There's nothing quite like the aroma of crispy, cheesy Chicken Parmesan baking in the oven. This classic Italian-American dish features golden breaded chicken, a rich tomato sauce, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella, perfect for any weeknight dinner or special gathering.
I first learned to make this recipe on a chilly evening when I wanted to impress my family with something special. Over time, it became a well-loved staple, requested often and met with big smiles every time I make it.
Let's get started on your next family favorite!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Parmesan
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to chicken dinner. This Chicken Parmesan isn't just incredibly delicious – it's a total crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.
First, it's so simple to make. Despite its elegant look, this recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for weeknights when you don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it a breeze to prepare on a whim.
The crispy, golden breading is a standout feature. Coated in flavorful Italian-seasoned crumbs and cooked to perfection, the chicken remains juicy while boasting a deliciously crunchy exterior. Once you top it with tomato sauce and melted cheese, each bite bursts with flavor.
It's also endlessly versatile. Serve it with a simple salad, over pasta, or alongside some garlic bread. You can even use leftovers for hearty Chicken Parmesan sandwiches the next day – if there are any leftovers, that is!
Best of all, the dish is family-friendly and adaptable. You can adjust the level of seasoning to suit everyone's taste and even make mini versions for the kids. Trust me, once you've tried it, Chicken Parmesan will be in your regular rotation.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Chicken Parmesan lies in balancing its simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Chicken breasts are the star of the dish. Opt for boneless, skinless pieces and pound them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. If your chicken breasts are especially large, consider halving them horizontally for a better serving size.
Breadcrumbs provide that signature crunch. I recommend using Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, which already have a blend of herbs like basil and oregano for added flavor. For an extra-crispy coating, you can mix in a bit of panko, which adds even more texture.
Parmesan cheese is used in the breading to deepen the flavor. Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated, which can be dry and less flavorful. The cheese not only enhances the taste but also adds a nice golden color when the chicken is fried.
The tomato sauce should be rich and flavorful. A simple marinara works beautifully, and you can either make your own or use a high-quality jarred sauce to save time. Look for a sauce with a short ingredient list and no added sugar for the best results.
Finally, mozzarella cheese is what makes this dish irresistible. Use fresh mozzarella if you can; it melts beautifully and gives that perfect, gooey texture. If fresh mozzarella is unavailable, low-moisture mozzarella works well too.
You'll also need some basic ingredients like eggs for dredging and all-purpose flour to help the breading adhere, as well as some cooking oil for frying the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
How To Make This Chicken Parmesan

Creating this mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan is easier than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.
Start by preparing the chicken. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag, then use a meat mallet to pound it to about ½ inch thickness. This step is crucial for even cooking and ensures that the chicken stays juicy. Once pounded, season both sides with salt and pepper.
Next, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first, place all-purpose flour. In the second, beat some eggs until smooth. In the third, combine Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully place the breaded chicken in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Now it's time to assemble. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the fried chicken breasts on top and spoon more marinara sauce over each piece. Be sure not to drown the chicken; you want the breading to stay crispy. Top each piece with slices of fresh mozzarella and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature). If you like a golden crust, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
From start to finish, this Chicken Parmesan takes about 40 minutes. The result is a dish that feels both comforting and elevated, perfect for any occasion.
Storage Options
Chicken Parmesan is an excellent make-ahead meal, and there are a few different ways you can store and reheat it to enjoy later.
For the fridge, allow the cooked Chicken Parmesan to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy, reheat it in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken is warmed through.
If you'd like to freeze it, arrange the fully cooked and cooled chicken in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Reheating leftovers is simple: just place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the breading soggy. A toaster oven also works well if you're reheating a single piece.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so don't be afraid to get creative with it.
If you'd like a lighter version, consider baking the breaded chicken instead of frying it. Simply arrange the breaded pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For a twist on the classic, you can make Chicken Parmesan sandwiches. Place the chicken on a toasted roll, add some marinara sauce and mozzarella, and pop it under the broiler until the cheese melts. It's perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
Vegetarians in the house? You can use the same breading and cooking method for eggplant slices to make a delicious Eggplant Parmesan. Just be sure to salt the eggplant beforehand to remove any bitterness.
Feel free to change up the cheeses. Provolone or fontina can be substituted for mozzarella for a different flavor profile, or add a little shredded asiago for a sharp kick.
Experiment with the sauce too. While classic marinara is always a hit, a roasted garlic tomato sauce or spicy arrabbiata can add a fun twist to this beloved dish. Don’t be afraid to customize to your heart’s content.
Now, gather your ingredients and get ready to make this crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying Chicken Parmesan!
PrintChicken Parmesan Recipe
Enjoy this delicious Chicken Parmesan recipe, featuring crispy breaded chicken cutlets, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Ideal for a family dinner or a special gathering, this Italian favorite delivers unbeatable flavor and comfort.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Place fried chicken on a baking sheet. Top each with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, try double-breading the chicken.
- Serve with spaghetti or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
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