Chicken parmesan also known as chicken parmigiana or chicken parmo is a truly delicious meal and kids absolutely love it. It is particularly nice since it's a baked chicken parmesan, not fried hence healthier you can have it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or topping portobello mushrooms for a lower-carb, protein-packed version.
You will only need a few ingredients for this delicious baked chicken parmesan recipe and this will be ready in no time.
How to make your own tomato sauce?
You will need:
- chicken thighs (approx 7-8 oz each) or chicken breast - skinless
- parmesan cheese finely grated
- bread crumbs or matzo meal
- any good melting cheese (grated)
- homemade tomato sauce (see recipe below) I also use the Marinara sauce for quickness
- garlic - finely grated or made into a paste
- salt - Himalayan or kosher
- black pepper
- yogurt
- lemon juice
Use your own homemade tomato sauce it is the best one when not in a rush.
This homemade tomato sauce is so great to make more of and use for so many dishes. It is great to have some made and at hand for any pizza, pasta, or homemade baked chicken parmesan like this one here. Make it and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks or freezer for up to 3 months.
Ingredients :
- 1 larger onion finely chopped ( onion adds to the sweetness of the sauce)
- ½ teaspoon garlic ( minced or grated on the finest grater holes)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 250g ( or approx 13 oz) Passata paste or blended chopped canned or fresh tomatoes
- Salt and black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 pinch of sugar or honey
- fresh basil, oregano, or thyme
How to make the sauce for chicken parmesan?
- Heat oil in a smaller pan or a pot. Shallow fry or sautee the chopped onion for a couple of minutes or so, add and stir in the garlic and cook for a further minute. do not caramelize or burn the garlic or onions. You want them nice, sweet, and fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce, salt and pepper, dried herbs, and sugar if you are using them. If you decide on the honey, leave this to add at the end after turning the heat off. Cover ajar the pan or pot with a lid and allow this to simmer for 10- 15 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced slightly. Season more if you feel it is necessary. Add the freshly chopped basil and thyme for extra flavor
What can I serve chicken parmesan with?
Here are some serving suggestions side ideas this delicious baked chicken parmesan dish can be served with:
- Courgette and carrot noodle salad
- Best ever summer courgette salad
- Orzo, halloumi and olive salad
- Quinoa pasta with courgette and pesto sauce
This chicken parmesan can also be served on any pasta like angel hair, spaghetti, linguini or fettuccini, on mashed potatoes (I have made a delicious colcannon - the one in the picture above), over a nice herby couscous, or portobello mushrooms ( picture below) for a lower carbs option.
FAQs:
No worries, any hard mature cheese will do, provolone, pecorino, Romano cheese, Asiago (a saltier version) or Manchego cheese.
Chicken breast is great for this recipe as well as drumsticks as long as it's deboned.
Yes, absolutely and keep refrigerated or even frozen.
Yes, you will need to bake in the oven again for a good 20 minutes so I suggest you do freeze it uncooked and bake for 30 minutes from frozen at 190C or 375F
Other chicken recipes you may like:
- Teriyaki chicken and egg fried recipe
- Chicken with garlic and-polenta
- Teriyaki chicken skewers
- One-pot chicken, chorizo and Nduja bake
- Buffalo chicken bites with spinach and blue cheese
- Spinach and mushrooms stuffed chicken breast
- Creamy Chicken And Mushroom With Polenta
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan
Equipment
- knife
- ovenproof dish
- spoon
- parchment paper
- grater
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken thighs (approx 7-8 oz each) or chicken breast (skinless)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese finely grated
- ¾ cup bread crumbs or matzo meal
- 8 tablespoons cheese any melting cheese (grated)
- 1.5 cup tomato sauce I used Marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic finely grated
- 1 pinch salt Himalayan or kosher
- ½ teaspoon pepper split
- 2 tablespoons yoghurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by de-boning them. Place into a glass bowl and add the yoghurt, lemon juice the garlic ( grated or made into a paste, sprinkle 1 pinch of salt, and one of pepper. Mix this into a sauce and coat the chicken well. Allow 10-15 min (or longer) to marinade.
- Preheat the oven at 200°C or 400°F.
- Combine the parmesan cheese, bread crumbs and a pinch of freshly ground back pepper into a deep plate. Mix all until homogenised.
