This easy Chicken Parmesan is a delicious dish with crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s simple to make at home and perfect for family dinners.

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is a favorite in my house. My husband’s favorite dish from our local Italian restaurant is Chicken Parmesan, and he loves it when I make it for dinner. The crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese make a delicious meal that brings everyone together. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home.

I shared this recipe on my blog because it is easy to make and always impresses. You can use your favorite marinara sauce and cheese to make it just the way you like it. It feels nice to enjoy a restaurant-style dish in your own kitchen. I love how this recipe brings a taste of Italy to our home.

To make it special, I like to add fresh parsley or basil on top before serving. This gives the dish a nice touch of color and freshness. I usually serve the Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti or a simple salad, making a complete and satisfying meal that my family loves.

What is Chicken Parmesan?

Chicken Parmesan is a popular Italian-American dish made with breaded and fried chicken cutlets. The chicken is first seasoned and coated in flour, dipped in beaten eggs, and then covered in breadcrumbs, often mixed with grated Parmesan cheese. After frying, the chicken cutlets are topped with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese, and then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 lbs)
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tsp salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cooking oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional

How to make Chicken Parmesan

Step 1:

Use a sharp knife to carefully file each chicken breast lengthwise into two cutlets, creating 8 cutlets total. Lightly season both sides of each cutlet with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2:

In a wide, shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third shallow bowl, add the flour.

Step 3:

Dredge each cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, coating fully, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure the crumbs adhere well.

Step 4:

Heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets in batches and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Transfer cooked cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 5:

Reduce the heat to medium, place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, and top each cutlet with about 2 Tbsp marinara sauce and ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese melts and the marinara is warmed through.

Step 6:

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with spaghetti, extra marinara, or a side salad. Enjoy!

Tips to make perfect Chicken Parmesan

• Use thin cutlets – Slice each chicken breast into two thin cutlets, or pound them to an even thickness. Thin pieces cook faster and more evenly, keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

• Season every layer – Add salt, pepper, and herbs to each layer, including the flour, breadcrumbs, and egg wash. This adds flavor throughout the dish instead of just on the surface.

• Double bread for extra crispiness – For a thicker, crunchier crust, dip each piece of chicken in the egg and breadcrumbs twice. This extra layer will hold up well under the marinara and cheese.

• Use fresh Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a stronger, richer flavor than pre-grated versions and adds a nuttier taste to the breading. It also helps the coating stick to the chicken.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry the chicken cutlets in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can make the breading soggy. Hot oil keeps the crust crispy and golden.

• Melt cheese in the oven or skillet – To melt the cheese evenly without drying out the chicken, place the breaded, marinara-topped chicken in the oven or cover the skillet with a lid. This keeps the chicken juicy and ensures the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.

What to serve with Chicken Parmesan?

My favorite way to enjoy Chicken Parmesan is with a side of spaghetti. The soft pasta, covered with extra marinara sauce, goes so well with the crispy, cheesy chicken. It makes a cozy and classic Italian-style meal. Adding a little extra sauce and some fresh basil on top makes it even tastier.

For a fresh touch, I suggest a light Caesar salad or a Caprese salad on the side. The crisp lettuce in Caesar salad or the juicy tomatoes and mozzarella in Caprese bring a nice balance to the rich flavors of the Chicken Parmesan. These salads also add color to the plate, making the meal feel more complete.

If you want something warm and cozy, garlic bread or mashed potatoes are great options. Garlic bread has a crunchy, buttery taste that fits perfectly with the dish, and mashed potatoes add a creamy, comforting side. So, whether you choose pasta, salad, or a cozy side, there’s something here to make this Chicken Parmesan meal extra special!

Is Chicken Parmesan a healthy dish?

Chicken Parmesan can be both healthy and indulgent, depending on how you prepare it. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Protein Source: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.
2. Cheese and Sauce: Traditional Chicken Parmesan is topped with mozzarella and marinara sauce. While cheese provides calcium and flavor, it can also add extra calories and fat. Choosing low-fat cheese or using less cheese can help reduce calories.
3. Cooking Method: Frying the chicken adds more fat and calories. Baking or grilling the chicken instead can make it a healthier option while still keeping it delicious.
4. Serving Size: Portion control matters. Serving it with a side of vegetables or a light salad can balance the meal and add nutrients.
5. Ingredients: Using whole wheat breadcrumbs or adding extra veggies to the marinara sauce can increase the fiber content and make the dish healthier.

How to store

To store Chicken Parmesan, first let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it; wrap each piece in plastic wrap, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw frozen pieces in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture better and makes it easier to reheat without drying out.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

• Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful dish.

Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can bread the chicken and prepare the marinara sauce in advance. Just cook and assemble it when you’re ready to serve.

What type of cheese is best for Chicken Parmesan?

• While mozzarella is traditional, you can also use provolone or a blend of cheeses for added flavor.

Can I make Chicken Parmesan gluten-free?

• Yes! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version.

How do I get the chicken crispy?

• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the heat.

Can I bake Chicken Parmesan instead of frying it?

• Yes, you can bake it! Just bake the chicken, place it on a baking sheet, and bake until golden brown and cooked through.

How can I add more flavor to the chicken?

• Marinating the chicken in Italian seasoning, garlic, or lemon juice before breading can enhance the flavor.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: MainCuisine: Italian-AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

50

minutes

This easy Chicken Parmesan is a delicious dish with crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s simple to make at home and perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 lbs)

• 2 cups breadcrumbs

• ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 tsp salt

• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cooking oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)

• 1 cup marinara sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional

Directions

• Use a sharp knife to carefully file each chicken breast lengthwise into two cutlets, creating 8 cutlets total. Lightly season both sides of each cutlet with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
• In a wide, shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third shallow bowl, add the flour.
• Dredge each cutlet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, coating fully, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
• Heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets in batches and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Transfer cooked cutlets to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Reduce the heat to medium, place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, and top each cutlet with about 2 Tbsp marinara sauce and ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese melts and the marinara is warmed through.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with spaghetti, extra marinara, or a side salad. Enjoy!