not cooking it all the way through here — you’re building that crust.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate so any extra oil drains off.

6. Assemble the magic

Place the browned chicken in your baking dish.

Spoon marinara sauce over each piece (not too much — you want the crust to stay crispy), then pile on the mozzarella. This is the moment it starts looking like real Chicken Parm.

7. Bake

Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.

If you want extra golden cheese on top, you can let it go another minute or two — just keep an eye on it.

8. Rest, garnish, and serve

Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. It helps everything settle and keeps the coating crisp.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil right before bringing it to the table.

Presentation

For that “restaurant-style” look, serve each piece of chicken parm on a plate with a spoonful of marinara underneath and extra sauce on the side. Add a little shower of fresh herbs on top for color.

If you’re serving pasta, keep it simple — spaghetti or linguine tossed with a little olive oil or marinara is perfect. Garlic bread on the side feels like a must, and a crisp green salad balances the richness beautifully.

And if you want it extra cozy? Serve it family-style in the baking dish, right in the center of the table. There’s something about scooping bubbly cheese straight from the pan that just feels right.

Nutritional Information:

  • ⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

  • 🔥 Kcal: Approximately 540 kcal per serving

  • 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings

Conclusion

This Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan is everything you want: crunchy edges, juicy chicken, tangy marinara, and that gooey mozzarella pull that makes everyone’s eyes light up. It’s classic comfort food, but it still feels like a treat every time.

If you’ve been craving something warm and hearty, put this on the menu soon. Make it once, and it’ll quickly become one of those “keep in rotation” dinners.

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