When you need to put a satisfying dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen, this easy Baked Chicken Parmesan delivers all the flavors you love in just 30 minutes. By skipping the traditional breading process, this recipe eliminates the mess and fuss while creating a healthier version that’s naturally gluten-free. The result is tender, juicy chicken topped with melted cheese and savory marinara sauce that will have your family asking for seconds.
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Why this recipe is perfect for weeknight cooking
These days, no one has the time to spend all day cooking. Whether working full time, taking care of your kids, or just enjoying life, having a few easy-to-prepare dinner recipes that use staple ingredients is a real blessing.
Ingredients for chicken Parmesan
To make baked chicken parmesan, you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean protein that cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well
- Salt – Enhances natural chicken flavor and helps tenderize the meat
- Black pepper – Adds aromatic warmth and subtle heat
- Garlic powder – Provides savory depth without the prep work of fresh garlic
- Spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce – Creates the signature Italian flavor base
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, sharp flavor that defines this classic dish
- Mozzarella cheese – Provides the stretchy, melty cheese layer everyone loves
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t be afraid to swap or leave some ingredients out. Here are a few suggestions you may want to try:
- Choose a new sauce. Opt for using a homemade spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce. This vodka sauce recipe would be amazing in this dish. Take your breadless chicken parm in a different direction by making the South of the Border version using enchilada sauce.
- Switch up your cheese. Forget the stuff that comes in a bag; using fresh mozzarella is a major upgrade. Shredded Monterrey Pepper Jack cheese adds a bit of spice. If making the South of the Border version, use a quesadilla or Mexican cheese blend for a more authentic flavor.
- Swap out the boneless, skinless chicken breasts. No chicken breasts, no problem. Turn the same basic recipe into baked parmesan chicken tenders, baked parmesan chicken thighs, or use whatever type of chicken you have on hand. You can even try the recipe using plant-based chicken if you are making it for a vegetarian.
How To Make Baked Parmesan Chicken
To prepare this easy baked chicken parmesan recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Trim off any remaining fat or skin from the chicken breasts.
- Place the chicken in a bag, push out all the extra air and close tightly.
- Use the flat side of a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken. The goal is to even out the breasts to allow the chicken to cook more evenly.
- Dump the salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the bag and shake to coat the chicken.
- Grease the inside of a shallow dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan and to make cleaning up a lot easier.
- Put the seasoned chicken breasts into the baking dish.
- Cover the chicken with sauce.
- Cook the chicken breasts for 20 minutes or until fully cooked. Use a thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is 165°F.
- Top the chicken breasts with cheese and put the baking dish back in the oven until the cheese melts and begins to brown.
- Serve and enjoy!
Defrost chicken quickly and safely – No Microwave needed.
I always keep a few frozen chicken breasts in the freezer. I love the individually wrapped ones because I can defrost those quickly in a sink of warm water. I stick a plate on top of the frozen chicken breasts and wait about 15 minutes, and the chicken is fully defrosted.
What To Serve With Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan With No Breading
This dish can easily serve as a standalone meal, but it pairs well with many great sides. Of course, you can have it with your favorite pasta.
A crispy salad, accompanied by simple vegetables like air-fried broccoli or oven-roasted asparagus, would make a great addition. A few slices of crusty Italian bread or breadsticks help mop up any extra sauce; alternatively, you can use the bread to turn this recipe into a fantastic sandwich.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheating Method: Best reheated in a 300°F oven with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish, covered with foil for 10 minutes, then uncovered for 5-10 minutes. Microwave option: heat covered for 90 seconds, then in 30-second intervals
- Freezing: Freeze individual pieces in separate bags for up to 3 months
Love easy chicken dinners? Try these recipes!
- Buffalo Chicken Thighs
- Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas
- Chicken Cutlets
- Chicken Madiera
- Chicken Shoyu
- Chili’s Crispy Chicken Tenders
- Cream Cheese Chicken Breast
- Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
Favorite Italian Recipes
Check out my easy chicken dinner recipes and the best Italian food recipes here on CopyKat!
Baked Chicken Parmesan Easy Recipe (No Breading)
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts 4 portions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 32 ounces spaghetti sauce
- 4 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- If the chicken is very thick, slice it in half horizontally. Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and place it in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the spaghetti sauce over the chicken breasts, covering them completely.
- Bake the chicken breasts for approximately 20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.
- Remove the chicken from the oven.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. You may add mozzarella cheese if you like.
- To brown the cheese, turn your oven to broil and broil until the cheese turns brown. This may only take a minute or two.
Video
Notes
- Serve with pasta tossed with pesto sauce.
- You can prepare this recipe with boneless pork chops.
I am attempting to make chicken parmesan in my toaster oven. I live in a hotel and make do with what I have. I made my own sauce, browned chicken breasts and topped with sauce and cheese. Broiled until bubbly. Deeeelicious!!! Kale with parmesan and garlic as my side and toasted buttered bread. It is wonderful!!!
Tried my first recipe of easy chicken Parmesan. I had no leftovers, family loved it and asked where I found it. Thanks will try more!
I am glad you enjoyed this one. I love this dish. It is so easy to make.
What a great idea about defrosting chicken. Much safer. The dish looks delicious! Thank you so much.
It is great way to defrost the chicken. It doesn’t take long at all.