Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy, and Absolutely Irresistible
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a mouthwatering Italian-American classic that’s loved around the world. It’s everything comfort food should be: crispy, cheesy, saucy, and satisfying. Whether you’re planning a hearty family dinner or just want to master a timeless dish, this recipe gives you everything you need to do it right.
From golden fried chicken cutlets to rich marinara sauce and melty cheese baked on top, every bite is worth savouring. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home using everyday ingredients.
Why You’ll Love It
There are countless reasons to make Chicken Parmesan a regular part of your dinner rotation. It’s not only flavourful but also versatile, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes.
Here’s why this dish is guaranteed to be a hit in your kitchen:
- Crispy outside, juicy inside: A golden, crunchy coating locks in moisture
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for both casual meals and special gatherings
- Customizable: Serve with pasta, salad, or turn it into a sandwich
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping in advance or freezing
Ingredients
You won’t need to visit a specialty store for this recipe. All the ingredients are kitchen staples — just make sure to use fresh ones for the best flavor and texture.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Olive oil (for frying)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
This recipe is broken down into manageable steps that make the process easy, even for beginners. The secret to getting that perfect texture is to coat and cook the chicken just right before baking it with the sauce and cheese.
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts horizontally so they cook faster and more evenly. Then, season each cutlet with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up a Breading Station
Coating the chicken properly is key to achieving that crisp exterior. Get three shallow bowls or plates ready — one each for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- First, dredge the chicken in flour
- Next, dip it in the beaten eggs
- Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture with Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder
3. Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken cutlets. Fry each side for about 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy. Set them aside on a paper towel to drain.
4. Assemble the Dish
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
Place the fried chicken cutlets in the dish, then cover each with more marinara sauce. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a golden finish. Once done, garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a bright, herby note.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Parmesan is incredibly versatile and fits into many types of meals. Whether you want a classic Italian dinner or a lighter plate, there are plenty of ways to serve it.
Here are a few delicious pairing options:
- Spaghetti or fettuccine with extra marinara sauce
- Garlic bread or toasted ciabatta rolls
- Caesar salad or arugula greens with Italian dressing
- Mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables
Homemade Italian Dressing (for Side Salad)
To complete your meal, you can whip up a simple Italian dressing in minutes. It adds the perfect zing to a side salad and works well as a dipping sauce too.
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
- Optional: a pinch of sugar or honey
Combine all ingredients in a jar and shake well, or whisk together in a bowl until emulsified.
Tips for Success
Making chicken parmesan at home is easy, but a few extra tips can help elevate it from good to unforgettable. Paying attention to your ingredients and technique ensures consistently great results.
Consider these tried-and-true tips:
- Pound the chicken evenly for uniform cooking
- Use freshly grated cheeses for richer flavor
- Let it rest after baking so the cheese firms slightly
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to keep the coating crispy
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers are a blessing with a dish like this, and it’s easy to store for future meals. Whether you’re meal-prepping or saving extras, Chicken Parmesan stores beautifully.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freeze individual portions tightly wrapped or in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes for best texture (avoid microwaving if possible)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Here’s a general idea of what you’re consuming in each serving. Keep in mind that values may vary slightly based on specific brands and ingredients.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 125 mg |
| Sodium | 760 mg |
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread and fry the cutlets ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day. Assemble with sauce and cheese just before baking.
Is there a healthier way to make it?
Definitely. Instead of frying, bake the breaded cutlets at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes. Use part-skim mozzarella and a lighter marinara sauce for fewer calories.
Can I freeze cooked Chicken Parmesan?
Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F until hot and bubbly (20–25 minutes).
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan checks every box: it’s easy, incredibly flavorful, family-approved, and endlessly customizable. Whether served with pasta or salad, made fresh or pulled from the freezer, it brings classic Italian-American comfort to your kitchen any night of the week.
Try it once, and this recipe is bound to earn a permanent spot on your dinner menu.