Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe

The Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe is a lighter twist on one of the most beloved Italian dishes! If you're a fan of crispy, Parmesan crusted chicken, topped with marinara, and fresh basil-get ready to fall in LOVE with this quick and easy, Chicken Parmesan recipe. My spin on the classic is all about keeping the flavors while making it a bit healthier. Pair it with your favorite salad or side, and voilà-you've got a restaurant-worthy meal without having to run out. Who doesn't love the satisfaction of serving a killer homemade meal? ❤️

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How To Make Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

4 Chicken Thighs or Breasts: For a tender and juicy result, you can choose either chicken thighs or breasts. Thighs offer more flavor and moisture, while breasts are of course leaner. I personally like chicken thighs, and think it's what makes this recipe! Of course, use whatever you prefer!
2 Eggs: These are essential for binding the flour and Parmesan to the chicken. Eggs really help give you that perfect crispy crust.
1 ½ Cups Oat Flour or Flour of Choice: Oat flour is a great gluten-free alternative, but you can use any flour you prefer.
2 Cups Parmesan, Shredded: Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
4 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic brings a delicious depth of flavor to the recipe.
1 Cup Marinara: Use your favorite marinara sauce for a classic Italian taste. Trader Joe's is my go-to when I'm buying a marinara! Here is my favorite marinara sauce recipe from New York Times Cooking if you're looking to make the sauce.
¼ Cup Olive Oil for Cooking: Olive oil helps achieve that golden, crispy crust while adding a subtle richness.
Chopped Fresh Basil for Serving: Fresh basil adds flavor to the finished dish. If you don't like basil, top with some Italian parsley.

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Step-By-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating, prepare the chicken. Pat each chicken thigh or breast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial as it helps the coating adhere better to the chicken, ensuring a crispy crust. If you're using chicken breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness. This not only helps the chicken cook more evenly but also ensures a tender and juicy result. Salt and pepper the chicken.

Set Up the Breading Station

In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well combined and stir in the minced garlic. In another bowl, mix the oat flour (or your choice of flour) with 1 cup of the shredded Parmesan cheese. The oat flour adds a subtle nutty flavor and a slightly different texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs. If you prefer a more classic approach, you can use gluten free breadcrumbs.

Tip: If you don't have oat flour, it's so simple to make. Simply blend gluten free oats in the food processor or blender for about a minute, or until they reach a flour like consistency!

Bread the Chicken

Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated. This egg layer acts as a glue, helping the flour mixture stick to the chicken. After dipping in the egg, press the chicken into the flour and cheese mixture, coating it thoroughly on all sides.

Tip: For an extra crispy crust, repeat the breading process: dip the floured chicken back into the egg and then coat it again with the flour & cheese mixture.

Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor and ability to withstand high heat without burning. Once the oil is simmering, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Transfer the browned chicken to a baking rack or dish. I think the baking rack gives the chicken a better crisp.

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Add the Marinara and Cheese

Once all the chicken pieces are fried, spoon the marinara sauce over each piece in the baking dish. Be generous with the sauce, as it adds moisture and flavor to the dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining shredded Parmesan cheese over the top. The cheese will melt and become wonderfully gooey during baking.

Tip: For a cheesier dish, consider adding a layer of mozzarella cheese in addition to the Parmesan. This will create a rich, melty topping that's classic to Chicken Parmesan.

Bake the Chicken Parmesan

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese to be melted and bubbly with a slight golden color. Baking the chicken helps the flavors meld together and ensures the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.

Tip: If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the Chicken Parmesan for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, remove the Chicken Parmesan from the oven and let it rest for a couple minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving, and enjoy the Best Homemade Chicken Parmesan!

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Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Parmesan

Choosing the Right Chicken: For the juiciest and most flavorful Chicken Parmesan recipe, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work wonderfully as well.
Gluten-Free Option: I used oat flour in this recipe, and it is the most fantastic alternative flour for this recipe. It creates a nice crust, sticks to the chicken really well, and adds a subtle nuttiness to the dish. You can also opt for gluten free all purpose flour, almond flour, or chickpea flour.
Customizing the Sauce: Feel free to customize the marinara sauce by adding your favorite herbs and spices, such as oregano, basil, or crushed red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Chicken Parmesan crispy?

To achieve crispy Chicken Parmesan, start by dipping the chicken in the egg mixture then the oat flour and Parmesan cheese mixture. Repeat the dipping process again. Fry the chicken in hot olive oil until golden brown, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Then bake until the chicken is fully cooked through.

Can I bake Chicken Parmesan instead of frying?

Yes, you can make an even healthier version by skipping the frying step and just baking the Chicken Parmesan. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the breaded chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy. Chicken is generally safe to eat when it's reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What type of cheese is best for Chicken Parmesan?

The combination I used for this Chicken Parmesan recipe includes just Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan adds a nutty, savory flavor! You can also add some mozzarella before baking the chicken.

Can Chicken Parmesan be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! All of my recipes are made gluten free. To make gluten-free Chicken Parmesan, I used gluten-free oat flour instead regular flour.

What is the best sauce for Chicken Parmesan?

A rich and flavorful marinara sauce is the best choice for Chicken Parmesan. I used store-bought marinara sauce for convenience, but you can make your own homemade sauce with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs.

What side dishes go well with The Best Homemade Chicken Parmesan recipe?

Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with pasta tossed in marinara sauce, fresh salad, or vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or potatoes. These sides complement the flavors of the dish and make for a complete meal.

Enjoy!

And there you have it-my Easy Baked Homemade Chicken Parmesan recipe is now in your hands! I hope you enjoy it with family, share it with friends, and it enjoy it as a cozy dinner when you have a night to yourself! This recipe brings a touch of Italian charm to your table. Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy

If you need a fun side dish, try pairing this recipe with my Berry Pecan Arugula and Spinach Salad. Godere! 🍽️✨