Crispy & Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Cozy Dinners

My go-to chicken parmesan recipe delivers an incredible fusion of crispy, golden textures and rich Mediterranean flavors.

Layers of tender chicken breasts combine perfectly with melted mozzarella and tangy marinara sauce.

Classic Italian ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Carefully pounded chicken cutlets create maximum crispiness when coated with seasoned breadcrumbs.

Sharp parmesan cheese adds depth and complexity to every bite.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of crunchy exterior and juicy interior.

Savor this restaurant-quality dish that you can easily craft in your own kitchen.

Variations on Classic Chicken Parmesan

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan: Swap chicken with thick eggplant slices, following the same breading and baking technique.
• Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and serve over zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.
• Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: Cook breaded chicken in air fryer at 375F for 12-15 minutes, then top with sauce and cheese before a quick additional 2-3 minute crisp.

Best Pairings for Chicken Parmesan

• Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory flavors of chicken parmesan, cutting through the cheese's richness and enhancing the tomato sauce's tanginess.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty chicken dish, providing a zesty, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy main course.
• Serve warm, crusty focaccia alongside the chicken parmesan to soak up extra marinara sauce and add a delightful textural element to the meal, creating a complete Italian-inspired dining experience.

How to Store Chicken Parmesan Safely

• Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring chicken remains fresh and safe to eat later.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Chicken parmesan can be frozen up to 2 months, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Warm at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. Just ensure they are similar in thickness and adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

• How do I prevent the breading from falling off during cooking?

Ensure each chicken piece is thoroughly coated in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to help them adhere better. Let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before frying to help the coating set.

• What type of breadcrumbs work best for this recipe?

Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs are ideal, but plain breadcrumbs work too. You can enhance plain breadcrumbs by mixing in dried herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley for extra flavor.

What Makes Classic Chicken Parmesan a Comfort Food

• Create Crispy Perfection: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish with a golden, crunchy coating that delivers maximum flavor and texture in every bite.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: Achieve gourmet results with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that make cooking feel like a breeze, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Family Dinner Champion: Universally loved by kids and adults alike, this crowd-pleasing recipe turns a regular meal into a delightful culinary experience that brings everyone together around the table.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious, satisfying meal in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy households seeking a hearty and comforting dinner option.

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken breasts that serve as the primary protein and base of the dish.

• All-Purpose Flour, Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Essential for creating a crispy, flavorful exterior on the chicken.
• Eggs: Helps the breading adhere to the chicken and provides a binding layer.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, stretchy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy tomato base that complements the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown crust.

How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Prep Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up the oven to a toasty 400F. Grab your baking dish and give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Flatten Chicken Breasts

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound them until they’re an even half-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and stay super tender.

Step 3: Create Breading Station

• Seasoned flour
• Beaten eggs
• Breadcrumbs

Dip each chicken piece first in flour, then egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place breaded chicken in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes per side until a beautiful golden brown crust forms.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Toppings

Transfer seared chicken to the prepared baking dish.

• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Delicious

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for roughly 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and sporting a gorgeous golden-brown color.

Tips to Make Perfect Chicken Parmesan

• Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness for consistent cooking and tender results.
• Dip chicken in flour first to help egg adhere, creating a crispy, well-sealed coating.
• Use medium heat when searing to achieve golden-brown crust without burning breadcrumbs.
• Let cheese bubble and turn slightly golden for maximum flavor and appealing presentation.
• Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley after baking to add fresh, vibrant flavor and visual appeal.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering chicken parmesan delivers classic Italian comfort right to your dinner table. Crispy breaded chicken nestled under melted mozzarella promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating and Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)

Cheese and Sauce:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Tenderize chicken breasts between plastic wrap, flattening to an even half-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
3. Create a breading station with three shallow containers: one with seasoned flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs.
4. Dip each chicken piece sequentially through the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb coating, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. In a skillet warmed to medium heat, sizzle the breaded chicken in olive oil for roughly 3 minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
6. Transfer seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, lavishly spread marinara sauce across the top, then generously sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, monitoring until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden-brown blanket.

Notes

• Achieve perfectly even cooking by pounding chicken breasts uniformly to create consistent thickness.
• Enhance breadcrumb coating by using a mix of panko and traditional breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and texture.
• Control oil temperature when searing to prevent burning and ensure a golden-brown exterior without raw interior.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like eggplant or chicken cutlets for vegetarian or gluten-free variations of this classic dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg