Nothing beats a classic Chicken Parmesan—crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all served over a bed of pasta. This easy chicken Parmesan recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen with simple ingredients and a straightforward process.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion, this dish is always a hit. With the perfect balance of crispy coating, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, this Chicken Parmesan will quickly become a go-to in your meal rotation. Serve it with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh side salad for the ultimate Italian feast!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- Crispy & Cheesy – A crunchy breaded exterior with gooey melted cheese makes every bite irresistible.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-Quality – Enjoy the flavors of an Italian restaurant without leaving home.
- Kid-Friendly – A favorite among kids and adults alike!
- Customizable – Serve with pasta, veggies, or on a sandwich for variety.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make extra and freeze for an easy meal later.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For Topping:
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment Used
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Meat mallet (optional, for pounding chicken evenly)
Directions & Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice & Pound: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Pound them lightly with a meat mallet to an even thickness (about ½ inch).
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
- Set Up Dredging Station:
- In one bowl, add the flour.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs.
- Press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat ½ cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry Until Golden: Cook each breaded chicken piece for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Bake with Cheese
- Preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:
- Place the fried chicken on a baking sheet.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta or with garlic bread. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Baked Chicken Parmesan: Skip frying and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes before adding sauce and cheese.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko.
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: Cook breaded chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep it crispy.
Can I freeze chicken Parmesan?
Yes! Freeze the breaded chicken (before frying) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, thaw and cook as usual.
What can I serve with chicken Parmesan?
Try it with spaghetti, garlic bread, a fresh Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Pound Chicken Evenly: This ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: For an extra gooey, melty top.
- Let Fried Chicken Rest: Draining excess oil helps keep it crispy before baking.
- Don’t Overload Sauce: Too much sauce can make the breading soggy.
- Use a Wire Rack: If baking instead of frying, place chicken on a wire rack for maximum crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Italian Meal: Serve over spaghetti with extra marinara sauce.
- Chicken Parm Sandwich: Place on a toasted hoagie roll with extra cheese.
- Lighter Option: Pair with a fresh arugula salad and balsamic dressing.
- Family-Style Dinner: Serve with garlic knots, roasted vegetables, and a side of Parmesan potatoes.
Final Thoughts
This easy chicken Parmesan recipe is the ultimate crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
📌 Don’t forget to share your Chicken Parmesan creations! Let us know in the comments how you served yours. 🍽️
Crispy & Cheesy Chicken Parmesan : A Classic Italian Favorite
Nothing beats a classic Chicken Parmesan—crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, all served over a bed of past
Equipment
- Large Skillet:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Meat mallet (optional, for pounding chicken evenly)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup vegetable oil for frying
For Topping:
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil optional, for garnish
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice & Pound: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Pound them lightly with a meat mallet to an even thickness (about ½ inch).
- Step 2: Bread the Chicken
- Set Up Dredging Station:
- In one bowl, add the flour.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs.
- Press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat ½ cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry Until Golden: Cook each breaded chicken piece for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Step 4: Bake with Cheese
- Preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:
- Place the fried chicken on a baking sheet.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta or with garlic bread. Enjoy!
Notes
Pound Chicken Evenly: This ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: For an extra gooey, melty top.
Let Fried Chicken Rest: Draining excess oil helps keep it crispy before baking.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: For an extra gooey, melty top.
Let Fried Chicken Rest: Draining excess oil helps keep it crispy before baking.