Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Serve it over pasta or alongside a salad for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

boneless, skinless chicken breastssalt and pepperall-purpose flourlarge eggsItalian-style breadcrumbsgrated Parmesan cheeseshredded mozzarella cheesemarinara saucespaghetti or pasta of choice (optional)olive oil or vegetable oil for fryingfresh basil or parsley for garnish

directions

Chicken Parmesan 10 Chicken Parmesan is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Serve it over pasta or alongside a salad for a satisfying, well-rounded meal.

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season with salt and pepper.

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan in the third.

Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip into the eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Place fried chicken cutlets in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and top with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C).

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve over pasta if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Try using panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Make it lighter by baking instead of frying the chicken.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for best texture.
Freeze breaded, uncooked chicken for up to 2 months—thaw before frying and baking.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.

Can I use store-bought marinara?

Absolutely—choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

Why is my breading falling off?

Make sure to pat chicken dry and press breadcrumbs firmly onto each piece.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking—add 5 extra minutes to bake time.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to adapt the recipe.

What pasta goes best?

Spaghetti, linguine, or penne all pair well with Chicken Parmesan.

Can I skip the Parmesan?

It’s key for flavor, but you can reduce or substitute with another hard cheese if needed.

Do I need to tenderize the chicken?

Optional, but pounding to even thickness helps it cook evenly.

How do I keep it crispy?

Bake immediately after frying and don’t overload with sauce.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Try breaded eggplant slices for a delicious alternative.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved classic that combines crispy chicken, savory sauce, and gooey cheese into one unforgettable dish. Whether served over pasta or on its own, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavor at home.