Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that transforms simple chicken breasts into a golden, crispy masterpiece topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. This recipe features tender chicken cutlets coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then pan-fried to crispy perfection before being topped with tangy marinara sauce and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The result is a satisfying combination of textures and flavors – from the crunchy exterior to the juicy chicken inside, all brought together with the classic pairing of tomato sauce and melted cheese. Whether served over pasta or alongside a fresh salad, this dish delivers restaurant-quality comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Serves: 4-6 people
About This Recipe
The secret to exceptional Chicken Parmesan lies in proper preparation and layering of flavors. This recipe uses the traditional breading technique of flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs to create that signature golden crust, while pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender. The combination of pan-frying followed by baking allows the chicken to develop a beautiful crust while melting the cheese to bubbly perfection. Unlike heavy restaurant versions, this homemade approach lets you control the quality of ingredients and achieve the perfect balance of crispy coating, juicy chicken, and just the right amount of sauce and cheese.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
For the topping:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
For serving:
- 1 pound cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Extra marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Equipment Needed
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Three shallow dishes for breading station
- Large skillet for frying
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and tender results. Pat each piece dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Set Up the Breading Station
Arrange three shallow dishes in a row. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix the breadcrumb mixture thoroughly to distribute all seasonings evenly.
Bread the Chicken
Working with one piece at a time, dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Finally, press it into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. Press gently to help the coating adhere. Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate.
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1/4 inch deep and hot enough that a pinch of breadcrumbs sizzles immediately when added. Carefully place the breaded chicken in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place on paper towels briefly to drain excess oil. Then transfer the chicken pieces to the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer without overlapping.
Add Sauce and Cheese
Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over each piece of chicken, using about 1/2 cup per piece. Don’t worry about covering every inch – you want some of the crispy coating to remain exposed. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you want extra browning on the cheese, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Rest and Garnish
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and makes the dish easier to serve. Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil if using.
Serve with Style
Serve each piece of Chicken Parmesan over a bed of cooked pasta with extra marinara sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and offer additional Parmesan cheese for sprinkling.
Tips for Crispy Success
Don’t Skip the Pounding: Even thickness ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and stays tender throughout.
Press the Breadcrumbs: Really press those breadcrumbs into the chicken to help them stick during frying.
Oil Temperature Matters: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the coating will absorb too much oil and become soggy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks.
Don’t Overcrowd: Frying in batches ensures even browning and maintains oil temperature.
Serving Suggestions
While pasta is the classic accompaniment, Chicken Parmesan also pairs beautifully with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or even on its own with a simple green salad. For a lighter option, serve it over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Make-Ahead Options
You can bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The assembled dish can also be prepared (through adding the cheese) and refrigerated for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through to maintain the crispy texture. It also makes excellent sandwiches when sliced and served on crusty Italian bread.
Ingredient Tips
Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor, or make your own if you have time. For the breadcrumbs, Italian-seasoned varieties work best, but you can make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with dried herbs. Fresh mozzarella can be used but may release more moisture, so pat it dry first.
Variations to Try
Chicken Parmigiana: Add thin slices of eggplant layered with the chicken for a heartier version.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture and use a spicy marinara sauce.
Lighter Style: Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes instead of frying, then proceed with the sauce and cheese steps.
