Name: Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 1 tsp salt; Freshly cracked pepper, to taste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; Freshly cracked pepper, to taste; 1 egg; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola oil); 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Chicken Parmesan Recipe with everyone because it perfectly balances comforting flavors and an irresistible crispy texture in every bite. To me, it’s a classic that brings joy to any meal, whether I’m serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The golden, crunchy coating encases tender chicken breasts that are smothered in tangy marinara and melty mozzarella, making this one of my go-to dishes when I want something hearty yet simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Recipe

What makes this Chicken Parmesan Recipe so close to my heart is its amazing flavor profile—it’s a harmony of savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy notes that satisfy every craving I have for Italian comfort food. The crispy breadcrumb crust seasoned with parmesan and Italian herbs gives each bite a delightful crunch, contrasting with the juicy, tender chicken inside. Adding marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese on top elevates it to another level of deliciousness. Every forkful feels like a warm hug.

I also love how approachable this recipe is. Even if you’re juggling a busy schedule, it comes together quickly without sacrificing any of its mouthwatering qualities. I find it perfect for weeknights when I want impressively flavorful food but don’t want to fuss over complicated steps. Plus, it’s a real crowd-pleaser for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or even casual parties. The way it stands out is through its balance of simplicity and indulgence, making it a classic that feels special every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four raw chicken fillets are laid flat side by side on an orange cutting board. Each fillet is pale pink with a slight shine and sprinkled evenly with black pepper. The orange board has a smooth surface and sits on a white marbled texture background. The image shows no other items or utensils. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential to delivering the incredible taste, texture, and color this Chicken Parmesan Recipe is known for. Each item plays its part, from the crispy coating to the rich sauce and gooey cheese on top.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, juicy and tender when cooked properly.
Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy, golden crust that provides great texture.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the breadcrumb mixture.
Garlic powder and Italian seasoning: Infuse the coating with classic, savory Italian flavors.
Salt and freshly cracked pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Egg: Helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken perfectly.
All-purpose flour: The first step in breading, creating a smooth base for the egg and crumbs.
Cooking oil: Essential for achieving that crispy, golden exterior when frying.
Marinara sauce: Provides a tangy, tomato-rich topping that complements the chicken beautifully.
Shredded mozzarella: Melts over the top, adding gooey, cheesy goodness.
Fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of color and fresh flavor as a garnish.

Directions

Step 1: Carefully filet the chicken breasts lengthwise using a sharp knife, creating four thinner cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender. You can also use pre-cut chicken cutlets if you prefer.

Step 2: Lightly season both sides of each chicken cutlet with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This ensures every bite is well-flavored from the start.

Step 3: In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. This seasoned mixture forms the delicious coating.

Step 4: In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg until smooth—that’s going to be the glue that holds the crumbs onto the chicken.

Step 5: Add the flour to a third shallow bowl; you’ll dredge the chicken in flour before dipping it into the egg and breadcrumb mixture.

Step 6: For each chicken cutlet, lightly dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press each side into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s well-coated for maximum crunch.

Step 7: Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is hot and shimmering. Place the coated chicken cutlets in the skillet and cook undisturbed on the first side until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 8: Flip the chicken over and reduce heat to medium. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce atop each cutlet, then sprinkle about ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese and warm the sauce while allowing the chicken to finish cooking through, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 9: When the cheese is bubbly and melted, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the chicken with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately, ideally with spaghetti and extra marinara sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

This Chicken Parmesan Recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or sharing with friends. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, including seasoning and breading, while cooking takes about 12 to 15 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at around 22 to 25 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting or cooling time needed—this dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh for that perfect melty cheese and crispy crust experience.

