Quick and Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake: Your New Weeknight Favorite

When you’re craving the comforting flavor of classic chicken parmesan but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this quick and easy chicken parmesan bake is your perfect solution. This one-skillet recipe delivers all the cheesy, crispy goodness of traditional chicken parmesan in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner cooks can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress the whole family.

Easy Chicken Parmesan Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Bake

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.

Step 5: Pour marinara sauce into the baking dish or skillet. Arrange the browned chicken breasts in a single layer over the sauce.

Step 6: Top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.

Step 7: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan

Pound for Even Cooking: For consistently cooked chicken, pound breasts to an even thickness before breading. This ensures everything cooks through at the same rate.

Don’t Overcrowd: When browning the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This allows for proper browning and prevents steaming.

Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor.

Make it Crispier: For extra crispiness, place the baked chicken under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes.

Quick Chicken Parmesan FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking time as needed since thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

What can I serve with chicken parmesan?
Serve with spaghetti, zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

This easy chicken parmesan bake proves that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for convenience. With its crispy exterior, tender chicken, and melty cheese topping, it delivers all the satisfaction of traditional chicken parmesan with minimal effort. Perfect for busy families, last-minute dinners, or when you simply want a comforting meal without the fuss.

Quick and Easy Chicken Parmesan Bake: Your New Weeknight Favorite

This quick and easy chicken parmesan bake delivers all the cheesy, crispy goodness of traditional chicken parmesan in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner cooks can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the baking dish or skillet. Arrange the browned chicken breasts in a single layer over the sauce.
6. Top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread.

Notes

Pound chicken for even cooking, don’t overcrowd skillet when browning, use high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated parmesan for best flavor, for extra crispiness place under broiler for last 2-3 minutes.