Craving a classic comfort meal without the guilt? This baked chicken breast parmesan recipe brings all the rich, cheesy goodness you love, but in a healthier, easier-to-make package. Say goodbye to messy frying and hello to perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts topped with savory marinara and melted mozzarella. You’ll achieve that irresistible crunch and juicy tenderness, all with minimal prep and cleanup. Enjoy a delicious, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes tonight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken breast parmesan recipe baked is a game-changer for busy weeknights and beginners alike. You’ll adore it because:
- Healthier Choice: We bake, not fry, significantly reducing fat without sacrificing flavor.
- Simple & Quick: Minimal prep time means dinner is on the table faster than takeout.
- Crispy Perfection: Our breadcrumb blend ensures every bite is wonderfully crunchy and golden.
- Juicy & Tender: Pounding the chicken guarantees even cooking and succulent results.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this cheesy, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Gather these simple items to create your delicious baked chicken parmesan. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering fantastic flavor and texture for your chicken breast parmesan recipe baked.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces each)
- ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large egg whites
- 4 ounces part-skim mozzarella
- ½ cup high-quality jarred tomato sauce (plus extra for serving as desired)
- Fresh basil (thinly sliced or chopped)
- Optional for serving: prepared whole wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles
Notes & Substitutions
Combining Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with whole wheat Panko creates a superior, extra-crispy crust that is also lighter. You can swap part-skim mozzarella for provolone for a slightly sharper flavor profile. If you do not have egg whites, one whole large egg works just as well. Feel free to use your favorite homemade marinara sauce instead of jarred for an even fresher taste. For a vegetarian take, use slices of eggplant instead of chicken, following similar breading steps.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized equipment to make this fantastic chicken breast parmesan recipe baked.
- Baking sheet: A standard rimmed baking sheet prevents spills and ensures even baking.
- Shallow bowls (pie dishes): Perfect for your breading station.
- Meat mallet (or rolling pin): Essential for pounding chicken to an even thickness.
- Whisk: For preparing the egg wash.
- Instant-read thermometer: Guarantees perfectly cooked, safe chicken every time.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your delicious chicken breast parmesan recipe baked in no time. Precision in each step ensures a perfect outcome, from crispy coating to tender, juicy chicken.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise, so you have 4 pieces total. Place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and tender results. Understanding the science behind preparing ingredients can elevate your cooking, and you can explore the culinary benefits of pounding chicken breasts. Set the pounded chicken aside.
- Prepare Breading Station: In a wide, shallow bowl (a pie dish works well), combine the Italian breadcrumbs, whole wheat Panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. Stir them thoroughly to combine all the seasonings. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the egg whites until they are lightly foamy. Cut the part-skim mozzarella into 4 even slices, or grate it and divide into four equal portions, ready for later use.
- Dredge the Chicken: Arrange your workstation in the following order: the pounded chicken, followed by the bowl of whisked egg whites, then the bowl of breadcrumb mixture, and finally the prepared baking sheet. Working one piece at a time, dip each chicken cutlet completely into the egg whites, shaking off any excess liquid to prevent a soggy coating.
- Coat Thoroughly: Immediately transfer the egg-dipped chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the chicken into the breadcrumbs, flipping it to ensure all sides are fully coated. Pat the crumbs onto the chicken as needed so they stick well. This comprehensive coating is key to the crispy texture of your chicken breast parmesan recipe baked.
- Bake the Chicken: Place each breaded chicken cutlet on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Lightly coat the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness) and the crumbs are golden brown. For optimal food safety, it’s crucial to ensure chicken reaches the proper internal temperature; the USDA provides safe minimum internal temperature guidelines for chicken. Remember, chicken’s temperature will rise slightly after removal.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of your high-quality jarred tomato sauce evenly over each piece of partially baked chicken. Then, top each sauced chicken breast with a slice or portion of mozzarella cheese.
- Final Bake & Serve: Return the baking sheet to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 3–5 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once done, remove from the oven, sprinkle generously with fresh basil, and enjoy your delightful chicken breast parmesan recipe baked immediately, topped with extra sauce as desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Parmesan
Achieving perfect results with this chicken breast parmesan recipe baked is easy with these simple tips.
- Pound Evenly: Always pound your chicken breasts to a consistent ½-inch thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and remain incredibly juicy, preventing dry spots.
- Use a Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is your best friend. It guarantees perfectly cooked chicken (165°F) every time, preventing overcooking and dryness.
- Spray for Crispness: Lightly spraying the breaded chicken tops with cooking spray before baking helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown and extra-crispy crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your chicken space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of baking it, resulting in a less crispy exterior.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This versatile chicken breast parmesan recipe baked pairs wonderfully with many sides. Serve it alongside a generous portion of whole wheat spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a complete meal. A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping traditional breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free seasoned breadcrumbs and Panko.
- Chicken Thighs: Prefer dark meat? Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead. Adjust the baking time, as thighs may require an extra 5-10 minutes to reach 165°F.
- Air Fryer: For an even quicker meal, air fry your breaded chicken cutlets. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked to 160°F. Then, add sauce and cheese, and air fry for another 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store any leftover baked chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze cooled, baked chicken breasts (without sauce or cheese is best) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding toppings.
Leftover Ideas
Transform leftovers into new meals! Slice cold chicken parmesan for delicious salads or hearty sandwiches. It’s also great diced into a wrap with extra greens and sauce.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition data is for one serving (1 piece of chicken with sauce and cheese), not including any pasta or additional sides. This chicken breast parmesan recipe baked offers a balanced and satisfying meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 381 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Protein | 50 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.02 g |
| Cholesterol | 133 mg |
| Potassium | 828 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 404 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5 mg |
| Calcium | 326 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this chicken breast parmesan recipe baked ahead of time? You can prep the chicken by pounding and breading it up to a day in advance. Store the breaded chicken on a parchment-lined plate, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? Pounding the chicken to an even thickness helps significantly. Always use an instant-read thermometer to cook it just until it reaches 165°F, and then remove it promptly from the oven.
- Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of part-skim? Yes, you can use fresh mozzarella! Be aware that fresh mozzarella contains more water, so it might release some liquid during baking and alter the texture slightly compared to part-skim.
- What kind of tomato sauce is best? Opt for a high-quality jarred marinara sauce with minimal added sugar and real ingredients. This will significantly impact the overall flavor of your delicious chicken breast parmesan recipe baked.
Conclusion
This easy baked chicken breast parmesan recipe baked proves you do not need to sacrifice flavor for health or convenience. It delivers on all fronts: crispy, juicy, cheesy, and utterly delicious, all without the fuss of frying. Perfect for busy parents and beginners, this dish transforms a classic into a weeknight hero. Give it a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken parmesan! Share your experience in the comments below; we love hearing from you!
Easy Baked Chicken Breast Parmesan Recipe (Healthy & Crispy!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise and pound each piece to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
- In a shallow bowl, combine Italian breadcrumbs, whole wheat Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy and slice or grate the mozzarella.
- Arrange your workstation: chicken, egg whites, breadcrumb mixture, then the baking sheet. Dip each chicken piece into egg whites, shaking off excess, then into the breadcrumbs, gently patting to ensure coating.
- Place coated chicken on the baking sheet, lightly coat tops with cooking spray, and bake for about 15 minutes until it reaches 160°F and crumbs are brown.
- Remove from oven, spoon 2 tablespoons of sauce over each chicken piece, and top with mozzarella. Return to oven and bake for 3-5 additional minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and enjoy immediately, topped with extra sauce as desired.