Crispy Chicken Parmesan

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines crispy, juicy chicken with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese—what’s not to love? It’s easy to make at home and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients. The chicken is pan-fried (or baked/air-fried for a lighter option) to golden perfection and topped with just the right amount of marinara and melty cheese. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and endlessly satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Olive oil or vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
• Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Cooked spaghetti or pasta (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. Pound chicken breasts to about ½ inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Prepare a breading station:
   • Plate 1: flour
   • Plate 2: beaten eggs
   • Plate 3: a mix of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese
4. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to adhere.
5. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Work in batches if needed.
6. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet, then top with mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot over pasta or on its own.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
• Add red pepper flakes to the marinara for a spicy kick.
• Make it in the air fryer for a lighter version—cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Use provolone or a mozzarella-Parmesan blend for more flavor.
• Serve on toasted sandwich rolls for a delicious Chicken Parm sub.
• Add sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp again. You can also reheat in an air fryer for maximum crispiness. Microwaving is quick but may soften the breading.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes. Spray breaded chicken with cooking spray and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep and bread the chicken ahead, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What’s the best cheese for Chicken Parmesan?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic. For added flavor, use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses.

Do I need to pound the chicken?

Yes, pounding ensures even cooking and a more tender bite.

Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?

Yes. Cook the chicken without sauce, freeze it, and add sauce and cheese when reheating to preserve crispiness.

What’s the best sauce to use?

Use a high-quality marinara or homemade tomato sauce. Look for one with minimal added sugar and clean ingredients.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Ensure the marinara and all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Pat the chicken dry before breading, press the coating on firmly, and don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.

What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan?

Pasta, garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are excellent sides.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well—just pound them to even thickness and cook thoroughly.

Conclusion

Crispy Chicken Parmesan is a timeless dish that delivers everything you want in a comforting meal: juicy chicken, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese—all with a satisfying crunch. Whether you serve it over pasta or on its own, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough for company. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a go-to favorite.

Crispy Chicken Parmesan

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Crispy Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded chicken cutlets fried to golden perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect served over pasta or on its own.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½ inch thickness)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil (for pan-frying)
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
• Cooked spaghetti or pasta, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
2. Season pounded chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere.
5. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Do this in batches if necessary.
6. Transfer chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Top each piece with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot over pasta or on its own.

Notes

• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Bake or air-fry the breaded chicken for a lighter version.
• Add red pepper flakes to the marinara for a spicy variation.
• Make ahead by breading the chicken and refrigerating until ready to cook.
• Use provolone or Italian cheese blend for variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 920mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 49g
• Cholesterol: 170mg