Name: Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts, sliced in half length-wise to create 6 cutlets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can also use gluten-free flour blend or white whole wheat); 3 eggs, whisked; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 tsp Italian herb blend (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary); 1 tsp garlic powder; 6 slices mozzarella cheese; 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

If you’re craving that perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and saucy, look no further than this Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe. It’s a classic Italian-American comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests!

A white rectangular baking dish holds six pieces of breaded cutlets, each covered with a bright red tomato sauce layer, followed by a melted golden-brown cheese layer, and sprinkled with small pieces of fresh green herbs on top. The cutlets have a crispy textured edge that is slightly browned, and some grated cheese is scattered around the cutlets in the dish. A small bunch of fresh green basil leaves is placed at the bottom right corner of the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I make this crispy baked chicken parmesan recipe all the time. It’s one of those dishes that feels both special and utterly comforting, and I know you’ll love how simple and flavorful it turns out!

Perfectly Tender Chicken: We pound the cutlets thin for quick, even cooking and a juicy bite every time.
Crunchy, Flavorful Coating: The breadcrumb mix is packed with Italian herbs and garlic powder, making every crunch sing.
Cheesy, Melty Goodness: Layered with mozzarella and parmesan, baked until golden and bubbly.
Simple but Impressive: With just a few quality ingredients, you’ll have a classic Italian-American star on your dinner table.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, here are a few tips for picking the best ingredients. Fresh basil really brings brightness, and fresh-grated Parmesan beats pre-shredded every time for that rich, nutty flavor. Plus, you can easily swap in gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs if that’s your preference!

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise to six cutlets, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, three whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a simple white ceramic dish with mixed golden breadcrumbs blended with shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese and Italian herb blend, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, six slices of fresh white mozzarella cheese arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with finely shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh green basil leaves, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged with balanced proportions and symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Sliced into cutlets, they cook evenly and stay juicy when pounded to about ½ inch thick.
All-purpose flour: Creates a light base layer for the breading to adhere to; gluten-free or white whole wheat work too.
Eggs: Whisked eggs form a sticky coating to help the breadcrumbs cling perfectly.
Olive oil: For browning the cutlets to golden crispness before baking.
Breadcrumbs: The crunchy coating foundation, enhanced with parmesan and herbs for extra flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Both in the breadcrumb mix and on top for sharp, savory notes.
Italian herb blend: A mix of thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary that makes the coating aromatic.
Garlic powder: Adds a mellow, savory depth without overpowering.
Mozzarella cheese slices: Melt perfectly over each cutlet for that classic creamy stretch.
Marinara sauce: Rich, tangy tomato sauce to keep the dish saucy and vibrant.
Fresh basil: Chopped and sprinkled on top to finish with a fresh herbal lift.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastes and lifestyle. Whether you want to lighten it up, cater to dietary needs, or add seasonal flair, there’s always room to get creative in the kitchen!

Gluten-Free Version: I’ve made this recipe using a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs, and honestly, you won’t miss a thing. The chicken still gets that perfect crispy crust, and the flavors shine just as bright.
Lighter Baking Method: If you’re watching the oil, try baking the breaded cutlets instead of pan-frying. I follow the baking instructions—baking at 450°F for 25 minutes before adding toppings—and the result is wonderfully crispy without the extra oil.
Seasonal Twist: During summer, swapping marinara for a fresh tomato basil sauce really freshens things up. Adding a sprinkle of sliced olives or roasted red peppers to the topping can also bring extra excitement to the classic.
Cheese Upgrade: Using fresh mozzarella instead of pre-sliced, and freshly grating your parmesan cheese makes a noticeable difference. Melted, gooey mozzarella paired with the sharp tang of fresh parmesan is absolutely divine.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

This image shows a white baking dish filled with several pieces of layered chicken parmesan. Each piece has a base layer of crispy golden-brown breaded chicken, topped with a thick layer of bright red marinara sauce with a slightly chunky texture. On top of the sauce is a layer of melted, bubbly, light golden mozzarella cheese mixed with sprinklings of white parmesan. Small bits of fresh, chopped dark green basil are scattered across the top, with a whole basil leaf placed on the chicken in the foreground. The background is a white marbled surface, and a metal spatula lifts one piece from the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Chicken Cutlets

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit — this ensures it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake. While that’s warming up, place your chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin or meat mallet, pound them until they’re about ½ inch thick. You’ll want evenly thin cutlets so they cook through perfectly and stay juicy. Once tenderized, remove from the bag and gently pat dry with paper towels—this helps the breading stick better.

