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Crispy Extra Cheesy Baked Chicken Parmesan

crispy extra cheesy baked chicken parmesan - featured image

A quick and easy baked chicken parmesan recipe featuring a crispy coating and extra cheesy layers, perfect for weeknight dinners and crowd-pleasing meals without frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim optional)
  • 4 slices fresh mozzarella
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • Olive oil for drizzling
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/2 inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. Set up dredging stations: flour in one bowl, whisk eggs with water in second bowl, and combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, basil, and oregano in third bowl.
  4. Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg wash, and press into breadcrumb mixture to fully coat.
  5. Place breaded chicken on wire rack over baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil on top of each piece.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove from oven and spoon about 1/4 cup marinara sauce over each breast. Layer fresh mozzarella slices and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  8. Bake again for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden crust, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a wire rack to keep chicken crispy. Drizzle olive oil to promote browning. Press breadcrumbs firmly for extra crunch. Watch broiler carefully to avoid burning cheese. Do not overcrowd baking sheet. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, baked chicken parmesan, crispy chicken parmesan, cheesy chicken recipe, easy chicken parmesan, weeknight dinner, baked chicken, Italian comfort food