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Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan (No Fry) – Easy & Best Recipe

crispy baked chicken parmesan - featured image

This oven-baked chicken parmesan delivers a shatteringly crisp coating and juicy chicken without the mess of deep-frying. It’s a healthier, weeknight-friendly comfort food that’s ready in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1.5 cups (150g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1.5 cups (360ml) marinara sauce
  • 1.5 cups (170g) shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil spray or cooking spray
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
  3. Set up three shallow bowls: first with flour, second with beaten eggs and 1 tablespoon water, third with panko, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, remaining garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Working one piece at a time, dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg wash, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into panko mixture, coating both sides. Place on prepared wire rack.
  5. Spray tops of breaded chicken generously with olive oil spray. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
  6. Carefully flip each piece using tongs. Spray the other side with oil. Bake for another 10 minutes, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove from oven. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce onto each cutlet. Top generously with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan if desired.
  8. Return to oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. For deeper browning, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
  9. Let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use panko breadcrumbs and grate your own Parmesan. A wire rack is key to preventing a soggy bottom. Don’t overload with sauce to keep the breading crispy. Let the chicken rest after baking for juicier results.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken parmesan, no fry chicken parmesan, crispy chicken parmesan, easy chicken parmesan, healthy chicken parmesan