How to Serve This Chicken Parmesan Recipe

The image shows a white plate with a black rim placed on a white marbled surface, holding a meal that has two main parts. On the right side of the plate, there is one layer of spaghetti with a light red tomato sauce, topped with two golden brown crispy chicken pieces covered in a thick layer of melted white cheese sprinkled with small green herb bits. On the left side of the plate, there is a fresh green salad made of different shades of green and purple leafy vegetables mixed with thin slices of pale purple onion. The colors are bright, and the textures are clear with the shiny sauce, crisp salad leaves, and melted cheese visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this Chicken Parmesan Recipe piping hot, straight from the skillet. For traditional flair, pairing it with a side of al dente spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce works beautifully—both components soak up each other’s flavors perfectly. If you want something lighter, I often opt for a fresh green salad with vinaigrette or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.

When it comes to presentation, sprinkling fresh parsley over the chicken adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that instantly makes the dish look more vibrant and inviting. I sometimes place each cutlet on individual plates with a nice nest of pasta or roasted veggies on the side for a restaurant-quality touch right at home. Portion sizes of one cutlet per person are usually plenty, especially when served with satisfying sides.

For beverages, I adore a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese with this chicken parmesan—the acidity cuts through the cheese and sauce richness beautifully. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or an iced tea feels refreshing and complementary. This dish truly shines at family dinners, celebratory gatherings, or even casual weeknight meals where you want something comforting yet impressive.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy about this Chicken Parmesan Recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes or dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, I recommend substituting the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers and using gluten-free all-purpose flour for dredging. You won’t lose the satisfying crunch or texture this way.

If you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option, I’ve experimented with using almond-based “parmesan” and dairy-free mozzarella alternatives. Baking instead of frying the chicken cutlets is another fantastic modification—it yields a slightly different texture but significantly cuts down on added oil, making it a bit healthier and still delicious.

For variations in flavor, I sometimes add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle kick or swap marinara sauce for a roasted red pepper sauce to bring smoky notes. You could also top the chicken with provolone cheese or a blend of mozzarella and fontina for a richer, more complex cheese experience. The cooking method can also be switched up between skillet frying, oven baking, or air frying, making this recipe wonderfully versatile in my kitchen.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, I like to store them in airtight containers to keep the chicken fresh and prevent the crust from getting soggy. I usually find that refrigerated leftovers will keep well for up to 3 days. It’s wise to separate any sauce or sides if you plan to store them independently to avoid moisture softening the crust too much.

Freezing

This Chicken Parmesan Recipe freezes beautifully, making it a great meal prep option. To freeze, place fully cooled cooked chicken cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight containers with parchment paper between layers so they don’t stick together. Properly stored, they keep well for about 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the chicken as crispy and flavorful as when freshly made, I prefer reheating it in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method revives the crispy coating and melts the cheese delightfully. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery. If you must use a microwave, try reheating briefly then finishing off with a quick broil or skillet sear to regain some texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving when cooked, so they’re a great alternative. You might want to adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through, but they will add a richer flavor and tender bite to your Chicken Parmesan Recipe.

Is it necessary to bread and fry the chicken?

While breading and pan-frying create the classic crispy texture I love in Chicken Parmesan, you can also bake the breaded chicken for a lighter version. Baking at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes works well—just spray the cutlets lightly with oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

Can I make the sauce from scratch?

Yes! Making homemade marinara is a wonderful way to add a personal touch. Simple ingredients like crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil simmered until thick make a delicious sauce. However, good quality store-bought marinara also works perfectly for a quick and convenient meal.

What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Fileting the chicken breasts into thin cutlets helps them cook evenly and quickly, preventing dryness. Also, covering the skillet when melting the cheese traps moisture gently, ensuring the chicken finishes cooking without drying out.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken cutlets and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before cooking, which makes dinner prep smoother. For full assembly, it’s best to cook fresh for optimal texture and taste, but leftovers are great reheated as described.

Conclusion

I truly believe this Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a timeless favorite that anyone can make and enjoy. It’s full of comforting Italian flavors, easy enough for busy weeknights, but special enough to impress guests. I hope you give it a try soon—your family and friends will thank you for bringing such a delicious dish to the table!