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Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner with Fresh Mozzarella

crispy baked chicken parmesan - featured image

A quick and easy crispy baked chicken parmesan featuring fresh mozzarella, a golden crunchy crust, and tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners without the mess of frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 pounds / 450 to 680 grams)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60 grams)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (100 grams; Panko recommended)
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (35 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (240 ml)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced into ¼-inch thick pieces (225 grams)
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. If chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, gently pound them to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Set up breading stations: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried oregano in a third bowl.
  4. Dredge each chicken breast lightly in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Press into breadcrumb mixture, coating fully on both sides. Pat coating gently to adhere.
  5. Arrange breaded chicken on the wire rack with space between pieces. Lightly brush tops with olive oil or melted butter.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes until chicken starts to cook through and crust begins to set.
  7. Remove baking sheet from oven. Spoon about ½ cup marinara sauce over each chicken breast evenly.
  8. Top each piece with sliced fresh mozzarella (about 3-4 slices per breast).
  9. Return to oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes until cheese melts, bubbles, and turns slightly golden.
  10. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for a lightly browned cheese top, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and cheese to set.
  12. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Use a wire rack to keep the crust crispy. Brush olive oil or melted butter on breading for a golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking. Watch cheese closely during broiling to prevent burning. Let chicken rest after baking for better texture. For gluten-free, substitute flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. Dairy-free mozzarella and egg substitutes can be used for vegan adaptations.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, baked chicken parmesan, crispy chicken parmesan, fresh mozzarella, easy dinner, Italian chicken recipe