Chicken Parmesan with Alfredo Sauce: The Ultimate 30-Minute Weeknight Dinner

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of Chicken Parmesan with Alfredo Sauc. That golden crust, melted cheese, and flavorful sauce create a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. But traditional chicken parmesan comes with two significant drawbacks: it’s typically fried (adding unnecessary calories and mess) and served with red sauce (which isn’t everyone’s preference).

That’s exactly why this Easy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan with Alfredo Sauce has become my family’s go-to recipe during the fall and winter months. It solves both problems brilliantly – the chicken is baked to crispy perfection rather than fried, and it’s smothered in a velvety Alfredo sauce instead of the traditional marinara.

Why Chicken Parmesan with Alfredo Sauce Will Transform Your Dinner Routine

Looking for a dinner that combines ease of preparation with restaurant-quality results? This dish delivers precisely that balance. With just 10 simple ingredients and 30 minutes of baking time, you can transform ordinary chicken breasts into something extraordinary.

This recipe is perfect for:

• Busy weeknight dinners when time is limited
• Small gatherings during the holiday season
• Anyone who prefers white sauce over red sauce
• Home cooks seeking healthier alternatives to fried foods

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Parmesan with Alfredo Sauce

The magic of this recipe lies in quality ingredients and a simple preparation technique. Instead of cooking whole chicken breasts, you’ll butterfly each breast horizontally to create two thinner pieces for quicker, more even cooking.

Main Ingredients	Quantity	Notes
Chicken breasts	4 large	Butterflied into 8 pieces
Breadcrumbs	1 cup	Regular or gluten-free
Parmesan cheese	1 cup	Shredded, not grated
Alfredo sauce	15 oz	Rao’s brand recommended
Mozzarella cheese	12 oz	Shredded

Seasonings	Quantity	Purpose
Onion powder	1/2 tsp	Adds savory depth
Garlic powder	1/2 tsp	Provides classic Italian flavor
Dried oregano	1/2 tsp	Enhances Mediterranean notes
Salt	1/2 tsp	Balances flavors
Paprika	1/4 tsp	Adds subtle color and warmth

Pro Tip: If you find cutting raw chicken challenging, try working with slightly frozen chicken breasts. When partially frozen, chicken becomes firmer and easier to slice cleanly. Just remember to take them out of the freezer about two days before cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Chicken Parmesan with Alfredo Sauce

1. Prep your oven and ingredients. Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and paprika.
2. Prepare the chicken. Take each chicken breast and carefully slice it horizontally (not lengthwise) to create two thinner pieces. Starting with 4 large breasts, you’ll end up with 8 chicken cutlets.
3. Coat the chicken. Dredge each piece of chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are thoroughly coated. The dry mixture should adhere nicely to the slightly damp surface of the chicken.
4. Set up for baking. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet fitted with a cooking rack. This elevation allows air to circulate under the chicken, creating that desirable crispy texture on both sides without flipping.
   Don’t have a proper baking rack? Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a cooling rack on top. This improvised setup works just as well.
5. Bake to perfection. Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes at 400°F. The elevated cooking method ensures even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken every time.
6. Add the finishing touches. After the initial baking period, remove the chicken from the oven. Top each piece with approximately 1 tablespoon of Alfredo sauce, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella (about 1-2 ounces per chicken piece).
7. Final broil. Return the chicken to the oven and switch to high broil for just 5 minutes. Watch carefully during this stage – you’re looking for that perfect golden-brown, bubbly cheese finish.
8. Garnish and serve. For a professional touch, sprinkle some fresh basil over the finished dish just before serving.

Common Questions About Chicken Parmesan with Alfredo Sauce

Is it really necessary to cut the chicken into thinner pieces?

While you could technically use whole chicken breasts, I strongly recommend following the butterflying technique. Thinner pieces cook more evenly and much faster, which is ideal for a weeknight dinner. As a bonus, each piece contains fewer calories than a whole breast, making portion control easier for those watching their caloric intake.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results when reheating, use an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave to help maintain that wonderful crispy texture.

Can I make this with red sauce instead of Alfredo?

Absolutely! While the Alfredo sauce creates a wonderful creamy contrast to the crispy chicken, this recipe works perfectly with traditional marinara sauce as well. Use the same amount (about 1 tablespoon per chicken piece) and follow the same instructions.

Is grated or shredded parmesan better for this recipe?

Both work, but shredded parmesan delivers superior melting properties and texture. The slightly larger pieces of cheese create pockets of flavor throughout the breadcrumb coating.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for regular ones. I’ve had great success using Ian’s brand gluten-free breadcrumbs, but any variety you prefer will work well.

This Easy Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan with Alfredo Sauce delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of crispy baked chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation, whether for family dinners or entertaining guests.

try mor delicious chicken recipes

• Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup

• Tomato or Vodka Sauce for Chicken Parmesan

• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

• Southern Chicken and Pastry Recipe