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Crispy Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe Best Herb-Infused Crunch

crispy baked chicken parmesan - featured image

A crispy baked chicken parmesan with a golden, herb-infused breadcrumb crust that delivers all the flavor and texture without frying. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, for brushing
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) marinara sauce
  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire rack on top if available.
  2. Pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Set up dredging stations: place flour in the first shallow bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and combine Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the third bowl.
  4. Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess; then dip into beaten eggs; finally, coat evenly with the herb breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Place the coated chicken on the wire rack set over the baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through (around 10 minutes) until the crust is golden and crunchy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  7. Remove from the oven and spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Top with sliced fresh mozzarella.
  8. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles slightly.
  9. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

If the crust browns too fast before the chicken is cooked, tent lightly with foil to prevent burning. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after baking for juiciness. Using a wire rack helps achieve even crispness. Brushing olive oil before baking encourages browning. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Cheese alternatives and herb variations can customize flavor. Can also be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan, baked chicken, crispy chicken, herb crust, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Italian chicken, mozzarella, parmesan, herb-infused