Description

A kid-friendly, baked chicken parmesan recipe that turns kitchen chaos into connection. It’s crispy without the oil mess, simple enough for children to help with, and offers a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large or 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs (whisked)
1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag and pound to an even ½-inch thickness using a rolling pin or meat mallet.
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with whisked eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides.
Place breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
Remove from oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Return to oven and bake for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool for a minute, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pound chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Use freshly grated cheese for better melting. For leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving as it makes the chicken rubbery. You can freeze the breaded chicken before baking for meal prep.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet wit
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5
Sodium: 600
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 30
Fiber: 2
Protein: 35

Keywords: chicken parmesan, baked chicken, kid-friendly recipes, easy dinner, family cooking, healthy comfort food, gluten-free option