Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan: A Crispy Baked Dinner

Name: Cheesy Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce; 8 ounces spaghetti or long pasta; Salt and pepper to taste

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

June 18, 2026

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Recipe Highlights

This Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan is the kind of meal that makes a weeknight feel special. I learned to make this version during my catering days, and it quickly became a go to for parties because the breaded cutlets stay crisp and the cheese stays bubbly even in a chafing dish.

The best part? You only need 7 simple ingredients plus pasta. No complicated steps, no long grocery list. The chicken comes out tender on the inside with a golden, crunchy coating, and the melted mozzarella and Parmesan are simply divine. Some might even say it’s a must try for any fan of Italian style comfort food.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just the family, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. And since it bakes in the oven after a quick pan fry, you can get the rest of dinner ready while it finishes cooking.

Jump to:

Ingredient Notes

Here is what you will need to make this homemade chicken parmesan come to life. All items are easy to find at any grocery store.

Chicken, Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders. Butterfly the breasts and flatten them for even cooking.
Eggs, Beaten for the egg wash that helps the breading stick.
Panko breadcrumbs, These give a lighter, crunchier crust than regular breadcrumbs. Highly recommended for crispy baked chicken parmesan.
Parmesan cheese, Grate it fresh for the best flavor. You will mix some into the breadcrumbs and sprinkle more on top.
Mozzarella cheese, Use a block and cut 6 to 9 thin slices for melting. Grate the rest to scatter over the sauce.
Olive oil, For pan frying the cutlets until golden brown.
Pasta sauce, Your favorite jarred or homemade marinara or roasted garlic sauce works perfectly.
Pasta, Spaghetti or any long pasta is traditional, but feel free to use what you have.

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is. For an even thicker, crunchier crust, you can add a flour dredge step. Simply dip the chicken in flour before the egg wash, then back into egg wash, then into the panko Parmesan mixture. This double breading creates a sturdier coating that holds up especially well if you plan to reheat leftovers.

But honestly, the simpler egg wash plus panko Parmesan method works great for most home cooks. It keeps the prep quick, and you still get that satisfying crunch.

Other easy swaps: use chicken tenders instead of breasts for a quicker cook time, or swap the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a saltier kick. You can also add dried Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.

How To Make This Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Follow these steps for a foolproof chicken parmesan oven baked dinner. I have included a handy table for the key cooking details.

Prep the chicken. Butterfly the breasts and place them between plastic wrap. Use a meat tenderizer to flatten to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. Season with salt and pepper.
Set up the breading station. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with half of the grated Parmesan.
Coat the chicken. Dip each piece into the egg wash, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are fully coated.
Pan fry. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook the cutlets for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if needed.
Assemble the casserole. Transfer the fried chicken to a casserole dish. Spoon your pasta sauce over each cutlet. Layer the sliced mozzarella on top, then sprinkle with the remaining grated Parmesan.
Bake. Place on the middle rack of an oven preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step	Temperature	Time	Notes
Pan Fry	Medium high heat	3 4 min per side	Until golden brown
Bake	450°F	15 minutes	Middle rack, internal temp 165°F

Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if you like.

Storage

Leftover chicken parmesan casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld together nicely overnight.

For longer storage, I recommend freezing the fried chicken cutlets before adding the sauce and cheese. Place the cooled cutlets in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. This way the breading stays crisp when you reheat it later. When you are ready to use them, thaw overnight in the fridge, then assemble and bake as directed.

To reheat leftovers without drying them out, use the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit covered with foil for 8 to 10 minutes. You can also use a stovetop skillet, microwave for 3 to 5 minutes, or an air fryer at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.

What To Serve With Chicken Parmesan?

This dish is a natural fit over a bed of spaghetti or any pasta you enjoy. Ladle a little extra sauce over the pasta before setting the chicken on top.

For sides, try some of these crowd pleasers:

Garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the sauce
A simple green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted broccoli or cauliflower
German cucumber salad or chopped tomato salad for a fresh contrast

Spätzle is also a fun, hearty option if you want to mix up your pasta game. Whatever you choose, this meal is sure to satisfy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to bread chicken for chicken parmesan?

Use a three step breading station: flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken for a coating that sticks well.

How long do you bake chicken parmesan?

Bake at 400°F for 20 25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

What cheese goes on chicken parmesan?

Traditional choices are shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Fresh mozzarella slices add extra creaminess.

Can you freeze chicken parmesan?

Yes. Assemble without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10 15 minutes to the cooking time.

How to reheat chicken parmesan without drying it out?

Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 10 15 minutes, then uncover for 5 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving.

What to serve with chicken parmesan?

Serve over spaghetti or angel hair pasta with marinara sauce, a green salad, and garlic bread for a complete meal.