Easy Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring crispy breaded chicken smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. This recipe simplifies the traditional method while keeping all the delicious flavors intact. Serve it over pasta or with a side of garlic bread for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Simple: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy & Cheesy: A golden crust with gooey melted mozzarella.
- Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Tastes just like your favorite Italian restaurant dish.
- Versatile: Serve over pasta, in a sandwich, or with a salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set Up Breading Station: In three separate bowls, place flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in the third.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip it into the eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Assemble & Bake: Place the chicken in a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta, rice, or with a side salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Baked Version: Skip pan-frying and bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes before adding sauce and cheese.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in some provolone or cheddar with the mozzarella.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked, cooled chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake with sauce and cheese before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well but may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before frying.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What’s the best cheese for Chicken Parmesan?
Mozzarella is traditional, but you can mix in provolone or Parmesan for extra flavor.
Do I need to pound the chicken?
If your chicken breasts are thick, pounding them to an even thickness ensures even cooking.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Use your favorite brand or make a quick homemade sauce with tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
How do I make it extra crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
Can I air-fry Chicken Parmesan?
Yes! Air-fry breaded chicken at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, then add sauce and cheese.
What should I serve with Chicken Parmesan?
Pasta, garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a fresh Caesar salad pair perfectly.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
Conclusion
Easy Chicken Parmesan is a quick and satisfying dish that brings restaurant flavors to your dinner table. With its crispy breading, savory marinara, and melted cheese, this recipe is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a comforting homemade Italian meal!
Print
Easy Chicken Parmesan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Frying + Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Chicken Parmesan is crispy, cheesy, and smothered in a rich tomato sauce—yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner! Serve it over pasta or with a side salad for a classic Italian-American meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (to make 4 cutlets)
- 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil (for frying)
For the Topping & Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) marinara sauce 🍅
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Flatten the chicken: If needed, pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness (about ½ inch) using a rolling pin or mallet.
- Set up a dredging station:
- Bowl 1: Flour, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Bread & Fry the Chicken
- Coat each chicken cutlet:
- Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the eggs, coating completely.
- Press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place crispy chicken cutlets on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella & Parmesan cheese over each piece.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve over spaghetti or with garlic bread.
Notes
✔ Extra crispy? Use panko breadcrumbs and double-fry for an ultra-crunchy crust.
✔ No frying? Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
✔ Low-carb? Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
✔ Spicy twist? Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for heat!