This Baked Crispy Chicken Parmesan is a golden, crunchy delight that brings the heart of Italy to your table. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a crispy, herb-infused breadcrumb crust, baked to perfection, and topped with melted mozzarella and tangy marinara. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent, with a satisfying crunch in every bite.
The combination of savory Parmesan, gooey cheese, and zesty tomato sauce creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s lighter than the fried version, making it a guilt-free treat. Serve it over al dente pasta or with a fresh salad for a meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Baked Crispy Chicken Parmesan
- Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet and coating the chicken)
- 2 cups cheese and garlic croutons (or substitute with plain croutons or breadcrumbs for a milder flavor)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each, or use chicken thighs for a juicier option)
- 1 egg, beaten (add a splash of water or milk for easier coating)
- 1 cup marinara sauce, heated (store-bought or homemade, warmed for serving)
- ¾ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (or use a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor)
- 4 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- 8 ounces pasta, cooked (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite type)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Crush the croutons: Place the croutons in a zipper plastic bag, seal, and crush with a rolling pin until they form coarse crumbs. (Alternatively, use a food processor for finer crumbs.)
- Prepare the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then press into the crushed crouton crumbs to coat evenly.
- Arrange on the baking sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake the chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add sauce and cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon warmed marinara sauce over each breast. Sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella cheese and optional Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Return the chicken to the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Serve over cooked pasta and enjoy!
Delicious Sauce and Topping Ideas
While marinara sauce is a classic choice, you can switch things up with pesto, alfredo sauce, or even a spicy arrabbiata for a kick. For toppings, try adding fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a richer taste.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Serve your crispy chicken Parmesan over cooked pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, or pair it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. For a low-carb option, try it with zucchini noodles or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Don’t forget a glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio to complete the meal!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. If you’re freezing, wrap individual portions tightly in foil and store for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
Use pre-crushed croutons or breadcrumbs to skip the crushing step. You can also prep the chicken breasts ahead of time—coat them in crumbs, place them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For an even quicker meal, use store-bought marinara sauce or pre-shredded cheese.
Recipe Variations to Try
Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier option, or use eggplant slices for a vegetarian twist. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free croutons or breadcrumbs. If you’re short on time, skip the oven and cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Baked Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 2 cups cheese and garlic croutons
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce, heated
- 3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 4 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, optional
- 8 ounces pasta, cooked
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Spray baking sheet with vegetable cooking spray.
- Place croutons in zipper plastic bag. Close and crush with rolling pin until crumbs form.
- Dip chicken into beaten egg.
- Coat with crushed crouton crumbs.
- Place chicken on prepared baking sheet.
- Spray chicken with vegetable cooking spray.
- Bake 20-30 minutes or until chicken is done.
- Spoon pasta sauce over chicken and sprinkle with cheese.
- Sprinkle each chicken breast with 1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan Cheese (optional).
- Serve over cooked pasta.