The Best One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Crafting a mouthwatering one-pan chicken parmesan sparks pure culinary joy for busy home cooks.

Crispy golden breading meets tender chicken in a symphony of flavors that simplifies dinner prep.

Minimal cleanup becomes your new best friend with this streamlined approach to a classic Italian-American favorite.

We combine restaurant-quality taste with weeknight convenience, making dinner feel like a celebration.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket over perfectly seasoned chicken breasts that practically melt in you.

Mediterranean herbs and a rich tomato sauce elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Dive into this foolproof recipe that promises deliciousness without the kitchen chaos.

Why One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Saves Time and Taste

• Simplify Cooking: Tackle this dish with minimal cleanup using just one pan, saving you precious time and reducing kitchen mess.
• Master Quick Meals: Perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious dinner without complicated techniques or multiple cooking steps.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Delivers classic Italian-inspired flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime a breeze.
• Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Offers a nutritious protein-packed meal that's lower in calories compared to traditional fried chicken parmesan versions.

Ingredients for One-Pan Chicken Parmesan

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein source in this classic Italian-American dish.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that provides rich, tangy flavor and moisture to the chicken.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy and melty cheese that creates a golden, bubbly topping for the chicken.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that adds a bright, fresh note to the dish.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: Used to prevent sticking and add a light coating to the baking dish.

How to Cook One-Pan Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Zone

Turn your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Canvas

Grab a baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray or a quick drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prep the Chicken

Gently pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to wake up those flavors.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Spread a smooth, even layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will be the flavor foundation of your meal.

Step 5: Nestle the Chicken

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts right on top of the marinara sauce, letting them get cozy in their saucy bed.

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Blanket

Shower the chicken with a snow-like covering of mozzarella cheese.

Be generous – this is where the magic happens!

Step 7: Sprinkle Fresh Herbs

Scatter some fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of aromatic freshness that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it cook for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Once done, pull the dish out and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle and makes the chicken extra tender.

Serve hot and enjoy your one-pan masterpiece!

Tips for One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Success

• Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden exterior and prevent steaming.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier, more luxurious texture that melts beautifully over the chicken.
• Create an even marinara sauce layer to prevent dry spots and enhance overall flavor distribution.
• Always use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165F for safe, perfectly cooked protein.
• Add fresh basil leaves after baking to preserve their vibrant flavor and bright green color.

Variations on One-Pan Chicken Parmesan

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap mozzarella with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices, maintaining the same cooking method and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use zucchini or cauliflower as a base instead of traditional breading, keeping the sauce and cheese components intact.

Best Pairings for One-Pan Chicken Parmesan

Pair this chicken parmesan with a robust Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich marinara and melted cheese flavors, creating a classic Italian dining experience.

Serve a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette alongside the dish, cutting through the cheesy richness and adding a bright, tangy contrast to the warm chicken.

Add crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra marinara sauce, providing a crunchy texture and enhancing the overall meal’s Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Offer a refreshing herb-infused sparkling water with basil or rosemary to cleanse the palate between bites and provide a light, aromatic accompaniment.

Storage Tips for One-Pan Chicken Parmesan

• Seal leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish's crispy texture and flavor intact.
• Carefully wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers or bags, storing for maximum 2 months without losing quality.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, preventing dryness and maintaining moisture.
• Warm chicken at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain juiciness, then uncover for the last 2-3 minutes to restore crispy cheese topping.

FAQs

• Is chicken parmesan healthy?

Despite being cheesy, this dish offers protein from chicken and nutrients from marinara sauce. Using lean chicken breasts and controlling cheese portions makes it a balanced meal.

• Can I use different cheese types?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can substitute with provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavor profiles.

• How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Season the chicken, use marinara sauce for moisture, and avoid overcooking. The sauce helps keep the chicken tender and juicy during baking.

• Do I need to pound the chicken before cooking?

Not required, but pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness helps ensure uniform cooking and prevents dry or undercooked sections.

One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Savory “One-Pan Chicken Parmesan” delivers classic Italian comfort with minimal cleanup. Crispy chicken nestled in marinara, melted cheese, and herbal notes creates a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven to 400F (200C), creating an ideal environment for even cooking and crisp texture.
2. Coat baking dish with light olive oil or nonstick spray to prevent chicken from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
3. Use paper towels to thoroughly absorb moisture from chicken breasts, enabling better seasoning adherence and browning.
4. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both surfaces, enhancing natural meat flavors before cooking.
5. Create a uniform base layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish, which will keep chicken moist and infuse additional flavor.
6. Carefully position seasoned chicken breasts atop the marinara sauce, ensuring even spacing for consistent heating.
7. Generously distribute mozzarella cheese across chicken surfaces, allowing for complete melting and golden-brown coloration.
8. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the cheese layer to introduce aromatic herbs and visual appeal.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring internal chicken temperature until it reaches 165F (75C) for safe consumption.
10. Allow chicken to rest briefly after removing from oven, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring tender, succulent meat.

Notes

• Test chicken thickness for even cooking by gently pounding breasts to uniform size before seasoning.
• Choose low-sodium marinara sauce to control salt intake and balance flavors more effectively.
• Swap mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant or plant-based diets.
• Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can elevate the dish’s aromatic profile and add complexity to the classic recipe.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 52 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg