Description
A strategic meal prep recipe for crispy baked chicken parmesan that reheats perfectly in the oven or air fryer, keeping the breading crunchy while saving time and money for busy weeks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
- 2 large eggs, beaten with a pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (80g)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce (480ml)
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (100g)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire cooling rack on top.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If thicker than ½ inch, pound them to even thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, then press firmly into the panko mixture to coat completely.
- Place breaded chicken on the wire rack. Brush tops lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is golden brown. Broil for 1-2 minutes if needed for extra browning.
- While chicken bakes, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat and stir in granulated garlic. Keep warm.
- Let cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice each breast in half horizontally to create four cutlets.
- Portion meals into airtight containers: add sauce to the bottom, place chicken on top, sprinkle with mozzarella (optional), and garnish with fresh basil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer at 375°F for best crispiness.
Notes
Use a wire rack to ensure air circulation and prevent soggy bottoms. Panko breadcrumbs are essential for crunch. Store sauce separately from chicken to maintain crispiness. Reheat in oven or air fryer, never microwave, to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One chicken breast w
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken parmesan, meal prep, crispy chicken, baked chicken, easy dinner, freezer friendly, high protein, Italian recipe