The Juiciest Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe You’ll Ever Master

Let me share a delightful chicken parmesan bake that brings comfort right to your table.

Crispy golden edges promise pure satisfaction with every single bite.

Melted cheese creates an irresistible blanket over tender chicken breasts.

Classic Italian flavors dance across your palate in this easy weeknight marvel.

Packed with robust marinara and sharp parmesan, this dish delivers serious flavor without complicated techniques.

Crusty breadcrumbs add perfect crunch to each magnificent serving.

Chicken Parmesan Bake That Satisfies Fast

• Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious dinner without complicated steps.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken coating and assemble dish earlier, then pop in oven when ready to serve, saving precious evening time.
• Restaurant-Quality Comfort: Delivers classic chicken parmesan flavors with crispy exterior and melted cheese without complex restaurant techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different preferences by switching marinara sauce or adding extra herbs, making it a hit with picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.

Chicken Parmesan Bake Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, juicy main protein that forms the core of the dish. Boneless and skinless work best.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Crispy, flavorful coating that adds crunch and rich cheese taste. Panko breadcrumbs recommended for extra crispiness.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Oregano, Basil, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic herbs and spices that enhance overall flavor profile.

• Eggs: Helps breadcrumb mixture stick to chicken, creating a golden, crispy exterior.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty, gooey cheese layer that adds richness and creates a beautiful golden crust.

• Marinara Sauce: Tangy, classic tomato sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps achieve golden-brown color when searing chicken. Extra virgin preferred for better taste.

• Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and vibrant aromatic finish to the dish.

Chicken Parmesan Bake How-To

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Dredge Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.

Roll the egg-coated chicken in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating.

Step 4: Crisp Up the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot pan.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 5: Layer in Baking Dish

Transfer the partially cooked chicken to the prepared baking dish.

Pour marinara sauce generously over the top, ensuring each piece is well-covered.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Cover the chicken completely with the cheese blend.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dish from the oven.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the chicken is piping hot.

Parmesan Chicken Bake Tips For a Crusty Finish

• Make the breadcrumb mixture and coat chicken earlier in the day to save time during dinner rush.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add unique flavor profiles to your breadcrumb coating.
• Broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end to create a golden, crispy cheese topping that adds delightful texture.
• Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a gluten-free, low-carb alternative that's equally delicious.
• Choose a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own to elevate the overall taste of the chicken parmesan bake.

Saving Chicken Parmesan Bake for Another Day

• Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Chicken parmesan can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to ensure even warming and maintain crispy texture.

Tasty Sides For Parmesan Bake

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio cuts through the rich cheese and complements the chicken's savory flavor, creating a balanced dining experience.
• Serve Herbed Garlic Bread: Crusty bread with herbs perfectly soaks up the marinara sauce, adding texture and enhancing the dish's Italian-inspired profile.
• Match Fresh Arugula Salad: Peppery greens with lemon vinaigrette provide a light, tangy contrast to the heavy, cheesy chicken, balancing the meal's richness.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes roasted with olive oil and herbs add color, nutrition, and a Mediterranean touch to the plate.

Chicken Parm Bake Styles

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal. Use gluten-free marinara sauce to ensure the entire dish remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Use a low-carb marinara sauce and reduce the amount of cheese to cut down on carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Replace mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip cheese entirely. Opt for coconut oil instead of olive oil for cooking.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms. Maintain the same coating and baking process, ensuring a protein-rich vegetarian main course.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

You can use both chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts work best for a leaner option, while thighs provide more moisture and flavor. Just ensure the chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking.

• Is it necessary to pre-cook the chicken in the skillet before baking?

Pre-cooking the chicken in the skillet helps achieve a golden-brown crust and adds extra flavor. It also ensures the chicken starts cooking evenly before going into the oven, reducing the risk of dry chicken.

• How can I make the breadcrumb coating crispier?

To get a crispier coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. You can also add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the mix for extra crunch and flavor. Toasting the breadcrumbs slightly before coating can also enhance crispiness.

• What if I don't have all the herbs listed in the recipe?

If you’re missing some herbs, don’t worry. You can substitute with dried Italian seasoning or use whatever herbs you have on hand. The key is to maintain a balanced herb profile that complements the chicken and marinara sauce.

Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty chicken parmesan bake delivers classic Italian comfort with crispy breaded chicken smothered in marinara and melted cheese. Delicious layers promise a satisfying meal that draws family together around the dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Coating and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten

Sauce and Cheese Topping:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious baking vessel and warm the kitchen oven to a toasty 375°F, ensuring the cooking surface is lightly greased to prevent sticking.
2. Create a flavorful coating by thoroughly blending dry seasonings – breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper – in a comprehensive mixing bowl.
3. Submerge each chicken piece into whisked egg, ensuring complete coverage, then carefully roll through the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to secure an even, robust exterior.
4. Activate a skillet with olive oil over medium thermal intensity, strategically browning chicken pieces for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crisp exterior, recognizing complete cooking will occur during baking.
5. Carefully arrange the partially cooked chicken pieces within the prepared baking dish, creating an organized layer that allows for even heat distribution.
6. Generously cascade marinara sauce across the chicken, ensuring each piece receives a luxurious coating of tangy tomato goodness.
7. Liberally distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauced chicken, creating a molten, appetizing blanket of dairy deliciousness.
8. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven, allowing it to bake uncovered for roughly 20 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, irresistible golden landscape.
9. Extract from the oven, adorn with delicate fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Ensure even coating by patting chicken dry before dipping in egg to help breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free panko crumbs to maintain crispy texture.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium marinara sauce and reducing added salt in breadcrumb mixture.
• Prevent soggy chicken by briefly pan-frying to create a crisp exterior before baking, which locks in moisture and creates delightful golden crust.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg