There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of crispy, golden chicken Parmesan smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even a cozy solo meal.

My love affair with chicken Parmesan began during a family trip to an Italian restaurant. After tasting it for the first time, I was hooked—and determined to recreate it at home. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy all the flavors of your favorite Italian-American classic without ever leaving your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Chicken Parmesan isn’t just a meal; it’s a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household:
- Crispy Perfection: The breaded chicken is pan-fried to a golden crisp, creating a perfect contrast to the gooey cheese and savory marinara sauce.
- Rich and Flavorful: A combination of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses ensures every bite is packed with creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Simple Ingredients: With staples like chicken breasts, marinara sauce, and breadcrumbs, this recipe is as straightforward as it is delicious.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Save yourself a trip (and the expense) of dining out by mastering this easy-to-follow recipe that rivals any Italian eatery.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters love this dish! Pair it with spaghetti, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies for a meal everyone will adore.
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this classic dish.
Ingredients Notes

The ingredients for chicken Parmesan are simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. Pound them to an even thickness for quicker and more uniform cooking.
- Breadcrumbs: Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. For a lighter option, try panko breadcrumbs—they’ll give you an extra-crispy coating.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is mixed into the breadcrumb coating, adding nutty, salty richness to the dish.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The ooey-gooey topping that makes chicken Parmesan so irresistible. Opt for freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt.
- Marinara Sauce: A good-quality jarred marinara sauce works well, or you can make your own for an extra-special touch.
- Flour and Eggs: These form the base of the breading process. The flour helps the eggs stick to the chicken, and the eggs ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Olive Oil: Used for pan-frying, olive oil adds a subtle flavor and helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
Making chicken Parmesan at home is easier than you might think. Follow these steps for a foolproof, restaurant-quality meal:

- Prepare the Chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place flour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in the third.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Add the Sauce and Cheese: Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan on top for good measure.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and serve immediately. Pair with spaghetti or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage Options
Chicken Parmesan is just as delicious the next day, making it a great choice for leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken Parmesan in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain the crispy coating.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken (before adding sauce and cheese) for up to 2 months. Reheat and assemble with sauce and cheese when ready to serve.
- Reheating Tips: To keep the breading crispy, avoid microwaving. Instead, reheat in the oven or a toaster oven.
Variations and Substitutions
Chicken Parmesan is a versatile dish that you can adapt to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the breading and pan-fry the chicken breasts with a light dusting of almond flour or grated Parmesan.
- Add Veggies: Layer sautéed spinach or roasted eggplant under the sauce for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a twist on the classic.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mix cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mixture.
With these variations, you can enjoy chicken Parmesan in a whole new way every time!
Chicken Parmesan is more than just a recipe—it’s a way to bring people together over a meal that feels special. With its crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So grab your ingredients and get ready to create a masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
PrintChicken Parmesan Recipe
This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella. It's a delicious and easy-to-make Italian-American favorite that's perfect for family dinners, served with pasta or a crisp side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare 3 bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then dip in eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake the breaded chicken for 5 minutes before adding sauce and cheese.
- Serve over spaghetti or alongside garlic bread and a fresh salad.
- Use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce for this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
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