There's nothing quite like biting into a plate of crispy, golden Chicken Parmesan, topped with gooey melted mozzarella and a tangy marinara sauce. The first time I made this, the whole house filled with the warm, comforting aroma of Italian herbs, and my family couldn’t wait to dig in.

I love how this recipe turns a simple weeknight meal into a restaurant-worthy experience without a lot of effort. It’s one of those dishes that look impressive but are surprisingly easy to master. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this classic Italian favorite in your own kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Parmesan
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Chicken Parmesan recipe. It's the ultimate comfort food, and it has everything you want in a crowd-pleasing meal.
First of all, the flavor combination is pure perfection. The juicy chicken, crispy breadcrumb coating, tangy marinara, and melted cheese come together in a harmony that’s hard to beat. With every bite, you’ll experience a satisfying crunch followed by the rich, savory flavors of Italy.
It’s also a surprisingly quick meal to make. In just about 45 minutes, you can have a piping hot, mouthwatering dish on your table. That’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something hearty and delicious in a hurry.
Plus, this recipe is highly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a picky eater or someone who loves extra spice, it’s easy to customize to your preferences. You can even make it healthier with a few simple swaps.
Finally, Chicken Parmesan pairs beautifully with almost any side dish. Serve it with spaghetti for a traditional take or opt for a lighter side, like a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Chicken Parmesan lies in the quality of its ingredients. Each one is chosen to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Chicken breasts are the star of the show. I prefer using boneless, skinless breasts and pounding them to an even thickness. This helps them cook more evenly and ensures they stay juicy and tender under that crispy crust.
Breadcrumbs are what give the chicken its signature crunch. I use a mixture of panko and Italian-style breadcrumbs. Panko adds an extra-crispy texture, while the Italian breadcrumbs bring in a punch of flavor with herbs and spices. If you don’t have both, you can use one or the other, but I highly recommend the mix.
Parmesan cheese isn’t just for sprinkling on top – it’s also mixed into the breadcrumb coating. This adds a rich, salty flavor that takes the dish to the next level. Be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results, as the pre-grated variety doesn’t melt quite the same.
Marinara sauce is a key player, so pick one you really love. Whether you go for homemade or store-bought, look for a sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and not too sweet. You can even add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some extra heat if you like.
Mozzarella cheese provides that irresistible gooey topping. I use fresh mozzarella for its creamy texture, but you can also use shredded if that’s what you have on hand. If you love a little extra cheesiness, feel free to add more – no one will complain!
Lastly, you’ll need a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish. This will help the cheese melt perfectly under the broiler, giving you that classic bubbly top.
How To Make This Chicken Parmesan

Creating this mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.
Start by preparing the chicken. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them until they’re about half an inch thick. This step ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken juicy. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Set up a dredging station. In one shallow bowl, combine flour with a bit of salt and pepper. In another, whisk eggs until smooth. In a third, mix the panko, Italian breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Cook the chicken. Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re 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 excess oil.
Top with marinara and cheese. Preheat your oven broiler. Arrange the chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish or leave them in the skillet if it’s oven-safe. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then top with sliced mozzarella. Sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan over the top if you’d like.
Broil until bubbly. Place the dish under the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn. Once it’s done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute before serving.
Total time: This entire process takes about 45 minutes, from prep to finish. The result is a beautifully golden, cheesy Chicken Parmesan that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Storage Options
Chicken Parmesan stores well, making it a great meal for leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store the chicken and any leftover sauce separately, if possible, to maintain the crispiness of the coating.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken after it’s been cooked and cooled. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, bake the frozen chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
To reheat refrigerated Chicken Parmesan, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to re-crisp the coating.
Variations and Substitutions
This Chicken Parmesan recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are some ways to change things up:
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Baked version: For a healthier twist, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying it. Place the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet and spray the tops with a bit of cooking spray. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add a bit of heat to the breadcrumb mixture by stirring in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick.
Lighter cheese option: If you’re looking to cut down on calories, use part-skim mozzarella or a blend of lighter cheeses. The dish will still be flavorful but with fewer indulgent calories.
Vegetarian alternative: Swap the chicken for eggplant slices for a classic Eggplant Parmesan. Just be sure to salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture before breading and frying.
No matter how you choose to customize your Chicken Parmesan, it’s a dish that’s sure to delight. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
PrintChicken Parmesan Recipe
Enjoy this classic Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust, topped with savory marinara sauce and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Pan Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved and pounded thin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Place chicken on a baking sheet, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken thinly ensures even cooking.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Serve with pasta, salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 940mg
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