- Prepare the oven tray or a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the parmesan cheese and breadcrumb mixture. Coat well and generously. Place on the parchment paper. Do the same with the remaining three chicken thighs.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake the chicken for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Carefully remove from oven and spoon over each chicken piece 2-3 tablespoons of the tomato sauce. Add 2 tablespoons grated cheese on top of the tomato sauce on each chicken.
- Return to the oven and bake for an extra 5-7 minutes.
- Serve over pasta, potato mash or a previously baked/cooked portobello mushroom or even rice with remaining tomato sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Natalie says
This was a super delicious dinner. My family loved it. Very easy to make and super quick. I will definitely make this chicken again.
Ramona says
Thank you so much, Natalie, I am so glad you loved the recipe.
Jo says
That Parmesan crusted chicken looks so tempting. I love the flavors in the recipe and how easy it to make this delicious chicken.
Neha says
This one looks like baked to perfection-chicken to me! I miss dining in at olive garden and enjoying chicken parm. at this time. Making my own at home sounds so cool, thanks for an excellent recipe.
Tara says
One of my favorite dishes! My chicken turned out so crispy on the outside, yet so tender and juicy on the inside. Perfect!
Ramona says
Yayy, I am so glad it turned out perfect for you dear Tara, thank you so much for your feedback!
Eva says
I never made chicken parmesan, but I like the idea of baking it. I think I'll use chicken breast, as that is my favourite cut (I know, weird!) and I have quite a supply in my freezer that was just waiting for the perfect recipe to be used. I think I found it!
Jane Saunders says
I hate frying anything (apart from doughnuts) so this just perfect. It was a lovely change from plain chicken in sauce and the family loved it.
Ramona says
Same here, thank you so much, Jane!
Cindy says
This is such a great idea! I'm not a huge fan of traditional chicken parm, but the chicken thighs in your recipe make it taste amazing and it's super juicy. Plus it's easier to prepare 🙂
Ramona says
Thank you, dear Cindy, I agree, so much easier to prepare, no frying, no mess yet still very delicious!
Chef Dennis says
I wish it's dinner soon! I just can't wait to have this Baked Chicken Parmesan on my plate! I am craving right now.
Ramona says
Thank you Chef Dennis.
Valerie Skinner says
This is such a great twist on Chicken Parm. I never thought to use chicken thighs but it's more budget friendly and the taste is divine. Thanks for sharing!
Ramona says
Thank you Valerie, it is so true, much tastier and budget friendly.
Gloria says
You can never go wrong with a great chicken recipe. This is perfect for Sunday supper, or any night of the week. Also a great recipe to serve to guests.
Chef Dennis says
I've made your chicken parm 3 times now and it always comes out perfectly!
Ramona says
Thank you so much, Dennis, it is soo good to hear you like this baked chicken parmesan three times, it is a great easy recipe and so easy to make too indeed.
Lilly says
I love that this chicken parm is baked! It makes it ten times easier to make! Thanks for the great recipe!
Ramona says
Thank you dear Lilly, easier and a lot healthier too xx
Jill | Sugar Spice Life Blog says
Such a simple and healthy prep for chicken parm! I love the yogurt marination, I like to do the same!
Tammy says
Ooh sounds and looks so good! Love the idea of using matzo too for breading...such a delicious meal for the family 🙂
Moop Brown says
This looks so tasty. I especially love the addition of the homemade tomato sauce! Can't wait to try making this one
Karyl says
I love that you bake this chicken parmesan instead of frying! And also that you use chicken thigh instead of breast. I've never tried marinating chicken in yogurt, but definitely want to try that method. I'm adding this recipe to my menu plan for sure
Aditi Bahl says
really liked the recipe. The dish looks so tempting and inviting. The flavors must be lovely. will try it soon for aure.
Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli says
A wonderful classic meal that all the family loves! The baked version sounds like a great change, and it does look so crispy and delicious!
Paula Montenegro says
I like how you prepare the chicken, so much flavor in there! I love anything with tomato sauce and cheese on it, so I can't wait to try this. Thanks for sharing.
Alex says
That quinoa pasta you linked to sounds so interesting and a delicious side to this chicken! A nice, healthy twist to a chicken Parmesan meal.
Erin Dooner says
I love chicken Parmesan but never make it because it takes so long. So I love your version! It sounds perfect for me.
Kathryn Donangelo says
This chicken Parmesan recipe is absolutely delicious. I served it with pasta and it was incredible! Such a classic and has a healthy twist- loved it!
