This easy baked chicken Parmesan is the perfect single-serving comfort meal when you want something warm, cheesy, and satisfying without making a full casserole. Instead of frying the chicken, this recipe uses a simple oven-baked method that delivers the same delicious flavor and crispy topping with far less effort.
A juicy chicken breast is topped with rich marinara sauce, layers of melty mozzarella and Parmesan, and crunchy garlic croutons that bake into a golden, cheesy crust. It’s an incredibly simple way to enjoy classic chicken Parmesan at home, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or when you’re cooking just for yourself.
Time & Servings
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Additional Time: 5 mins
Total Time:45 mins
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pinch red chili flakes
- 1 (8 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup marinara sauce
- 2 ounces grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup crispy salad croutons
- 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pour the olive oil into the bottom of a small, shallow baking dish and sprinkle the red chili flakes over the oil.
- Place the chicken breast in the baking dish. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, leaving the smoother side of the chicken facing up.
- Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken, spreading it evenly so the chicken is completely covered. Add a little extra sauce if you prefer a saucier dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Scatter the croutons across the cheese layer. Break some of the croutons into smaller pieces so you have a mix of sizes for a better crispy topping.
- Top the croutons with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped Italian parsley if desired and serve warm.