Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large chicken breasts or 6 cutlets)
• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1.5 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (unseasoned)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Butterfly and pound the chicken breasts. Slice each breast in half lengthwise and place between plastic wrap. Use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken to about ¼ inch thickness, creating 6 cutlets.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Step 3: Set out three shallow bowls: one with whole wheat flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley.
4. Step 4: Coat each chicken cutlet by dredging it first in the flour, then dipping in the egg, and finally pressing into the bread crumb mixture to coat evenly. Repeat with all cutlets.
5. Step 5: Arrange the breaded cutlets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Step 6: Flip the cutlets and continue baking for another 15 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and top each cutlet with about ¼ cup marinara sauce and ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Step 8: Switch the oven to broil and return the cutlets to the oven for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Serve the Chicken Parmesan over pasta or alongside a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy chicken, lightly spray the breaded cutlets with cooking oil before baking.
• Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
• Try adding a layer of sliced fresh mozzarella or provolone for a gooier, creamier topping.
• Substitute gluten-free flour and bread crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the breading soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely and pat dry before butterflying and pounding.

What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan?

This dish pairs well with spaghetti or your favorite pasta, a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender, breaded chicken cutlets baked to golden perfection and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It combines Italian-inspired flavors with whole wheat ingredients for a healthier twist on a favorite comfort food, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 32 minutes
• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 large breasts or 6 cutlets)

Breading

• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (unseasoned)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley

Toppings

• 1.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1.5 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Place the cutlets between plastic wrap and pound them using a meat tenderizer until they are about ¼ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
3. Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with whole wheat flour, the second with whisked eggs, and the third with a mixture of whole wheat bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, dried basil, and dried parsley.
4. Bread the Chicken: Coat each chicken cutlet first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat for all cutlets.
5. Bake the Cutlets: Place the breaded cutlets evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then flip each cutlet and bake for another 15 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese: After 30 minutes of baking, remove the baking sheet from the oven and spoon about ¼ cup of marinara sauce on each cutlet. Sprinkle about ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
7. Broil to Melt Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven, set it to broil, and broil the cutlets for about 2 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
8. Serve: Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot over pasta or with a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Butterflying and pounding the chicken thinly ensures quick and even cooking.
• Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• You can use your favorite marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought.
• Watch carefully during broiling as cheese can burn quickly.
• For a crispy crust, you can lightly spray the cutlets with cooking spray before baking.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, baked chicken, Italian chicken recipe, healthy chicken parmesan, whole wheat breaded chicken