Bernice Hill says
Chicken Parmesan is such a classic! I really only make it once a year but it should be more than that. I love how light and fresh your version looks.
Sophia says
This recipe is really simple but oh so tasty! It's perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Delicious!
sapana says
I have once tried eggplant parmesan and totally loved it. I can imagine how flavorful this must have been, definitely a treat for chicken lovers.
Jacqueline Debono says
This chicken Parmesan looks amazing! Love all the photos with different serving options and your homemade tomato sauce. Def on the menu for next week!
Gail Montero says
This is totally my kind of comfort food! I'm positive my entire family will love this for dinner every time! Looks amazing and easy to make!
Kushigalu says
My hubby Loves chicken Parmesan alot. This looks so classic and delicious plus homemade sauce sounds wonderful. Pinned to try this out soon
Beth says
The chicken sounds so tasty and looks so crispy - I cant' wait to try this recipe. Serving it on the colcannon appeals to me right now!
Julie@ Running in a Skirt says
What a great version of chicken parm! THe flavors of the breading is perfect and the sauce on top is so tasty. Love this classic dish.
Diana says
What a perfect dinner recipe that everyone loved. I'm going to be making this recipe again for my next gathering!
Jar of Lemons says
Chicken parmesan is an all-time favorite dish of mine! Using chicken thighs is a great idea for this! So flavorful!
Amy Liu Dong says
From the first time that I've see this, it makes me crave for it. The texture and sauce is really enticing to the eyes. This is definitely can be an easy crowd favorite, I would loved to make this at home.
Marta says
Thank you for this easy recipe of my favorite pasta dinner. I avoid making chicken parm because it's such a hassle, but your recipe makes it more approachable.
Chef Dennis says
I love love love chicken parm! Thanks so much for sharing your tips and recipe!
Stine Mari says
I actually make chicken parmesan regularly, and I'm almost afraid to try this one as it looks like it may be better than mine!
Maria says
I love that this chicken parm is baked! It looks delicious and what a great idea to use chicken thighs as oppose to chicken breast. It adds so much flavor. Can't wait to try your variation!
Taleen | Just As Tasty says
I'm so excited about this! I love chicken parmesan and will definitely be making this for dinner soon -- my husband is going to love it too!
Lesli Schwartz says
I really love chicken parmesan! Always looking for easy ways to make it, so I will definitely be trying your recipe!
Meesha says
Love this healthier version of chicken parmesan! I actually prefer this over the traditional ones, thanks for sharing!
Sam says
Yum, this looks like total comfort! I love a good chicken parmesan but have never made it at home. Can't wait to make this.
Eden says
This chicken Parmesan looks amazing! Definitely going to put it in my meal plan!
Eileen Kelly says
The familly really enjoyed this baked chicken parm. It was super easy to prepare and the chicken was perfectly crispy. My boys gave it a thumbs up
Ramona says
Thank you so very much, dear Eileen - it really is a nice and super simple recipe to make indeed.
Jenny says
Your chicken parm is one of the best I have ever tried. We all enjoyed it so much and it was very easy to make. Thanks so much!
Ramona says
Thank you so much dear Jenny- you are most welcome! I am so happy you liked it too. 😉
Anna says
Made it couple of days ago and it went down a treat! Me and my partner really enjoyed this chicken parma, and will be definitely making it again!
Leslie says
What a gorgeous, classic, recipe! Love that you included the homemade tomato sauce with this! YUM!
Marisa F. Stewart says
I was a bit skeptical whether Hubby would like the chicken baked instead of the usual way I make it. Well, he loved it and I didn't have all that grease mess. They thighs were juicy and flavorful on the inside -- just the way we like them. This will be a regular chicken dinner recipe, for sure.
Ramona says
Thank you so much dear Marisa, the baked chicken parmesan version is as good as the fried one but much better without all that oil and grease mess, you are so right!
Paula Montenegro says
I agree that baked is healthier and tastes just as amazing! So many favorite flavors come together in this recipe, i can eat it every day. Thank you for posting this!
Mikayla says
I really liked this baked version of chicken parm! I get pretty bored with chicken and I think this will make a more regular appearance, my toddler loved it and it was really good with pasta and the homemade sauce. Thanks!
Heidy says
This was a great baked chicken parmesan recipe that our entire family enjoyed. My mother in law actually asked for your recipe link so she could print it! Well done!!! Thanks for making me the dinner hero the other night!!!