Baked Chicken Parmesan with Burst Cherry Tomatoes

Some recipes just have a way of wrapping you in comfort from the very first scent and baked chicken parmesan with burst cherry tomatoes does exactly that. It reminds me of those cozy Sunday afternoons at my grandmother’s house, when the smell of bubbling cheese and roasted tomatoes meant dinner was almost ready and everyone would soon gather around her old wooden table. I actually stumbled upon this version during one of those “use what you’ve got” nights.

A basket of sweet cherry tomatoes from the farmer’s market and a few lonely chicken cutlets became something unexpectedly special. What began as a quick fix turned into one of my most beloved dishes simple, heartfelt, and always satisfying. The magic here is in how easy it is. Forget the mess of frying this baked take gives you that same golden crunch and melty cheese goodness, no stress required. Trust me, you can absolutely make this.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Parmesan

This recipe has won over so many hearts in my kitchen, and here’s why it’ll win yours too. First, it’s incredibly family-friendly even the pickiest eaters can’t resist that golden, crispy coating and gooey melted mozzarella. The burst cherry tomatoes add a fresh, bright element that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Most importantly, this is a one-pan wonder that makes cleanup a breeze. Everything bakes together on one sheet, which means more time with your family and less time scrubbing dishes. The chicken stays incredibly tender while developing that perfect crispy exterior we all crave.

What really sets this apart is how the cherry tomatoes burst and create their own little sauce right on the pan. It’s like having a built-in marinara that’s fresh, bright, and absolutely delicious. Trust me, this smells like home.

What You’ll Need To Make Baked Chicken Parmesan

Let me walk you through what makes this dish so special, ingredient by ingredient:

• Mixed grape or cherry tomatoes – I always reach for the sweetest ones I can find. They’ll burst and caramelize beautifully, creating little pockets of concentrated flavor
• Fresh garlic – Don’t even think about using the pre-minced stuff here. Fresh garlic makes all the difference
• Dried oregano – This brings that classic Italian flavor we all love
• Crushed red pepper flakes – Just a pinch adds warmth without overwhelming heat
• Olive oil – Use the good stuff if you have it
• Chicken cutlets – Look for evenly pounded pieces for consistent cooking
• All-purpose flour – This helps create that perfect crispy coating
• Fresh eggs – Room temperature works best for even coating
• Fresh mozzarella – Please don’t use the pre-shredded kind – fresh mozzarella melts so much better
• Fresh basil leaves – The finishing touch that makes everything taste like summer
• Panko breadcrumbs – These create the crispiest coating
• Freshly grated Parmesan – Again, fresh is best
• Kosher salt and black pepper – Season generously

Let’s Make It Together

Cook with feeling, not just timing – that’s my motto. Here’s how we’ll create this masterpiece:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and lightly oil a baking sheet. I like to use a rimmed sheet pan for this recipe.
2. Create your tomato mixture by combining tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and olive oil in a medium bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy here – good seasoning is key.
4. Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and Panko mixed with Parmesan in the third.
5. Bread each cutlet by dredging in flour, dipping in beaten eggs, then coating thoroughly with the Panko mixture. Press gently to help it stick.
6. Arrange chicken in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet and give it a light spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
7. Start the initial bake for 8 minutes. This gives the coating time to set before we add the tomatoes.
8. Add the tomato mixture around the chicken in a single layer. The pan will sizzle beautifully.
9. Continue baking for 15 more minutes, adding the mozzarella slices on top of each cutlet during the last 10 minutes.
10. Serve immediately while everything is hot and bubbly, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Serving Suggestions

This crispy baked chicken parmesan is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many sides. I love serving it over a bed of garlic pasta or creamy polenta to soak up all those delicious pan juices from the burst tomatoes.

For a lighter option, try it alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The peppery greens cut through the richness perfectly. During summer months, I often serve this with grilled zucchini or roasted asparagus.

If you’re feeding a crowd, this scales up beautifully. Just use multiple sheet pans and rotate them halfway through baking. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Make It Your Own

One of the things I love most about this baked chicken parmesan recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs:

• Gluten-free version – Simply swap the flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Dairy-free adaptation – Skip the cheese and double up on the fresh herbs for flavor
• Spice it up – Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture
• Herb variations – Try fresh thyme or rosemary in place of oregano for a different flavor profile

Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This baked chicken parmesan keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently in a 350-degree oven to maintain that crispy coating.

For make-ahead prep, you can bread the chicken cutlets earlier in the day and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the initial baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.

While I don’t recommend freezing the completed dish, you can freeze the breaded (but unbaked) chicken for up to a month. Thaw completely before baking and add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This baked chicken parmesan with burst cherry tomatoes has become such a treasured recipe in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. There’s something so satisfying about creating a dish that brings comfort and joy to your dinner table without requiring hours of preparation.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its flavors, but in its ability to bring people together. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this dish delivers every single time.

Don’t be afraid to make it your own cooking is about expressing love, and that looks different in every kitchen. Thanks for being in my kitchen today, and I can’t wait to hear how this recipe brings joy to your table.

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