Baked Chicken Parmesan – A Crispy, Cheesy Weeknight Classic
Baked Chicken Parmesan is a lighter take on a beloved comfort food, offering the same crispy, cheesy goodness – without frying! This version skips the skillet and goes straight to the oven. Enjoy tender chicken with a golden breadcrumb coating, gooey melted cheese, and warm marinara, all served over spaghetti.
If you’ve ever craved restaurant-style Chicken Parmesan but didn’t want the extra oil or cleanup, this is your go-to recipe. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner for one, and it can easily be doubled to serve guests or save leftovers.
This recipe appears in our cookbook “Cooking for One – Not an Army” along with other delicious meals designed for solo dining. It’s made for one, but doubling (or tripling) is easy if you want more. If you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, our book is available on Amazon right here!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked Chicken Parmesan is satisfying without being too heavy. It keeps the crispy texture you expect but skips the deep fryer. It’s all the flavors of traditional Chicken Parm in a simpler, weeknight-ready format.
A few reasons you’ll want this on repeat:
-
Crispy Without Frying – Baked in the oven for less mess and fewer calories.
-
Melty, Cheesy Goodness – Parmesan and mozzarella are a comforting combo.
-
Ready in About 30 Minutes – Perfect for busy evenings.
-
Customizable – Use your favorite marinara or pasta shape.
-
Portion-Controlled – Great for solo meals, meal prep, or date nights.
Even better? This version gives you all the satisfaction of the original without standing over the stove.
What Makes This Version Special
This isn’t your average Chicken Parm. Instead of frying, the chicken breast is dipped in melted butter and coated with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan and herbs. The butter gives the crust its crispness in the oven and locks in moisture.
The chicken is baked until nearly done, then topped with a layer of mozzarella and more parmesan before returning to the oven. The result is melted, bubbly cheese over perfectly golden chicken.
To finish the dish, it’s served over cooked spaghetti and spooned with warm marinara—just enough to add flavor without overpowering the crunch. A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan
This dish comes together in just a few easy steps. You’ll dip the chicken in butter, dredge it in seasoned breadcrumbs, and bake it on a sheet pan. After 20 minutes, top it with cheese and return it to the oven to finish cooking.
The two-step bake ensures a golden crust and perfectly melted cheese without drying out the chicken. Serving it over pasta makes it a full meal, and you can easily swap in gluten-free noodles or zoodles if you prefer.
Want to keep things low-carb? Skip the spaghetti and serve the chicken over sautéed spinach or roasted cauliflower.
Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Parmesan
Baked Chicken Parmesan is easy, but these tips help it turn out even better:
-
Use Parchment or a Wire Rack – Keeps the chicken crisp on all sides.
-
Don’t Skip the Butter Dip – It’s the secret to that crispy, oven-baked crust.
-
Let It Rest – Giving the chicken a few minutes to rest after baking helps retain juiciness.
-
Broil for Extra Bubbly Cheese – A quick broil at the end gives that golden finish.
With these simple tricks, you’ll get crispy, cheesy chicken that’s worthy of your favorite Italian restaurant.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Chicken Parmesan is filling on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides can round out the meal:
-
Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette – Great for soaking up extra marinara.
-
Caesar or Garden Salad – Adds freshness and crunch.
-
Roasted Vegetables – Try broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus for a healthy side.
-
Spaghetti Squash – A low-carb swap for pasta.
Don’t forget to garnish with a little extra Parmesan or fresh basil if you have it on hand!
Other Recipes to Try
Love cheesy, comforting dinners? Try these other recipes from Sisters Know Best:
-
Turkey Pot Pie – A savory classic filled with turkey and veggies under a golden crust.
-
Zucchini Turkey Burgers – A healthier take on burgers that’s packed with flavor.
-
Turkey Enchilada Verde – A single-serve recipe from our cookbook featuring bold flavors and a spicy twist.
Want to Know More About Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan cheese adds more than just flavor—it brings texture and richness to dishes like this one. Bon Appetit has everything you need to learn more about parmesan cheese from articles to recipes!
Equipment You’ll Need
-
Baking sheet – For roasting the chicken evenly in the oven.
-
Mixing bowls – For prepping the breadcrumb mixture and butter dip.
-
Parchment paper or nonstick spray – Helps prevent sticking and ensures crispness.
-
Spatula or tongs – Useful for transferring the chicken to and from the baking sheet.
-
Meat thermometer – Optional, but helpful for ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F.
-
Small saucepan – For warming marinara sauce.
-
Plate or shallow dish – For dredging the chicken.
Baked Chicken Parmesan proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes, you can enjoy a cheesy, golden, satisfying meal without ever turning on a frying pan. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this oven-baked version is easy, mess-free, and full of flavor.
Give it a try and see why it’s a favorite in our kitchen – and in our cookbook!
