Oven baked chicken parmesan gives you crisp breaded chicken, melted mozzarella, and marinara without a pan of hot oil. Broccoli roasts on the same sheet, so dinner comes together with one pan and little cleanup.
The chicken goes into a hot oven first to set the crust, then the vegetables, sauce, and cheese join it in the last few minutes. A quick broil at the end browns the top.
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Why This Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe Works
A coating of panko and grated Parmesan turns golden and crunchy in the oven, with no frying needed.
Baking on a sheet pan lets the broccoli cook alongside the chicken, so a full meal lands on the table fast.
Marinara and mozzarella go on at the end, which keeps the cheese stretchy and the crust crisp instead of soggy.
Ingredients for Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 10 ounces frozen broccoli
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- Olive oil cooking spray
Chicken breasts. Pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch so they cook through at the same pace.
Panko. Its large flakes stay crisp in the oven better than fine crumbs.
Parmesan. Grate it fresh, since pre shredded cheese contains anti caking starch that blocks browning.
Mozzarella. Shred a block yourself for a smoother melt.
Marinara. Pick a thick, low sugar sauce so it stays on top of the chicken.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
1. Heat the oven Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
2. Set up the coating Whisk the egg in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, stir together the panko, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Bread the chicken Dip each breast in the egg, shake off the extra, then press it into the crumb mixture on both sides. Set the pieces on the baking sheet.
4. Bake the chicken Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray and bake for 15 minutes.
5. Add the broccoli Scatter the frozen broccoli around the chicken in a flat layer and bake 5 minutes more.
6. Top with sauce and cheese Spoon marinara over each breast, add the mozzarella, and bake 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese melts.
7. Broil Switch the oven to broil for about 2 minutes for a browned top, watching closely so nothing burns.
8. Check and serve Make sure the thickest part of the chicken reads 165 degrees F, then scatter basil on top and serve hot.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
Serve the chicken with a crisp Italian house salad and air fryer garlic bread slices to soak up the sauce. Roasted spears from air fryer asparagus make a second green side. For a cool, refreshing drink pairing, pour a fruity strawberry pineapple sipper.
How to Store and Reheat Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking and eat them within 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F, which keeps the crust crisper than the microwave.
Tips and Variations for Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
Pound evenly. Even thickness prevents dry edges and an undercooked center.
Press the crumbs. Firm pressure helps the coating stick through baking.
Use a wire rack. Set the chicken on a rack over the sheet to crisp the bottoms, and add the broccoli later.
Spray lightly. A light mist of oil helps the crumbs brown without making them greasy.
Dry the broccoli. Frozen broccoli releases water, so spread it flat in a single layer.
Warm the sauce. Heat the marinara first if you want the cheese to melt faster.
Add pasta. Toss cooked spaghetti in extra sauce on the side for a bigger meal.
Food safety note. Check doneness with a thermometer, and read more in FDA safe food handling guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
How do I keep Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan crispy?
Press the crumbs on firmly, bake on a hot sheet pan, and add the sauce only near the end so the crust stays dry.
What temperature should Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan reach?
Cook the chicken until a thermometer reads 165 degrees F in the thickest part, then let it rest for a few minutes.
Can I prep Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan ahead?
Yes. Bread the chicken and refrigerate it on the sheet pan for up to 4 hours, then bake just before dinner.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Boneless thighs work well, but they may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Can I skip the broccoli?
Yes. Leave it out and the chicken still bakes the same way, so serve it with a salad or pasta instead.
Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan with Broccoli
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Two shallow bowls
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 6 ounces each, pounded to 3/4 inch
- 1 large egg whisked
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 10 oz frozen broccoli
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil for garnish
- 1 can olive oil cooking spray for the pan and chicken
Instructions
Cooking
- Prep. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F, spray a baking sheet, and set out one bowl of whisked egg and one bowl of panko, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Coat. Dip each chicken breast in egg, press into the crumb mixture on both sides, and place on the sheet. Mist with oil spray.
- Bake. Roast the chicken for 15 minutes, add the frozen broccoli around it, and bake 5 minutes more.
- Melt the cheese. Top with marinara and mozzarella and bake 3 to 4 minutes until melted.
- Finish. Broil about 2 minutes for a golden top, confirm 165 degrees F inside, and garnish with basil.
