Lightened Up Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
It’s pretty amazing how just a few simple ingredients can transform into such an adored meal. Whether we’re entertaining or just trying to get dinner on the table at the end of a long day, Baked Chicken Parm is our go-to. Not only is it a breeze to put together, but it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Round out this dish with some garlic green beans or a green salad for a crisp bite and a bright pop of color.
Key Ingredients
- chicken breasts – check out our tutorial on how to butterfly a chicken breast to ensure even cooking.
- egg – This ensures all the yummy seasonings stay put on your chicken breast.
- breadcrumbs – if you are feeling ambitious you can make homemade breadcrumbs, otherwise store-bought works too in a pinch. Feel free to sub in gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need to!
- marinara – Try out our homemade marinara recipe or pick out your favorite store bought variety.
- spaghetti, zoodles, or cooked spaghetti squash – Pick the option that best serves your palette or dietary needs.
How To Make Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan
Step 1: Cut your chicken breast in half lengthwise – it is similar to butterflying a chicken breast you just cut all the way through so you end up with two separate pieces (aka cutlets).
Step 2: Place chicken cutlets on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Pound until each is approx. 1/4 inch thick.
Step 3: Taking one chicken cutlet at a time, place them in the egg wash (flipping over once to ensure they are fully coated) and then move them to the breadcrumbs, again ensuring they are fully coated.
Step 4: Place each coated chicken cutlet on the prepared baking sheet with wire rack. Place in oven, middle rack, for 10-12 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from oven and spoon some marinara/pasta sauce on top of each piece of chicken cutlet followed by 1-2 slices of fresh mozzarella.
Step 6: Place under broiler for 2-4 minutes or until cheese starts to melt and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Step 7: Serve with fresh basil leaves and either spaghetti, zoodles or spaghetti squash.
Make it a Meal: What to Serve With This
Because this is a pretty hearty and filling dish, we like to pair it with lighter sides and desserts. Some easy sautéed zucchini is always a snap to whip up or, in staying with the parmesan theme, try out our simple parmesan broccoli recipe.
Other Italian-Inspired Recipes You Might Like
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Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs, (regular homemade breadcrumbs or gluten-free)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated or finely shredded
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup marinara sauce, more, if desired
- 6 slices fresh mozzarella
- fresh basil
Serving Suggestions:
- spaghetti noodles
- spaghetti squash, cooked
- zoodles
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 425℉. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray the wire rack with olive oil or your favorite non-stick. Set aside.
- Cut Chicken: Cut 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you end up with 4 chicken cutlets. Place chicken cutlets on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Pound until each is approx. ¼ inch thick.
- Bread Chicken: Take shallow, medium-sized bowl and add 1 egg; whisk. In another shallow bowl combine ½ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir to combine. Taking one chicken cutlet at a time, place them in the egg wash (flipping over once to ensure they are fully coated) and then move them to the breadcrumbs, again ensuring they are fully coated.
- Bake: Place each coated chicken cutlet on the prepared baking sheet with wire rack. Place in oven, middle rack, for 10-12 minutes.
- Sauce + Cheese: Remove from oven and spoon some marinara sauce on top of each piece of chicken followed by 1-2 slices of fresh mozzarella. Place under broiler for 2-4 minutes or until cheese starts to melt and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.
- Rest + Serve: Remove and let rest 5 minutes. Serve with fresh basil leaves and either spaghetti, zoodles or spaghetti squash.
Notes
- Nutrition: the provided estimated nutrition does not include pasta or other sides.
- Gluten-Free: to make this gluten-free use gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve with gluten-free pasta, zoodles or spaghetti squash.
- Dairy-Free: to make this dairy-free use a dairy-free grated parmesan and a dairy-free mozzarella.
- Mozzarella: I highly recommend using fresh mozzarella, but you could use shredded if you want to.
- Marinara Sauce: option to make our easy pasta sauce or pick-up your favorite store-bought sauce (I love Rao’s Marinara Sauce).
TRozier says
Delish & easy to make!!
Erin says
So glad you enjoyed this one! Thanks for coming back and leaving a rating and review!