Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake : 7 Reasons It’s a Must-Bake

Name: Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ¼” thick); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup plain breadcrumbs; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 eggs, beaten; ½ cup all-purpose flour; Salt; Black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 2–3 tbsp olive oil

Jump to Recipe

There’s just something magical about pulling a bubbling pan of cheesy, saucy goodness out of the oven. The smell alone? Instant comfort. For me, it started with Sunday dinners. My mom’s version of chicken parmesan casserole was pure love layered with crispy chicken, marinara, and gooey mozzarella.

Years later, when I started hosting dinners, this Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake became my secret weapon. It’s got that home-cooked charm with restaurant-level satisfaction—and no one ever guesses how easy it is.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake

All the flavor, none of the frying mess – this is no-fry chicken parmesan at its best.
Flexible AF – Serve it over pasta, in sandwiches, or straight from the dish.
Make it once, eat it thrice – this chicken parmesan bake recipe reheats like a dream.
Family favorite, picky-eater proof – who says no to cheese and chicken?

This is cheesy chicken bake comfort food that won’t break your brain or your stovetop.

What You’ll Need for This Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe

Chicken breasts – Thin is in. Pound ‘em to ¼″ so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Parmesan cheese – Adds umami punch and crisps like a champ in the crumb.
Breadcrumbs + Panko – The combo gives you that golden, flaky crispy chicken bake crust.
Mozzarella – Go low-moisture shredded for max melt and less water.
Marinara – Jarred is fine, but boost it with garlic or chili flakes if you’re feeling chef-y.
Olive oil – Just enough to get a nice pan-seared crust.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano—don’t overthink it.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Pound that chicken. Thin = fast cooking and a tender bite. Use plastic wrap and a meat mallet.
Sear, don’t steam. Pan-fry in a single layer. Overcrowd the skillet and you’ll get soggy sadness.
Mix your crumbs. Half panko, half regular—plus Parmesan = crunch city.
Use low-moisture mozzarella. It melts without drowning your bake.
Let it rest post-bake. Cheese sets, juices redistribute. It’s cleaner, tastier, and worth the wait.

Easy cheesy chicken parmesan bake on spaghetti with basil garnish

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Bake (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Preheat & Prep

Set your oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a baking dish (9×13 works well). Line a tray for staging your breaded chicken.

2. Flatten Your Chicken

Pound each breast to about ¼″ thick. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.

3. Set Up the Breading Stations

Bowl 1: Flour (seasoned).
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
Bowl 3: Panko + breadcrumbs + grated Parmesan + herbs.

4. Bread the Chicken

Flour → egg → crumb mix. Press the crumbs so they hug the chicken. No naked patches, please.

5. Pan-Sear for Golden Crust

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add chicken (don’t crowd). Sear both sides until golden—about 2–3 minutes each. Not cooked through yet, just crusty.

6. Layer and Top

Spread a thin layer of marinara in your dish. Add seared chicken, top with more sauce, then mozzarella, then a sprinkle of Parmesan.

7. Bake to Perfection

Slide into the oven and bake 20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly. Chicken temp should hit 165°F.

8. Rest, Garnish, Serve

Let it rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread.

What to Serve It With

Pasta – spaghetti, penne, or rotini. Simple olive oil and garlic is plenty.
Garlic bread – crunch + soft inside = heaven.
Roasted veggies – broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels.
Crisp green salad – arugula or romaine with lemon vinaigrette.

Golden baked chicken parmesan with mozzarella and pasta in white dish

Variations / Substitutions

Low-carb? Use almond flour or pork rind crumbs.
Gluten-free? Swap regular crumbs for GF versions.
Heat lover? Add chili flakes or hot sauce in the marinara.
Different cheese? Try provolone, fontina, or even cheddar for a twist on chicken mozzarella bake.
Mini version? Cutlets or tenders work great for a kid-friendly take or skillet chicken parmesan portions.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap portions tightly—good for 2 months.
Reheat: Oven or air fryer is best. Skip the microwave unless you love soggy crust.

Love this Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake? Then you’ve got to try these next:

For crispy chicken lovers: 👉 Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken – golden, crunchy perfection with a Parmesan-packed crust.
For creamy Italian sauces: 👉 Creamy Cajun Parmesan Sauce – rich, bold, and perfect over pasta or chicken.
For creamy comfort meals: 👉 Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice – cozy, hearty, and easy to pull together.
For pasta pairing ideas: 👉 Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef – cheesy, beefy goodness in every bite.
For rich pasta salad side dishes: 👉 Italian Pasta Salad – a refreshing, tangy side that complements any baked chicken dish.

FAQs About Skillet Chicken Parmesan and More

Can I make this ahead?

Yep! Bread and sear the chicken, assemble the dish, then refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Is jarred marinara okay?

Absolutely. Just season it a bit to make it feel homemade.

Do I need to pan-fry the chicken?

It helps with texture, but you can skip it and go full no-fry chicken parmesan. Just expect softer crust.

How do I pound chicken evenly?

Plastic wrap + mallet or heavy skillet = even thickness and better cooking.

Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

Sure! Thighs are juicier, but need a few extra minutes in the oven.

What’s the internal temp I need?

165°F is the magic number. Get a thermometer—you’ll thank me.

Other cheese options?

Go nuts: provolone, smoked mozz, fontina. This dish plays well with others.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake is your go-to for crispy edges, stretchy cheese, and serious flavor—all without standing over a fryer. It’s cozy, reliable, and 100% crowd-approved. Whether you want to impress dinner guests or just clean out the fridge, this chicken parmigiana bake delivers.

Now go make it. Then make it yours. Add spice, swap cheeses, layer it into a sandwich—I won’t stop you. But don’t skip the rest. That cheese? That’s gold.

If you’re into real-deal kitchen technique and unfussy flavor, stick around—I’ve got plenty more where that came from. And hey, for even more inspiration, check out my recipe boards on Pinterest—I pin only the good stuff.

Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Bake

Table of Contents

What You’ll Need for This Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe

Pro Tips Before You Start