Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake – Crispy, Cheesy & Oven-Baked

There’s something magical about the crispy-cheesy combination in a good Chicken Parmesan Bake.

This dish brings back memories of cozy family dinners, where the scent of marinara and bubbling mozzarella filled the kitchen.

It’s comforting, it’s hearty, and best of all—it’s incredibly simple to make right at home, even on a busy weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No need for deep frying or complicated prep—just oven-baked perfection with crisp breadcrumb coating and gooey melted cheese.

Every bite delivers juicy chicken, savory marinara, and stretchy mozzarella… and trust me, no one can stop at just one serving!

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Chicken breasts: Sliced and pounded thin for even cooking and tender texture.

Panko bread crumbs: Create that crave-worthy golden crispiness.

Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to the breading.

Egg: Helps bind the breadcrumb coating.

Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade version.

Mozzarella: Melts beautifully for that signature cheese pull.

Olive oil: Ensures the bottom stays crispy—not soggy.

Garlic powder, oregano, salt & pepper: The flavor foundation!

Pro Tips Before You Start

Pound your chicken evenly—this ensures consistent cooking and prevents dry edges.

Use fresh grated Parmesan, not the shelf-stable kind, for best melt and flavor.

Don’t skip the foil & oil on the baking sheet—it mimics a “fried” texture.

Broiling at the end makes the cheese bubbly and golden—watch carefully!

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan

Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly brush it with olive oil.

Position your oven rack in the second from the top and preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2: Butterfly and Pound the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner pieces.

Place in a zip-top bag or between cling film, then pound evenly with a mallet or rolling pin.

Step 3: Season and Dry

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Prepare Breading Stations

In one shallow dish, mix together the panko, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

In another dish, whisk the egg until smooth.

Step 5: Bread the Chicken

Dip one piece of chicken into the egg, then dredge in the breadcrumb mix.

Press gently to help the coating stick well.

Place onto the oiled baking sheet. Repeat with all pieces.

Step 6: Bake Until Crispy

Bake in the oven (second from top rack) for 15 minutes, until golden and fully cooked.

Step 7: Sauce & Cheese It

Flip each piece. Top with about marinara and a generous handful of mozzarella.

Step 8: Broil to Finish

Switch the oven to broil.

Return pan to the oven and broil for 2–4 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown.

Step 9: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with minced parsley if desired, and serve hot!

What to Serve It With

This Chicken Parmesan Bake pairs beautifully with:

Spaghetti or fettuccine with olive oil or extra marinara

Garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls

A crisp Caesar salad or arugula with balsamic glaze

Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans

Variations / Substitutions

Make it low-carb: Use crushed pork rinds instead of panko.

Add spice: Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.

Cheese swap: Try provolone or fontina in place of mozzarella.

Marinara twist: Use pesto or creamy tomato sauce for a different flavor spin.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness.

Freezer: You can freeze breaded (but unbaked) chicken for up to 1 month—add sauce and cheese just before baking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just adjust the baking time if they’re thicker.

How do I keep the breading crispy?
Bake on a foil-lined sheet brushed with oil, and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I make it ahead?
You can prep the breaded chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to a day.

Wait to add sauce and cheese until baking.

What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Use a good-quality jarred sauce you love, or go homemade if you prefer.

Can I air fry this?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, then top with sauce and cheese and finish under the broiler.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! It’s cheesy, crispy, and not spicy—most kids love it!

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just use a second baking sheet and rotate the pans halfway through for even browning.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Bake is the kind of dish that makes dinner feel special without making a mess or taking hours.

It’s everything I love—crunchy coating, gooey cheese, and rich tomato flavor—all in one baking sheet.

Whether you’re serving it for a casual Tuesday or a family gathering, it always impresses.

And trust me, leftovers (if any) reheat beautifully!