Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring crispy breaded chicken cutlets smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese. Served over pasta or with a side of garlic bread, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this Chicken Parmesan recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and cheesy – A golden-brown crust with gooey melted cheese.
• Classic comfort food – Perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
• Great for meal prep – Make extra and store for later.
• Versatile – Serve with pasta, salad, or on a sandwich.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
• Salt and pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs (beaten)
• Italian-style breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce and Topping:

• Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound the chicken – Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to about ½-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bread the chicken – Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan.

2. Fry the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the breaded chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

3. Assemble and Bake

1. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
2. Place the crispy chicken on top and spoon more marinara sauce over each piece.
3. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan over the chicken.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
2. Serve over spaghetti, with garlic bread, or on its own.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Baked Chicken Parmesan – Skip frying and bake breaded chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes before adding sauce and cheese.
• Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a kick.
• Low-Carb/Keto – Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
• Chicken Parmesan Sandwich – Serve on a toasted hoagie roll for a delicious sandwich.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – Freeze fully cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months.
• Reheating – Bake at 350°F until warm or microwave for quick heating.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and fry the chicken in advance, then bake with sauce and cheese when ready to serve.

What’s the best cheese for Chicken Parmesan?

Mozzarella for meltiness, Parmesan for flavor, and provolone for an extra cheesy bite.

How do I prevent soggy chicken?

Don’t add sauce too early, and always fry the chicken before baking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work well but may require a slightly longer cooking time.

What’s the best pasta to serve with Chicken Parmesan?

Spaghetti is classic, but penne, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles work great.

Can I air-fry the chicken instead?

Yes! Cook breaded chicken at 375°F in an air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Should I use homemade or store-bought marinara?

Homemade marinara adds extra flavor, but a good-quality store-bought sauce works just fine.

How do I make this dish lighter?

Bake instead of frying, use less cheese, and serve with a side salad instead of pasta.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Replace chicken with breaded eggplant slices for a delicious Eggplant Parmesan.

What’s the difference between Chicken Parmesan and Chicken Parmigiana?

They are the same dish! “Parmigiana” is the Italian term, while “Parmesan” is commonly used in the U.S.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is a crispy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether served over pasta, on a sandwich, or with a side salad, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Try it today for a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking, Pan-Fry
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

Crispy, golden Chicken Parmesan topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh herbs—this classic Italian-American dish is a comforting, cheesy delight! Serve it over pasta or with a side of garlic bread for a perfect meal.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 cup olive oil

For Topping:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped

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Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken:
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness.
  • In separate bowls, set up a dredging station: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in the last.
• Bread the Chicken:
  • Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then dip into eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Cook the Chicken:
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Transfer to a baking sheet.
• Bake with Cheese:
  • Spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish & Serve:
  • Top with fresh parsley or basil.
  • Serve over pasta or with garlic bread.

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Notes

• Use fresh mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
• Make it lighter by baking instead of frying.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.