Name: Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 6 breast halves; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 2 eggs; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 cup Italian style bread crumbs or panko; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 tablespoons oil; 24 ounces marinara sauce or homemade; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil leaves for serving

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as satisfying as your favorite Italian restaurant but made right in your kitchen, this Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this turns out—crispy, cheesy, and bursting with rich marinara flavor. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail this recipe effortlessly!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple, yet impressive: You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to pull off this delicious dish that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy.
Perfect balance of textures: Crispy breaded chicken layered with gooey melted mozzarella and a tangy tomato sauce – pure comfort food magic.
Family-friendly crowd-pleaser: My family goes crazy for this bake, and it’s great for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Customizable to your taste: You can easily swap ingredients or add a few twists to make it uniquely yours.

A white plate holds a serving of spaghetti coated in red tomato sauce as the first layer, with strands twisted and piled unevenly. On top, there is a piece of breaded, crispy golden-brown chicken. The chicken is covered with a layer of melted white cheese that is sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The white marbled surface underneath adds a clean look to the scene, and a silver fork with some spaghetti is partially visible near the edge of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Parmesan Bake, easy Italian chicken bake, cheesy baked chicken, crispy chicken parm, crowd-pleasing dinner recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients makes all the difference. I like to keep quality parmesan and fresh mozzarella on hand, and make sure your marinara sauce is rich and flavorful—whether store-bought or homemade.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts halved horizontally, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of pale golden panko bread crumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Italian style bread crumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded white mozzarella cheese, a few vibrant fresh green basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden oil, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chicken Parmesan Bake, easy Italian chicken bake, cheesy baked chicken, crispy chicken parm, crowd-pleasing dinner recipes

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: For even cooking, I butterfly mine to make thinner cutlets—this helps them cook quickly without drying out.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for texture and flavor; you’ll divide it between the breadcrumb coating and topping.
Eggs: This helps the breadcrumbs stick and creates that perfect crunchy crust.
Panko bread crumbs: I love the extra crunch panko provides, but you can mix with Italian style crumbs for a little more flavor.
Italian style bread crumbs: Adds herby depth to the crust, especially combined with garlic powder.
Garlic powder: A subtle punch of garlic elevates the flavor throughout.
Oil: Just enough to give your chicken a golden sear before baking.
Marinara sauce: This is your comforting tomato base; homemade or a good-quality jarred sauce works wonders.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for melting over the top – gooey cheese is a must!
Fresh basil leaves: A bright, fresh finish that balances the richness perfectly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you’re avoiding gluten or want to amp up the veggies, there’s a variation for you!

Gluten-Free: Swap out the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version or crushed gluten-free crackers—I did this once for a friend, and no one could tell the difference!
Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara or breadcrumb mixture to add some heat—I find this hits the spot on chillier nights.
Veggie Boost: Layer thin slices of zucchini or eggplant under the chicken for extra nutrients and color.
Cheese Variations: Try adding provolone or a sprinkle of pecorino for a sharper flavor twist.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe

Step 1: Butterfly and Season Your Chicken

When I first learned to butterfly chicken breasts, it totally changed how evenly they cook. Place your hand flat on top of each breast, then carefully slice horizontally through the middle to create thin, even halves. Pat them dry—this helps your coating stick better—and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Don’t rush this part; a well-seasoned chicken is the foundation of your dish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Coatings

Whisk your eggs in one shallow bowl, then combine the panko, Italian breadcrumbs, half the parmesan, and garlic powder in another. You’ll dip each piece of chicken first into the egg, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mix on both sides. This double-step guarantees a crispy, flavorful crust once cooked.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the breaded chicken and cook for about 2 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a golden crust here — but don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through since it will finish baking in the oven. This quick sear locks in moisture and adds great texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish—this keeps the chicken from sticking and adds extra flavor. Place your seared chicken pieces on top, then spoon more marinara over each piece. Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and the remaining parmesan over the top. This is when it all starts looking like the dreamy dish you imagined!

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake at 450°F for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts bubbly and golden, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. I always check with a meat thermometer to be sure—overcooked chicken can get tough, and undercooked is a no-go. Once out of the oven, I like to top with fresh basil for that bright, fresh finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe

Butterflying chicken: Take your time slicing evenly; this ensures all pieces cook uniformly.
Avoid soggy crust: Searing before baking is the trick I discovered that keeps the breading crispy.
Use quality cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts better and makes the dish creamier than pre-shredded blends.
Don’t skip the thermometer: It helped me avoid overcooked chicken that’s dry—aim for 165°F internal temp for the best results.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe

There is a white plate with a ringed edge that holds a layer of light brown spaghetti with a thick red tomato sauce mixed through it. On top of the spaghetti sits a piece of crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken. Layered over the chicken is a melted white cheese with some browned spots and small green herb bits sprinkled on top. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a bit of shadow under the plate. The picture is well-lit and taken close up, showing all textures clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Parmesan Bake, easy Italian chicken bake, cheesy baked chicken, crispy chicken parm, crowd-pleasing dinner recipes

Garnishes

I always add fresh basil leaves or even a sprinkle of chopped parsley right before serving—it adds a punch of color and fresh aroma that balances the rich cheese and tomato. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gets tossed on top for a little extra flair.

Side Dishes

I love serving this chicken parmesan bake over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta tossed in extra marinara. Garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad rounds out the meal perfectly and keeps things balanced. For lighter sides, roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Once for a family celebration, I layered the chicken parmesan bake in individual ramekins with spaghetti, then topped it with fresh mozzarella and basil leaves. Everyone loved their own mini personal bake—it feels fancy but is surprisingly simple. Presentation like this turns weeknight dinner into a special occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, which is great for easy lunches or a quick reheated dinner. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This chicken parmesan bake freezes really well! I portion it into freezer-safe containers right after baking and cooling. When I’m ready to eat, it thaws overnight in the fridge and reheats nicely without losing too much texture.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. I find this keeps the crispy crust better than the microwave, which tends to make it a little soggy. If in a hurry, microwave on a lower power setting with a damp paper towel over the dish to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well because they’re juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly and don’t take longer in the oven.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing isn’t required, but it really enhances the texture by creating a crispy crust that holds up during baking. It also locks in juices, helping the chicken stay tender.
Can I make this Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken with the coating, sear it, and assemble the bake a few hours before baking. Keep it covered in the fridge and bake just before serving to keep the crust crisp and fresh.
What can I serve with chicken parmesan bake besides pasta?

Try serving it with steamed or roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also perfect to soak up that extra sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe has become my go-to for surprisingly easy weeknight dinners and even special occasions. It hits all the right notes—crispy, cheesy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. I love how the basil adds a fresh touch after baking, and how leftovers reheat beautifully without losing their charm. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, give this one a try—you’ll be so happy you did.