Print

Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe with Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce

crispy baked chicken parmesan - featured image
Print Recipe

A healthier take on classic chicken parmesan featuring crispy baked chicken breasts topped with a rich, garlicky homemade marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners without the heaviness of frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (medium thickness for even cooking)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil spray or light brushing
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim)
  • For the homemade marinara sauce:
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed canned tomatoes (San Marzano if available)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of sugar
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prepare dredging stations: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and combine breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese in a third bowl.
  3. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch (1.3 cm).
  4. Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, and finally coat thoroughly in breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently.
  5. Place breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush tops with olive oil.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crust is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. While baking, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  8. Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Stir and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tear in fresh basil leaves toward the end.
  9. Remove chicken from oven, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  10. Return to oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with light golden spots.
  11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Pounding chicken to even thickness ensures uniform cooking and juiciness. Baking on a wire rack promotes crispiness by allowing air circulation. Lightly spraying olive oil helps breadcrumbs brown without frying. Simmer marinara sauce gently to keep fresh tomato brightness. Rest chicken a few minutes after baking for tender bites. Flip chicken halfway through baking if not using a wire rack.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, baked chicken parmesan, homemade marinara sauce, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, healthy chicken parmesan

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/crispy-baked-chicken-parmesan-recipe-with-easy-homemade-marinara-sauce/