Parmesan Chicken Bake: Crispy, Cheesy Comfort Food

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Parmesan Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food—crispy, golden chicken cutlets topped with zesty marinara, melty mozzarella, and a shower of fresh basil. It’s a cheesy, hearty dish that brings all the cozy Italian-American flavors to your dinner table without the fuss of frying and layering like traditional Chicken Parmesan.

Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, this baked version delivers that satisfying crunch and gooey cheese pull in every bite. Whether you’re craving easy appetizer ideas, a comforting family dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party food, this recipe checks every box.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Italian-American

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, golden chicken with cheesy, bubbly topping

• Quick prep perfect for busy weeknights

• Family-friendly and kid-approved

• Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients

• Easy to customize with fresh herbs or extra cheese

• Great for meal prep or entertaining guests

Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Breasts: Pounded thin for even cooking and juicy tenderness.

• Flour: Creates the first layer to help the breading stick.

• Egg and Milk: Bind the panko-Parmesan mixture to the chicken.

• Panko Breadcrumbs & Parmesan Cheese: Crispy coating with rich, savory flavor.

• Olive Oil: For pan-frying to achieve golden crust.

• Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture, acidity, and classic Italian flavor.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey finish.

• Fresh Basil: Brightens and freshens the final dish.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon milk

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1½ cups marinara sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup freshly chopped basil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Flatten the Chicken
   Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to ¼-inch thickness for even cooking and juicy results.

2. Set Up Breading Stations
   Prepare three shallow bowls:

   • Bowl 1: Flour

   • Bowl 2: Whisk eggs and milk together

   • Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan

3. Bread the Chicken
   Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
   Dredge each breast in flour, coating both sides.
   Dip into the egg mixture.
   Press firmly into the panko-Parmesan mix until fully coated.

4. Pan-Fry Until Golden
   Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
   Cook chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a baking dish.

5. Add Sauce and Cheese
   Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
   Sprinkle mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top.

6. Bake Until Melty
   Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

7. Garnish and Serve
   Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Pro Tips

• Use room temperature eggs and chicken for better breading adhesion.

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying — work in batches if needed.

• Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and crispiness.

• Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy.

• Swap marinara for homemade tomato sauce for a personal touch.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

• Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheese twist.

• Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinara for a spicy kick.

• Swap basil for fresh oregano or parsley.

• Try grilled chicken breasts for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

• Pair with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad.

• Add steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus on the side.

• Great alongside creamy mashed potatoes or polenta.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

• Prep breaded chicken up to 24 hours ahead; cover and refrigerate before frying and baking.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in a 350°F oven to keep the crust crispy.

• Freeze cooked chicken in portions; thaw overnight before reheating.

Cultural or Historical Notes

Parmesan Chicken is a beloved Italian-American classic inspired by dishes like Chicken Parmesan (Pollo alla Parmigiana), which combines crispy breaded chicken with cheese and tomato sauce. This comforting recipe captures that spirit with a straightforward baked approach perfect for modern home cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I bake instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Coat the chicken and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Mozzarella melts well and has a mild flavor, but provolone or fontina are great alternatives.

How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs instead of the traditional versions.

Can I use fresh marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Fresh or homemade marinara adds wonderful flavor.

How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Pounding the chicken thin and not overbaking helps keep it tender and juicy.

Notes

• Adjust seasoning to taste; Parmesan adds saltiness so reduce added salt accordingly.

• Removing excess oil by draining fried chicken on paper towels prevents sogginess.

• Be cautious not to burn the Parmesan coating during frying.

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