Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan: Quick Easy Homemade Recipe

Oven baked chicken Parmesan is a satisfying, family-friendly dinner with crispy, golden chicken, rich marinara sauce, and bubbly melted mozzarella. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an easy choice for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or a comforting weekend meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 459 kcal per serving

Why Make This Recipe

• Quick and simple: This chicken Parmesan is baked in the oven instead of fried, keeping preparation straightforward and cleanup easy.
• Crispy and flavorful: Panko breadcrumbs and fresh Parmesan create a crisp coating seasoned with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Comforting and satisfying: Marinara sauce and melted mozzarella add the classic Italian-inspired flavor everyone loves.
• Perfect for sharing: With four servings, it is an easy crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts (About 1 pound of chicken total)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (fresh grated)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoon minced parsley (optional, for garnish)

How to Make It

1. Line a baking sheet with foil, then brush the foil with olive oil. Adjust the oven rack so that it is in the second-from-the-top space. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

   

2. Cut the chicken breasts in half and pound them to an even thickness. Cut through the middle of each chicken breast as if you are going to butterfly it, opening it like a book, but cut all the way through to make two equal-sized pieces.

3. After cutting the chicken breasts in half, place them in a gallon-sized zip-top bag in an even layer. Seal the bag, then pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat pounder or a rolling pin. You can also place the chicken breasts between two layers of cling wrap instead of using a zip-top bag if you prefer.

4. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season them with salt and pepper.

5. In one shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.

6. In another shallow dish, whisk one egg.

7. Dip one chicken breast into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure the chicken breast is fully coated in the crumb mixture, and gently press with your hand to help the crumbs stick to the chicken. Place the chicken breast on the prepared baking sheet, then repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.

8. Place the baking sheet in the oven on the second-from-the-top rack. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

9. Flip the chicken, pour 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then top with the cheese. Place the baking sheet back in the oven. Turn on the broiler and broil for 2-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the chicken are browning.

How to Serve It

• Serve the chicken Parmesan with spaghetti, extra marinara sauce, or another favorite pasta.
• Add a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Sprinkle with minced parsley just before serving for a fresh garnish and a pop of color.

How to Store It

Store leftover chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Refrigerate it promptly and enjoy the leftovers within a few days.

To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or wrap individual portions securely before freezing. Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat refrigerated portions in the oven until warmed through to help preserve the crisp coating. Avoid overheating, as the chicken can become dry and the breading can soften. If using a broiler to refresh the cheese, watch it closely.

Helpful Tips

• Pound the chicken to an even thickness so every piece cooks at the same rate.
• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and breading. A dry surface helps the egg and breadcrumb coating adhere.
• Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken to create an even coating, but avoid packing them down too firmly.
• Keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling. The cheese can go from melted and bubbly to overly browned quickly.

Optional Variations

• Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs in place of some or all of the panko, while keeping the coating crisp.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little heat.
• Swap the mozzarella for provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken cutlets instead of whole chicken breasts?
Yes. Chicken cutlets can be used, but make sure they are an even thickness so they cook evenly.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Bake the chicken for 15 minutes, or until cooked through as directed. For the most reliable check, use a food thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken.

Can I prepare the chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add the marinara sauce and cheese after flipping the chicken, as directed.

Why is my breading not sticking to the chicken?
Pat the chicken dry before dipping it in the egg, and press the breadcrumb mixture gently onto each piece so it adheres well.

Can I make this recipe without broiling?
Broiling helps the mozzarella melt and become bubbly while browning the edges. If you do not broil, continue heating the chicken until the cheese is fully melted, watching carefully to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

Oven baked chicken Parmesan is a satisfying, family-friendly dinner featuring crispy, golden chicken, rich marinara sauce, and bubbly melted mozzarella, ready in just 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 459 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pieces chicken breasts (About 1 pound of chicken total)
• 1 piece egg

For the Breading

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (fresh grated)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Line a baking sheet with foil, then brush the foil with olive oil. Adjust the oven rack so that it is in the second-from-the-top space. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Cut the chicken breasts in half and pound them to an even thickness.
• Place the chicken breasts in a gallon-sized zip-top bag in an even layer. Seal the bag, then pound the chicken to an even thickness using a meat pounder or a rolling pin.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season them with salt and pepper.

Breading

• In one shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
• In another shallow dish, whisk one egg.
• Dip one chicken breast into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure the chicken breast is fully coated in the crumb mixture. Place the chicken breast on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining pieces.

Cooking

• Place the baking sheet in the oven on the second-from-the-top rack. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Flip the chicken, pour 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then top with the mozzarella cheese. Place the baking sheet back in the oven.
• Turn on the broiler and broil for 2-4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

Serve with spaghetti, extra marinara sauce, or a green salad. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze for later use. Tips include pounding chicken to an even thickness and patting dry before seasoning.

Keyword baked chicken, Chicken Parmesan, Comfort Food, easy recipe, Family Dinner