This Chicken Parmesan Recipe is the perfect combination of crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a classic Italian favorite that’s easy to make at home and tastes just as good (if not better!) than restaurant-style Chicken Parm.
Best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a special dinner for guests. Serve it over pasta, with garlic bread, or on its own for a meal that never disappoints!
🔥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Super crispy chicken – Golden, crunchy perfection.
✅ Cheesy & saucy – Mozzarella + Parmesan = heavenly!
✅ Quick & easy – Done in 30 minutes.
✅ Versatile – Serve over pasta, rice, or in a sandwich!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half (to make 4 thin cutlets)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce & Toppings:
- 1½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice chicken breasts in half to make four thin cutlets.
- Pound them slightly to an even thickness for even cooking.
2️⃣ Bread the Chicken:
- Set up three bowls:
- Flour in the first bowl.
- Beaten eggs in the second bowl.
- Breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the third bowl.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, then dip in eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly to stick.
3️⃣ Pan-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
4️⃣ Assemble & Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the crispy chicken cutlets in a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a side salad.
🔥 Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan
✔ Pound the chicken evenly – Ensures even cooking and tenderness.
✔ Use fresh mozzarella – Melts beautifully and tastes amazing.
✔ Make it extra crispy! Add panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
✔ Want it lighter? Bake instead of frying—20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
🍽️ What to Serve with It
🍝 Spaghetti or fettuccine – A classic pairing!
🥗 Crisp Caesar salad – Fresh and light.
🥖 Garlic bread – Because more carbs = happiness.
🍷 Glass of red wine – Chianti or Merlot pairs perfectly!
🥶 Storage & Reheating
📦 Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze the breaded chicken (before adding sauce) for up to 2 months.
🔥 Reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through.
❓ FAQ
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
2. Can I air-fry Chicken Parmesan?
Absolutely! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway. Then top with sauce and cheese and air-fry for 2 more minutes.
3. What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
Use crushed crackers, cornflakes, or panko as an alternative.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Just adjust cooking time since thighs take longer to cook through.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan is crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an easy meal prep option.
🔥 Try it and let me know how it turns out! 🍅🧀🍗
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken: 2️⃣ Bread the Chicken: 3️⃣ Pan-Fry the Chicken: 4️⃣ Assemble & Bake: 5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Sauce & Toppings:
Instructions