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The Ultimate Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan: Juicy Inside, Crunchy Outside (Ready in 40 Minutes)

A close-up of a perfectly baked chicken parmesan cutlet topped with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
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Make the best baked chicken parmesan without frying. This recipe delivers a reliably crispy crust and juicy chicken, topped with savory sauce and melted cheese. It is an easy Italian chicken dinner perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each), pounded to ½ inch thickness
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup marinara sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the pounded chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve a crispy crust. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
  3. Set up your dredging station with three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish. Whisk the eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Dredge each chicken cutlet: First, coat it lightly in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it completely in the egg wash. Finally, press it firmly into the Panko mixture, ensuring the coating adheres well on all sides.
  5. Place the coated chicken cutlets on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the cutlets with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of olive oil.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over the top of each cutlet. Top generously with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  9. Let the cheesy baked chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with pasta or a side salad for a complete family friendly chicken parmesan meal.

Notes

  • To ensure the chicken stays juicy, pound it evenly so it cooks through at the same rate.
  • For the crispiest results, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of standard breadcrumbs.
  • If you want a richer flavor, use a high-quality marinara sauce.
  • You can prepare the breaded chicken up to the point of baking and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours for make ahead chicken parmesan preparation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/baked-chicken-parmesan-recipe-crispy-easy/