From-scratch Chicken Parm is an Italian restaurant staple (at least here in the United States) and it’s fun to make at home, as well. But if pounding, dipping, and breading chicken is too much work for a quick weeknight dinner, then you’ll love this shortcut version that is ready in less than 30 minutes with almost zero dirty dishes. We love pairing with a Caesar salad, and you could easily serve the chicken over pasta, as well.
This is a meal that all my kids like and look forward to. There are a couple great options for frozen, breaded chicken that we love, and paired with a high quality store-bought marinara, this recipe can be whipped up in just minutes.
Ingredients and Equipment
- Frozen Breaded Chicken – the two brands of frozen chicken I use most often are ones I purchase at Costco. We love the Just Bare brand lightly breaded chicken filets (pictured below) and also the Tyson Panko Breaded Chicken Tenderloins.
- Marinara Sauce – my favorite store-bought marinara is Rao’s Brand, but any brand that you enjoy is just fine.
- Mozzarella cheese – I like a whole milk low moisture mozzarella cheese. Often times pre-shredded bagged cheese doesn’t melt well, so feel free to shred your own, but I love this Kroger brand pictured, it tastes great and melts beautifully. I don’t recommend fresh mozzarella here because the high moisture content can quickly make your chicken soggy!
How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan
This takes just minutes of hands-on time and can be cooked in either the oven or the air fryer. Most chicken parm recipes will call for topping the chicken directly with sauce. I’ve found that placing a layer of cheese on top of each piece of chicken first, creates a barrier between the sauce and the crunchy chicken and results in better texture.
This is a simple overview of the recipe, you’ll find a full printable recipe below!
- Bake breaded chicken according to package instructions.
- Top with a small layer of cheese.
- Add a few spoonfuls of marinara.
- Top with additional cheese.
- Return pan to oven for 1-2 minutes just until cheese melts and sauce is hot.
Storage & Other Tips
- Refrigeration: Let cool slightly, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheating: reheat leftovers gently in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness in the breading; avoid the microwave, as things might get soggy.
- Make Ahead: this recipe is such a great one to keep in your back pocket when you’re short on groceries or time! All of the ingredients are ones you can keep on hand for long periods of time. A great jar of marinara in the pantry and chicken and cheese in the freezer.
- Serving Suggestions: a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite pasta are all a great call with this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can, but because the recipe is built around frozen breaded chicken, your bake time and texture might differ.
I start with a layer of cheese on the breaded chicken, then add sauce, then more cheese. This helps protect the crispiness.
I wouldn’t recommend that. The leftovers are fine, but this recipe really shines fresh out of the oven. It’s also incredibly quick and easy, there really isn’t a need to make it ahead.
Maybe! For the first bake, just follow the directions on the chicken package. They know what they are doing! If they recommend flipping it, then be sure to do so. We add the yummy stuff after the first bake.
You want any kind of shape that grabs the sauce well. Penne or rigatoni are great choices!
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4-6 pieces frozen breaded chicken *see notes for brands I like
- 1 jar marinara sauce I like Rao’s brand
- 1-2 cups shredded mozarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook chicken pieces according to package instructions in either the oven or the air fryer. Tip: If using the oven, convection mode will achieve extra crispy pieces.
- When chicken is fully cooked, remove from oven and top each piece with about 2 tablespoons shredded cheese, followed by a couple spoonfuls of marinara. Depending on the size of your chicken pieces, this could be anywhere from 2-4 tablespoons.
- Top with an additional 2 tablespoons cheese, or more if desired.
- Return pan to oven for 1-2 minutes, just until sauce is heated through and cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
Questions & Reviews
What temperature do cook it on in the oven
You just want to follow the directions on the package for your chicken. The full printable recipe with this information is at the end of the recipe post!
Oven temp???
Hi Barbara! This recipe uses ready-made store bought chicken so you’ll just follow the baking temp and time on the package that you purchase.
Such a quick and easy dinner. I wasn’t expecting my kids reactions. They ALL love this. I have 6 kiddos and they never agree on anything, haha!
Made this last night for dinner and it was a hit with everyone! My oldest has been asking for chicken Parm, but I haven’t wanted to deal with the mess of making it, but then I saw this recipe! So, thank you for a super easy meal!
The Idaho Falls Costco no longer carries the panko chicken and told me they don’t plan on ordering it again. I don’t think they realized how deeply they’ve hurt me. They do have the Just Bare though. For now. 😭
Oh sad! I’m glad they have the Just Bare though!