If you’re looking for an Italian-American classic that oozes comfort, bold flavors, and cheesy goodness, you have to try this Chicken Parmesan Recipe. Tender chicken breasts, lightly breaded and pan-fried to a golden finish, are smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with a melty blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a delicious centerpiece for gatherings, this tried-and-true Chicken Parmesan Recipe makes everyone at the table feel like family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this Chicken Parmesan Recipe is that every ingredient is purposeful, and you probably have most of them in your kitchen already! Each element, from the protein-rich chicken to the fragrant basil, plays a role in building layers of flavor, crispy texture, and a beautiful presentation.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for tender, juicy results and perfect for soaking up all those savory flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The essential first layer for dredging, ensuring your coating sticks to the chicken.
- Eggs: Act as the glue for your breadcrumb mixture, giving a luscious golden brown crust.
- Breadcrumbs: Brings the signature crunch; opt for panko for even more crispiness!
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty richness and is key for both the crust and that irresistible cheesy topping.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the breading with warm, aromatic depth.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Delivers a classic herbal note that makes the flavors sing.
- Salt: Brightens and balances every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Lends just the right hint of heat and complexity.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade variety for a comforting, tangy base.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that signature stretchy, gooey topping.
- Fresh basil: Brings freshness, color, and a fragrant finish to each serving.
- Olive oil: Ensures a golden, flavorful crust when pan-searing your chicken.
- Butter: Adds a touch of richness and enhances browning for maximum flavor.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To ensure even cooking, place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about half an inch thick. This really makes a difference, as even thickness keeps the chicken juicy and tender throughout!
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Line up three shallow bowls to create a breading assembly line. In the first bowl, add all-purpose flour. Crack the eggs into the second bowl and beat them well. The third bowl will hold your breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything in that bowl until it’s well combined. Having all your stations ready makes breading the chicken a breeze and less messy.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Now, coat each chicken breast in flour first — shake off the excess — then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. This triple-layer method locks in flavor and creates that signature crispy outer layer that distinguishes every beloved Chicken Parmesan Recipe.
Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. As soon as the butter stops foaming, carefully add the breaded chicken. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches for an even, crispy crust on each piece.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Bake
Pour your marinara sauce evenly over the chicken breasts right in the skillet, then distribute the shredded mozzarella generously over each piece. Now transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven and let it bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese forms a bubbly, golden cap.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Once the cheese is irresistible and bubbling, take the skillet out of the oven and finish each serving with a vibrant sprinkle of freshly chopped basil. This last step makes your Chicken Parmesan Recipe feel like it came straight out of an Italian trattoria!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of fresh basil is a must for adding color and brightness. You can also scatter a few shavings of Parmesan over the top for extra flair or add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper for a touch of heat. For that restaurant-worthy look, try a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Parmesan Recipe is perfect with classic spaghetti tossed in olive oil or lightly dressed with extra marinara. You might also serve it alongside buttery garlic bread, a crisp Caesar or arugula salad, or roasted vegetables for a wholesome Italian meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chicken Parmesan on a bed of creamy polenta for a cozy twist, or make hearty sandwiches with crusty Italian rolls and a handful of arugula. Cut the chicken into strips for a family-style platter, perfect for gatherings or buffet-style dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Chicken Parmesan cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days; the flavors meld even more as it rests, making fantastic leftovers for lunch the next day!
Freezing
You can freeze the fully cooked Chicken Parmesan individually wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps beautifully for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To keep the coating crispy, reheat Chicken Parmesan in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. For a quick lunch, you can use the microwave, though the breading won’t be quite as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work for this Chicken Parmesan Recipe; just trim excess fat and pound them to an even thickness. Expect a slightly richer flavor and equally juicy results.
What’s the best way to get the breading extra crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular, and make sure you don’t overcrowd the skillet when pan-frying. You can even toast the breadcrumbs in a dry pan before breading the chicken for an extra-crunchy texture!
Can I make this Chicken Parmesan Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs, or pulse gluten-free crackers for a homemade coating. Every other ingredient remains unchanged.
Do I have to use a skillet that can go in the oven?
For convenience, an oven-safe skillet helps transition seamlessly from stove to oven. If you don’t have one, simply transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish, top with sauce and cheese, then bake as instructed.
Which marinara sauce works best in this recipe?
Homemade marinara is always wonderful, but a good-quality jarred sauce makes things quick and easy. Look for one with simple, natural ingredients and a flavor you love on its own—it makes a big difference in the finished Chicken Parmesan Recipe!
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Chicken Parmesan Recipe has stood the test of time as a beloved classic. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and surprisingly easy to make from scratch. Give it a try, share it with those you love, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic Chicken Parmesan recipe that features tender chicken breasts coated in crispy breadcrumbs, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This Italian-American dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pound the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/2 inch thickness.
- Dredge the chicken: Set up a dredging station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture. Coat each chicken breast in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Cook the chicken: Cook the chicken in olive oil and butter until golden brown on both sides.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Serve with spaghetti or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1180 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
