Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan is a timeless Italian-American comfort food that has found a place on family tables and restaurant menus alike. Crispy breaded chicken, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, creates the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. It’s one of those recipes that feels both homey and special at the same time.

This dish is easy to make yet looks elegant enough to impress guests. With just a few simple ingredients and some helpful cooking techniques, you can serve a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen. It’s perfect for weeknights but also makes a beautiful centerpiece for Sunday dinners.

The best part about chicken parmesan is its versatility. Pair it with pasta, serve it with salad, or even enjoy it on its own with garlic bread. Once you try making it at home, you’ll realize it tastes fresher and more satisfying than takeout or frozen versions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy golden chicken cutlets
• Melty, gooey cheese topping
• Flavor-packed marinara sauce
• Kid-friendly and family-approved
• Easy weeknight dinner idea
• Comfort food with restaurant vibes

Cook Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Best For | Spice Level | Freezer-Friendly

Best For	Spice Level	Freezer-Friendly
Family dinners	Mild	Yes
Date nights	Mild	Yes
Weeknight meals	Mild	Yes

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

Step 2: Butterfly chicken breasts by slicing them in half horizontally. Pound lightly with a mallet to ensure even thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.

Step 3: Prepare breading stations: one plate with flour, one bowl with beaten eggs, and one plate with breadcrumbs mixed with half of the grated Parmesan.

Step 4: Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip into eggs, and coat fully in breadcrumb mixture. Press firmly to ensure coating sticks.

Step 5: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken cutlets until golden brown on each side, about 3–4 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Spread half of the marinara sauce in the baking dish. Place chicken cutlets on top in a single layer.

Step 7: Spoon remaining marinara sauce over chicken. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.

Step 8: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 9: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve hot with pasta or bread.

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Tips & Variations

• Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
• Substitute chicken with turkey cutlets for a leaner option.
• Add red pepper flakes to marinara for a spicy kick.
• Use fresh mozzarella slices for a creamier melt.
• Make it gluten-free by using almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Double the recipe and freeze half for busy weeknights.

Servings

This recipe serves 4 hearty portions.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
• Add garlic breadsticks for a complete Italian dinner.
• Make a chicken parmesan sandwich using crusty rolls.

Why it’s Good For You

Chicken parmesan offers a good balance of protein, calcium, and flavor. Using lean chicken breast keeps it lighter than many other comfort meals. Pairing it with vegetables or whole-grain pasta makes it a filling yet nutritious dish. By making it at home, you can control ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives found in store-bought versions.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Easy to make with simple ingredients	Can be high in calories if overloaded with cheese
Crispy, cheesy, and flavorful	Requires frying step before baking
Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly	Best eaten fresh for maximum crispiness

Nutrition Information

Calories	Protein	Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sodium
420	36g	18g	28g	2g	780mg

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FAQs

Q1: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake breaded chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes for a lighter version.

Q2: Can I freeze chicken parmesan?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. Bake straight from frozen when ready.

Q3: What pasta goes best with chicken parmesan?
Spaghetti is the classic choice, but penne, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles work well.

Q4: Can I use jarred marinara sauce?
Yes, a good-quality store-bought sauce works fine, though homemade sauce adds extra freshness.

Q5: How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs and make sure the oil is hot before frying. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

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Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is the perfect combination of crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and melty cheese. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is easy enough to make at home with just a few steps. Whether you serve it for family dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at the table.