Italian Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Basil Tomato Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts baked under a layer of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, topped with a garlicky basil tomato sauce bursting with fresh flavors. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4, about 6 oz each boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2, beaten eggs
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a shallow dish, combine 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs.
- Step 2: Dip each of the 4 chicken breasts first into the beaten eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over each, then sprinkle evenly with 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Step 8: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Basil Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Italian Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Basil Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Basil Tomato Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Basil Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Italian Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan with Garlic Basil Tomato Sauce?
Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
