When my family first asked me to make Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken, I was a little nervous. I remember it was one of those busy weeknights when we needed a meal that was easy but satisfying. My kids and spouse had enjoyed chicken parm at restaurants, and they wanted a version we could have at home without the fuss. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work on a baked recipe that would bring that crispy, cheesy crust we all love. When dinner hit the table, their eyes lit up, and the room filled with compliments. That moment made me realize this Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken had to stay in our regular rotation.
Over time, I learned the right balance between crispy and tender with this Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken. It became a family favorite because it’s easy to prepare on weeknights but looks festive enough for a special occasion. Plus, the crust means everyone gets that satisfying crisp without frying. This recipe creates a tasty envelope for juicy chicken inside, which makes meals feel exciting yet hassle-free.
I want you to have the same kind of meal win in your kitchen. This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is simple to make, and it always brings everyone together around the table. Whether you’re serving busy kids or guests, it’s one of those comforting meals that feels like a celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch your family enjoy the crispy baked chicken parmesan your kitchen creates.
If you’re looking for a delicious and doable dinner, this Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe is a perfect choice. It’s become one of my go-to meals and a way to turn ordinary nights into memories everyone looks forward to. For another comforting meal with parmesan goodness, check out my garlic parmesan chicken recipe too.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a straightforward list of ingredients for making your own Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Trust me, this recipe keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated gives the best flavor)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for that extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the pan

For the best Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken, I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated bags. The fresh cheese melts beautifully, giving you that irresistible golden crust. You’ll find everything for this Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken at your regular grocery store in the dairy, bread, and spice aisles.
This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is forgiving if you need to swap a few ingredients. If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular fine breadcrumbs will work, though the texture won’t be quite as crispy. You can also experiment with different dried herbs like basil or rosemary based on what your family prefers.
A little prep tip: pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness helps the Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken cook evenly. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in texture and ensures juicy chicken inside. My family prefers when I add a bit more garlic powder to the mix—it brings extra warmth without being overpowering.
If you want more hearty comfort meals with a Parmesan touch, this chicken pairs wonderfully alongside dishes like tomato basil baked chicken or chicken parmesan soup. Both recipes bring those familiar flavors to your table in new, cozy ways.
How to Make It
Making Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, crispy baked chicken parmesan dish that your family will ask for again and again.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare your breading station. In one shallow bowl, whisk the two eggs. In another bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- If your chicken breasts are uneven – which they often are – place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even half-inch thickness. This step helps them cook evenly and keeps your Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken juicy.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, making sure it’s coated all over.
- Next, press the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Don’t just sprinkle it on – press firmly so the mixture sticks well to the chicken.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter evenly over the top. This helps the crust brown nicely without frying.
- Bake the chicken for about 20 to 25 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your breasts. You’ll know your Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is ready when the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While your Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken cooks, your kitchen will fill with a mouthwatering aroma – a mix of Parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs that no one will resist.
- Feel free to broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes if you want an even crispier crust, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.
- Once done, let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving. This keeps the juices locked in and makes each bite tender.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken: not pressing the breading on firmly enough. Now, I always remember to really pat it down so every bite is crispy. Another tip is to choose the freshest Parmesan for the cheese mixture; it’s a game-changer for flavor.
While your Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken is baking, you might have time to quickly prepare a side or toss a salad – a great way to round out the meal without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re curious about alternate baked parmesan chicken recipes, Our Salty Kitchen has a lovely version that mixes in fresh herbs, while Taste And See offers a straightforward parmesan crust chicken breast approach. Both are worth trying after you master this one.
Serving Ideas
Everyone reaches for seconds when this Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken comes out. It’s a satisfyingly crispy chicken dish that pairs well with so many sides, making it ideal for weeknights and celebrations alike.
One of my favorite combos is serving Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken alongside a light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness balances the richness of the Parmesan crust beautifully. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes for a heartier family meal.
For presentation, slice the chicken breasts diagonally and arrange on a platter with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and chopped parsley. It makes the dish look special without extra effort.

This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken works for occasions big and small. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but tasty enough to feel like a treat at holiday dinners or birthdays.
Leftovers? If there are any (though they rarely last long!), cut them up for chicken parmesan sandwiches or toss into a pasta salad. The crispy crust still holds up well after reheating in the oven or toaster oven.
My family has also enjoyed variations where I add a touch of spice with crushed red pepper flakes in the breadcrumb mixture or swap out herbs for a lemon-parmesan twist. Those little changes keep this classic dish feeling fresh.
If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy dishes with similar flavors like tomato basil baked chicken or my garlic parmesan chicken recipe. Both create meals that bring everyone back to the table happily.
Your Questions Answered
Here are some answers to common questions I hear about making Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken at home:
Can I make this Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the breaded chicken breasts and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes weeknight meals even easier. Just bake it straight from the fridge and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers. The texture will be less crispy but still tasty. If you want, try mixing half panko with half regular breadcrumbs as a compromise.Can I freeze Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Absolutely. Bake the chicken and let it cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.How do I store leftover Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven instead of the microwave to keep the crust crunchy.Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes! The crispy baked chicken parmesan style crust is usually a favorite with kids, especially when served with familiar sides like pasta or veggies.Can I add sauce on top before baking?
If you want a saucier chicken parmesan, you can spoon marinara sauce over the chicken after baking and then broil for another minute with cheese on top.What’s the best way to make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly without drying out. Also, don’t overbake – check temperature with a meat thermometer or cut to test.
For more cooking tips and recipe ideas, take a look at this baked chicken parmesan easy oven recipe from WellPlated.com or try Momsgate’s chicken parmesan soup for a comforting twist.
The Final Word
This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe has earned a permanent spot in my family’s recipe book for good reasons. It’s straightforward, flavorful, and consistently brings smiles to the dinner table. I love that it’s easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for sharing with guests.
- Always press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken for a crispy crust every time.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to keep everything cooking evenly and avoid dry spots.
Over the years, I’ve tried variations like adding crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick or mixing fresh herbs into the crust. My kids love the classic with extra garlic powder, while my spouse prefers a lighter sprinkle of herbs and olive oil.
I hope you’ll make this easy baked Parmesan chicken your own and enjoy the way it brings family together at your table. There’s something special about a meal that’s both simple and delicious, and this is one of those recipes that will keep your loved ones asking for more.
If you want more recipes that highlight that same crispy, cheesy goodness, check out the garlic parmesan chicken recipe or try the tomato basil baked chicken on Momsgate. Both dishes carry that same family-meal warmth you’ll love.
Happy cooking with this Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken! I know it will become a favorite in your home too.
Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken features a crispy, flavorful crust baked to golden perfection, offering a healthy and delicious meal option perfect for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with olive oil until combined.
- In another bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