Step 2: Mix Your Flavorful Breadcrumbs

In a shallow dish, combine 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs, ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 2 teaspoons Italian herb blend, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Give everything a good stir to get those flavors evenly mixed. This breadcrumb mixture is where the magic begins — it’s packed with herbs and sharp cheese, so each bite is bursting with Italian charm.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Stations

Set up an assembly line with three shallow bowls or dishes: one with ½ cup all-purpose flour (or your choice of gluten-free or whole wheat flour), one with whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture. This setup makes breading each chicken cutlet quick, efficient, and mess-free.

Step 4: Bread Your Chicken Cutlets With Care

Working one cutlet at a time, start by coating it in flour on both sides. Shake off any excess because too much flour will make the breading clumpy. Next, dip into the whisked eggs, making sure the cutlet is fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, using your hands to gently pack the crumbs on for an even, thorough coating. Repeat until all 6 cutlets are breaded and ready.

Step 5: Brown Your Cutlets to Golden Perfection

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over low to medium heat. You want the oil hot enough to brown but not smoke. Cook each breaded cutlet for 2 to 3 minutes per side, checking carefully for that gorgeous golden crust. The breading should be crisp and fragrant, signaling it’s ready to move to the baking step.

Step 6: Layer Cheese, Sauce, and Bake

Arrange your browned chicken cutlets in a large baking dish. Place a slice of mozzarella on each, then spoon marinara sauce evenly over the top. Pop the dish into the preheated 425°F oven and bake uncovered for 14 minutes. As it bakes, the mozzarella will start to melt and the sauce bubbles up — delicious aromas fill the kitchen!

Step 7: Add Parmesan, Broil to Finish

Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese over each cutlet. Switch your oven to broil on high and place the dish back in for just 1 minute. Watch closely — the cheese will melt and turn golden brown quickly. This step adds a nutty, caramelized layer of indulgence that makes this dish a showstopper.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Finish off by sprinkling 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil over the top. The bright, aromatic basil adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve your Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan right away while it’s warm and gooey, accompanied by your favorite pasta or a crisp Italian salad for a truly comforting meal.

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe is all about the small details that bring big flavor and perfect texture. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your dish every time.

Even Thickness Matters: I always make sure to pound my chicken cutlets to a consistent ½ inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken tender while achieving that perfect crispy crust.
Don’t Skip Drying the Chicken: After pounding, patting the chicken dry with paper towels before breading makes a huge difference in how well the coating sticks and crisps up.
Low and Slow Browning: Browning your chicken over low to medium heat lets the coating get golden and crisp without burning. Rushing with high heat can leave you with burnt edges and undercooked centers.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Whenever possible, freshly shredded parmesan adds a depth of flavor that packaged pre-shredded cheese just can’t match. It really enhances that authentic Italian-American taste.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

The image shows three stages of coating a piece of raw meat in a recipe sequence. In the first frame, a woman's hand is holding a pale pink raw meat piece while resting it on a bed of white flour on a white plate with a scalloped edge, all placed on a wooden surface. The meat is dry and powdery from the flour. In the second frame, the same woman's hand dips the flour-covered meat into a shallow white bowl filled with bright yellow beaten egg, with bubbles visible on the liquid’s surface. The third frame displays the woman's hand pressing the egg-covered raw meat into a round white dish filled with a mix of coarse, light brown breadcrumbs, creating a textured coating. The background is the same wooden surface, maintaining consistency across all stages. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped basil is the classic and beautiful finishing touch that brightens up this dish. You can also add a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil. If you want a little extra zing, a handful of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

This chicken parmesan pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Traditional spaghetti or any pasta shape tossed in olive oil and garlic is a natural companion. For a fresher element, I love serving it alongside an Italian chopped salad or a Tuscan artichoke salad. Crusty Italian bread or country sourdough is perfect for mopping up excess marinara sauce, rounding out a truly satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover crispy baked chicken parmesan in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and tasty option for next-day meals.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! After cooking and cooling the chicken parmesan, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. You can freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend using the oven to maintain crispiness. Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the chicken parmesan on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm for about 15 minutes. Remove the foil the last few minutes to revive the crust. Microwaving tends to make the breading soggy, so it’s best avoided if you want to keep that signature crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch) for even cooking and follow the same breading and baking steps.

Is it necessary to pan-fry the chicken before baking?

No, it’s not necessary. For a lighter option with less oil, you can bake the breaded cutlets as described in the baked method. While pan-frying adds extra crispiness, baking still produces delicious results with a golden crust.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, such as a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs. The flavor and texture will still be fantastic.

How do I prevent the chicken from becoming soggy after adding the sauce?

Browning the chicken before baking and baking it uncovered at 425°F helps keep the crust crisp. Also, don’t over-saturate with sauce—spoon it evenly but not excessively. Broiling briefly at the end melts and browns the cheese nicely, giving an appealing texture contrast.

Final Thoughts

Creating this Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe has been such a joyful journey—combining simple ingredients into something truly comforting and packed with flavor. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a weekend feast, this dish never fails to bring smiles around the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a cherished favorite in your home too!