Name: Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 eggs (beaten); 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried basil; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling); Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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If your idea of comfort food involves a bubbling layer of molten cheese, crispy golden chicken, and the rich warmth of Italian spices, this Chicken Parmesan Bake will absolutely steal your heart. It’s a casserole-style twist on the classic, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners when you’re craving something both nostalgic and effortless. With succulent chicken breasts blanketed in seasoned breadcrumbs, tangy marinara, and plenty of melty mozzarella, this dish is as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Gather the family, because this is one recipe everyone will want seconds of!

Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Parmesan Bake is just how straightforward it is, yet each ingredient brings its own magic—flavor, texture, and color—together creating that signature Italian-American comfort you’re after. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for ease and a hearty bite—they soak up all the flavors beautifully.
Italian-Style Breadcrumbs: These add savory seasoning and develop that classic crispy coating every great Chicken Parmesan expects.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth to the crust, and pairs perfectly with mozzarella later on.
Marinara Sauce: Use a robust, good-quality sauce to deliver sweet tang and keep the chicken juicy.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a luscious, gooey blanket that’s absolutely irresistible—in every gooey, stretchy bite.
Garlic Powder: Subtle but critical, it infuses the crust with mellow garlic flavor (without the risk of burning fresh garlic).
Dried Basil: Brings a burst of Italian herbaceousness, making the whole dish sing with freshness.
Eggs (beaten): The secret to helping the breadcrumbs cling for that crunchy, golden exterior.
Olive Oil: A drizzle guarantees the breadcrumb coating turns deliciously crisp in the oven.
Chopped Parsley (optional): Brightens up the finished dish with a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—this ensures everything bakes up evenly and the cheese gets that perfect golden-brown finish. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so cleanup is easy and the chicken doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine your Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried basil. This savory mix packs layers of flavor into every crunchy bite and ensures your Chicken Parmesan Bake tastes like it came straight from a trattoria.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs first, making sure it’s coated all over—this is what helps the breadcrumb mixture stick. Next, dredge the chicken thoroughly in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix, pressing gently so you get an even, generous coating on all sides.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake the Chicken

Place the breaded chicken breasts in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the tops; this is the trick to achieving that crisp, golden crust right in the oven without frying. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes so the chicken partially cooks and the crust begins to set.

Step 5: Add Marinara and Cheese

Remove your dish from the oven and generously spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, making sure they’re well-covered. Next, scatter the shredded mozzarella on top—the more, the merrier! Return the dish to the oven to finish baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and delicious and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked to perfection, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and herby freshness. Serve your Chicken Parmesan Bake piping hot for the ultimate comfort-food experience!

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Bake

Garnishes

A final flourish of bright green parsley does wonders to make this bubbly, cheesy bake even more inviting. If you want to elevate the vibe, throw on a few fresh basil leaves or a dusting of extra Parmesan for extra impact.

Side Dishes

Nothing says classic Italian-American like pairing Chicken Parmesan Bake with a mound of just-cooked spaghetti, ready to twirl in all that leftover sauce. Garlic bread makes an irresistible partner for mopping up every last drop, and a crisp green salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family-style meal, bring the whole bubbling dish to the table straight from the oven, letting everyone help themselves. Hosting a casual gathering? Slice the bake into strips for a hands-on sandwich bar! Layer leftovers onto crusty bread, top with a bit more sauce and cheese, and broil into gooey, open-faced Chicken Parmesan sandwiches that will disappear in minutes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate. Your Chicken Parmesan Bake will stay delicious for up to 3 days and actually makes an amazing next-day lunch—just as flavorful, if not more!

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap cooled portions securely in foil or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid loss of texture, freeze before adding the marinara and mozzarella, then top and bake fresh when ready. That keeps the crust from getting soggy.

Reheating

Leftovers reheat wonderfully in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C). Cover loosely with foil and bake until heated through and the cheese is bubbling, about 15 minutes. For a quick lunch, microwave individual portions—but the oven gives the best crispy results!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and richness to your Chicken Parmesan Bake. Just be aware cooking time may increase by a few minutes; always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How do I make the breadcrumb coating extra crispy?

Drizzling olive oil over the breaded chicken before baking helps, but for next-level crunch, consider briefly pan-searing the breaded chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil before arranging it in your baking dish. This step is optional but delivers serious crisp!

Is it possible to make Chicken Parmesan Bake gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs and double-check the marinara sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it together.

Can I assemble it ahead and bake later?

Yes! Assemble the entire dish (except for the final mozzarella cheese topping) and refrigerate, tightly covered, for up to one day before baking. When ready, just sprinkle on the cheese and bake as usual, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time if it’s going into the oven cold.

What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest bet is to use a meat thermometer; chicken is done at 165°F (74°C). Otherwise, slice into the thickest part and check that the juices run clear and there’s no pinkness inside.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s equal parts homestyle comfort and Italian-American flair, this Chicken Parmesan Bake truly hits the mark. It’s a guaranteed favorite for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or whenever you crave something cheesy, cozy, and totally delicious. Give it a try—you might just find that it becomes a family classic at your table, too!

Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and easy-to-make Chicken Parmesan Bake that combines tender chicken breasts coated in crispy breadcrumbs and gooey melted cheese with a savory marinara sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 eggs (beaten)

For the Coating:

1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil

For Assembly:

2 cups marinara sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and basil. Dip chicken in beaten eggs, coat in breadcrumb mixture, and arrange in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25 minutes.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce over chicken, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.