Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan (That’s Crispy, Cheesy, and Totally Fry-Free!)

Let’s talk about a little dinner-time magic, shall we?

You’re juggling a million things—emails, soccer practice, laundry that may or may not be from last week—and then there’s that eternal question: “What’s for dinner?” Cue the internal sigh.

But not today. Because this Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan is about to swoop in like your culinary superhero. It’s quick, comforting, crispy-without-frying (hallelujah), and tastes like you spent way more time than you actually did. We’re talkin’ golden breaded chicken topped with bubbly, gooey mozzarella and rich marinara. All in about 30 minutes. Yes, really.

This one’s for the tired moms, the weeknight warriors, the meal-prep mavens—and honestly, anyone who believes cheese deserves its moment in the spotlight.

🍗 Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

• No frying. No splattering. No stress.
• Crispy outside, juicy inside—without a drop of oil in a skillet.
• Uses pantry staples (no fancy-schmancy ingredients here).
• Ready in just 30 minutes. That’s faster than your favorite takeout app.

So let’s get into it, shall we?

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the full “wow” effect, make sure you’re using freshly grated Parmesan and good-quality marinara (your taste buds will thank you).

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
• 1 egg
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional—but pretty!)

👩‍🍳 How to Make It: Step-by-Step

1. Prep the Pan & Oven
Line a baking sheet with foil and brush with olive oil. Place your oven rack second from the top, and preheat to 400°F. We’re broiler-ready, baby!

2. Butterfly & Pound That Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half like you’re opening a book—then go all the way through to make two thinner pieces. Pop them in a zip-top bag (or sandwich them between plastic wrap) and gently pound until even. No one likes uneven chicken.

3. Season & Set Up Your Breading Station
Pat the chicken dry, sprinkle with salt and pepper. In one dish, mix panko, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another? Whisk your egg.

4. Dip & Coat
Dip each chicken piece in the egg, then press into the breadcrumb mix like you mean it. Make sure each piece is fully coated—no bald spots!

5. Bake It Like You Mean It
Place chicken on the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

6. Add the Marinara + Cheese Magic
Flip each piece. Spoon about ¼ cup marinara over each, top generously with mozzarella. Pop back in and switch your oven to broil.

7. Broil Until Beautiful
Broil for 2–4 minutes, keeping an eye on it. The cheese should be melty, bubbly, and just starting to brown around the edges.

Sprinkle with parsley if you’re feelin’ fancy (or want to impress the picky eaters at home).

👏 Pro Tips from Sarah (That Actually Make Life Easier)

• Short on time? Use thin-cut chicken breasts or even chicken cutlets.
• Make it ahead! Bread the chicken in the morning, refrigerate, then bake at dinner.
• Kid-approved tweak: Serve with pasta, garlic bread, or straight-up with a fork and cheesy grin.

🥗 What to Serve with Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan

This dish pairs well with just about everything, but here are some crowd-pleasers:

• A big ol’ Caesar salad
• Spaghetti (channel your inner Italian grandma)
• Roasted broccoli or green beans
• Garlic bread, because… carbs.

📊 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 459
• Protein: 42g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fat: 25g
• Sodium: 1624mg
• Cheesy joy: Unlimited 🧀

(Nutrition info is an estimate. Calories from sneaking bites of mozzarella before baking not included.)

💌 Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that hits that cozy, comfort-food note without turning your kitchen into a greasy mess, this is the recipe to bookmark, pin, print, and pass along to your sister.

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. And yes, you absolutely deserve crispy, cheesy chicken that practically makes itself.