Perfect Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Bake Recipe for Dinner Wins

Tender chicken meets its ultimate crispy companion in this parmesan-crusted chicken bake that promises a delightful dinner experience.

Golden breadcrumbs mingle with rich parmesan cheese, creating an irresistible coating that seals in juicy flavors.

Each bite delivers a perfect crunch that makes weeknight meals feel special and indulgent.

The simple yet sophisticated recipe turns ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish that sparks conversation around the table.

Pantry staples come together effortlessly, ensuring anyone can master this culinary delight.

Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that satisfies both comfort food cravings and nutritional needs.

Dinner just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing chicken bake that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Bake Ingredient Breakdown

• Bread Crumbs: Adds delightful crunch and golden texture to the chicken, creating a crispy exterior.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers rich, nutty flavor and helps create a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses the coating with aromatic herbs that elevate the overall taste profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the flavor of the entire dish.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and depth to the breading mixture.

• Eggs: Acts as a crucial adhesive, helping the breadcrumb mixture stick perfectly to the chicken.
• Milk: Softens the egg mixture and adds a subtle creaminess to the coating.
• Flour: Creates a smooth base layer that helps the egg and breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.

• Chicken Fillets: Serves as the primary protein, tender and juicy when prepared correctly.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a luxurious and stretchy cheese layer.
• Minced Garlic: Introduces a pungent, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps in browning the chicken and adds a subtle, fruity undertone.

What You’ll Need for a Chicken Bake

• Baking Dish: A greased, oven-safe dish for final baking and cheese melting.
• Skillet: Medium-sized pan for browning chicken fillets before baking.
• Shallow Dishes (3): For flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumb coating.
• Whisk: To beat eggs and milk smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure seasonings precisely.
• Spatula or Tongs: For flipping and transferring chicken between skillet and baking dish.

Baking Parmesan-Crusted Chicken That’s Golden

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a cozy 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish with a touch of olive oil.

• Breadcrumb Magic

Create a delightful coating by mixing breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs in a shallow dish.

• Egg Wash Wonder

Whisk eggs with a splash of milk in a separate bowl, creating a silky bath for the chicken.

• Chicken Transformation

Dust chicken with a light layer of flour, then dunk into the egg mixture, followed by a generous roll in the herby breadcrumb mixture.

• Golden Sear

Heat a skillet with olive oil and give the chicken a quick dance, browning each side to a gorgeous golden color.

• Cheese Blanket Finale

Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish, crown it with a mixture of Parmesan, mozzarella, and a whisper of garlic. Let it bake until the chicken is perfectly cooked and the cheese becomes a molten, bubbling masterpiece, about 20-25 minutes.

How to Make Your Crust More Flavorful

• Cheese Lover's Twist: Add extra sharp cheddar or fontina cheese to create a more complex flavor profile that melts beautifully over the chicken.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the breaded chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, which helps the coating adhere better during cooking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond meal for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same crispy texture.
• Herb Garden Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like chopped basil, thyme, or rosemary mixed into the breadcrumb coating to elevate the chicken's aromatic profile.
• Spice Level Control: For those who enjoy a kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne into the breadcrumb mixture to add a subtle heat that complements the cheesy crust.

Plating the Chicken Bake for Dinner or Guests

• Cheese Lover's Dream Plate: Serve this golden chicken alongside a creamy risotto or cheesy polenta to amplify the parmesan goodness and create a luxurious dining experience.
• Fresh Salad Companion: Pair the crispy chicken with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness and add a zesty, fresh contrast to the meal.
• Rustic Italian Side Combo: Complement the dish with roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers seasoned with herbs, enhancing the Italian-inspired flavor profile.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this cheesy chicken with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to elevate the overall taste and create a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Store Chicken Without Losing Crunch

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Chilled Storage Timeline: Refrigerated chicken remains fresh for 3-4 days. Keep temperature below 40°F to ensure maximum food safety and flavor retention.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm chicken in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying and maintain crispy Parmesan crust. Avoid microwave to preserve texture.
• Freezing Fresh Goodness: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Frozen chicken stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Parmesan-crusted chicken bake brings golden, crispy goodness to weeknight dinner tables with minimal prep time. Juicy chicken breasts coated in herbed cheese create an irresistible main course you can confidently serve to hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken fillets (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) bread crumbs
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, large
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) milk
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a rectangular baking dish with olive oil to prevent adhesion.
2. Coating Setup: Create three distinct stations – one with flour, another with whisked eggs and milk, and the third with a blend of bread crumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Chicken Breading: Meticulously coat each chicken fillet by first dusting with flour, then dipping in egg mixture, and finally rolling in seasoned bread crumb mixture, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
4. Searing Process: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, quickly searing chicken fillets for 3-4 minutes per side to develop a golden-brown exterior and seal in moisture.
5. Cheese Topping: Arrange seared chicken in the prepared baking dish, then generously sprinkle a mixture of remaining Parmesan, mozzarella cheese, and minced garlic across the chicken surface.
6. Baking Finale: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing the chicken to reach perfect doneness while the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden crust.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Organize all ingredients and tools before starting to streamline the cooking process and reduce stress.
• Coating Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a crispy, even layer that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Cheese Melt Magic: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and prevent burning, creating a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg