Name: Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying); 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional); Cooked spaghetti or pasta for serving

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If you’re craving a classic comfort dish that delivers crispy, cheesy, saucy perfection in every bite, this Chicken Parmesan Recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Tender, golden chicken cutlets are topped with tangy marinara and melty mozzarella, then baked to bubbly bliss. Whether you’re treating your family to a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a weekend feast, this Chicken Parmesan Recipe will make everyone at the table swoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Parmesan Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient has an important role to play, from the savory chicken to the gooey cheese. Using fresh, quality staples makes all the difference, ensuring every bite is full of flavor, crunch, and vibrant color.

Chicken breasts: Halved for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick while keeping the chicken moist.
Eggs: Act as a binder, ensuring the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
Italian-style breadcrumbs: Add crunch and a herby, seasoned flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a nutty, salty kick to the breading.
Garlic powder: Infuses the crust with aromatic depth.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the flavors.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying, creating that irresistible golden crust.
Marinara sauce: Brings a bright, tangy tomato flavor to the dish.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that signature cheesy top.
Fresh basil or parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness (totally optional but highly recommended!).
Cooked spaghetti or pasta: The classic sidekick, perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Breading Stations

Set up three shallow bowls—one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and a third for the breadcrumb mixture. Combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the last bowl. This assembly line will help you coat the chicken evenly and efficiently.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Take each chicken cutlet and dredge it first in the flour, making sure it’s lightly but thoroughly coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick, even crust on both sides.

Step 3: Fry Until Crispy and Golden

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, gently add the breaded chicken cutlets. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Place the fried chicken cutlets on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with irresistible golden spots.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, shower your Chicken Parmesan Recipe with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, ideally over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta, making sure to ladle on plenty of extra sauce.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

Top your Chicken Parmesan Recipe with a scattering of freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving. This simple step adds color and a fragrant, herby aroma that pairs beautifully with the rich cheese and sauce.

Side Dishes

Classic accompaniments include a tangle of spaghetti or linguine, ready to catch every drop of marinara. Garlic bread is a must for mopping up sauce, and a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Chicken Parmesan Recipe into a sub sandwich by tucking a cutlet, sauce, and cheese into a toasted roll for an epic lunch. Or, slice the chicken and layer it over a bed of creamy polenta or atop a Caesar salad for a lighter twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let your Chicken Parmesan Recipe cool to room temperature, then store the cutlets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the pasta and sauce separate if possible to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooled breaded chicken (before adding sauce and cheese) tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and assemble with sauce and cheese before baking.

Reheating

Reheat your Chicken Parmesan Recipe in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melty, about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the coating crispy and revives that fresh-from-the-oven magic.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and bring a bit more richness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs may be slightly thicker.

Is it possible to make this Chicken Parmesan Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour and Italian breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. The result is just as crispy and delicious, so everyone at the table can enjoy.

What’s the best way to keep the breading from falling off?

Pat the chicken dry before dredging, and press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each cutlet. Letting the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before frying also helps everything adhere beautifully.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Definitely! For a lighter Chicken Parmesan Recipe, arrange the breaded cutlets on a baking rack set over a sheet pan and bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get a pleasantly crisp crust.

What kind of marinara sauce works best?

Use a high-quality jarred marinara or homemade sauce with bright tomato flavor and plenty of herbs. If you like a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Recipe brings together everything we love about comfort food—crispy, cheesy, saucy, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is sure to win hearts (and appetites). Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to an Italian-American classic that never goes out of style!

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Classic Chicken Parmesan featuring crispy breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection. A comforting Italian-American favorite served best over pasta or spaghetti.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Breading

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking

1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish & Serving

1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
Cooked spaghetti or pasta for serving

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken parmesan later.
Prepare Breading Stations: Place the flour in one shallow bowl, beat the eggs in a second bowl, and mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a third bowl.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well.
Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken cutlets for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
Assemble for Baking: Place the fried chicken cutlets on a baking sheet. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each cutlet, then sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if using, and serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most authentic flavor.
For a lighter alternative, bake the breaded chicken cutlets at 425°F for about 20 minutes instead of frying.
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
To make gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop and Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American