Name: Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comforting meal, look no further than Chicken Parmesan. This beloved classic combines tender breaded chicken, zesty marinara, gooey mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parm for a dish that’s as inviting as it is satisfying. With crisp edges, a cheesy crown, and heaps of flavor in every bite, Chicken Parmesan is a recipe you’ll cherish for family dinners and casual celebrations alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chicken Parmesan lies in taking simple, everyday ingredients and layering them into something extraordinary. Each component plays a role in creating that signature melty, savory, and irresistibly craveable dish everyone loves.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless pieces make for easy prep and the perfect meat-to-bread ratio in every forkful.
All-Purpose Flour: Dredging the chicken in flour first helps the coating stick and ensures crispness after frying.
Large Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue for the breadcrumbs, locking in all that delicious crunch.
Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These add a savory, herby flavor and create that golden, crunchy crust everyone expects from Chicken Parmesan.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty, Parmesan amps up the flavor of the breadcrumb coating.
Marinara Sauce: A tangy and robust tomato sauce gives a classic Italian flair and keeps every bite moist.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a luscious blanket over the chicken, turning every serving into cheesy perfection.
Olive Oil: Helps the chicken fry up with beautiful color and richness.
Unsalted Butter: Adds depth and flavor to the frying step while keeping the chicken extra juicy.
Dried Italian Seasoning: A quick sprinkle for aromatic herby notes in the chicken itself.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in both the chicken and the coating.
Black Pepper: Gives just a touch of warmth and spice that perfectly balances the cheesy topping.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end takes presentation and aroma to the next level.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by getting your oven heated up to 400°F (200°C) so everything is nice and hot for finishing the dish. Now set up your dredging station: flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and your breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture in a third. You’ll be so happy you took a minute to get organized before things get deliciously messy!

Step 2: Season and Dredge the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning—the simple trio that starts building flavor right into the meat. Dredge each piece, first in flour (shake off the extra!), then into the eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. Give each piece a gentle press to really get that coating to stick. This is where the crunch comes from, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat, then carefully lay in the breaded chicken. Listen for the sizzle: that’s flavor happening! Let each piece cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden brown. You’re aiming for a crispy exterior—not fully cooked chicken yet, since it’ll finish in the oven. The color is your friend here, so be patient!

Step 4: Assemble

Transfer those golden-brown beauties into a baking dish. Spoon your favorite marinara sauce over each breast—just enough to cover without drowning them. Top generously with the shredded mozzarella. This is the moment to go big if you’re a cheese lover. Don’t forget a little extra grated Parmesan if you like things extra cheesy!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling and the chicken hits an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). If you love a bubbly, golden cheese top, give it a quick broil for the last minute or two—just watch it closely! Let everything settle for a couple of minutes out of the oven, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a beautiful, aromatic finish.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan

Garnishes

No Chicken Parmesan is complete without a burst of fresh color. Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the top—it not only adds brightness but also brings a lovely herbal aroma that balances the richness of the cheese and sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, add some freshly grated Parmesan or even a light drizzle of good olive oil.

Side Dishes

What pairs best with Chicken Parmesan? A tangle of spaghetti tossed in extra marinara is a tried-and-true classic, but don’t overlook a hearty Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for sopping up all that sauce. If you want something lighter, a simple green salad with vinaigrette keeps things balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Chicken Parmesan into the star of your next dinner party by serving it in individual cast-iron skillets or on a rustic wooden board with pasta piled alongside. Slice it atop a ciabatta roll for the ultimate sandwich or cube it and layer in a pasta bake for a fun twist. However you present it, this dish always finds the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra? Lucky you! Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing, so the crispy crust doesn’t get too soggy from trapped steam.

Freezing

Chicken Parmesan freezes surprisingly well. Once cooled, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to two months. To prevent cheese and sauce separation, freeze before the baking step if possible, then add cheese and finish in the oven when ready to eat.

Reheating

To preserve that melty, crisp-topped goodness, reheat Chicken Parmesan in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch, but baking keeps the crust from turning mushy.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Parmesan gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free flour and gluten-free seasoned breadcrumbs. The flavor and crunch will still shine—nobody will miss the gluten.

What’s the best way to keep the breading from falling off?

Patting the chicken dry, pressing the breadcrumb mixture on firmly, and letting the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before frying all help the coating stick. Also, avoid overcrowding the skillet; give each piece room to get crispy!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully for Chicken Parmesan. They offer extra juiciness and a slightly richer flavor—just adjust cooking time as needed, since they’re typically thinner than breasts.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

Definitely. For a lighter version, arrange coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, spray with a bit of oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden and cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.

Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead for a party?

Absolutely! Bread and fry the chicken a day ahead, chill in the fridge, then assemble with sauce and cheese just before baking. This makes entertaining a breeze—just pop the dish in the oven when guests arrive!

Final Thoughts

Chicken Parmesan is one of those feel-good recipes that instantly brings people together. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or coming back to a childhood favorite, every layer is packed with comfort and flavor. Don’t be shy—gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this classic Italian-American delight. You’ll be hooked by the first bite!

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this classic Chicken Parmesan recipe that features tender chicken breasts coated in crispy breadcrumbs, topped with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. A comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Parmesan:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dredge in flour, then egg, and coat with breadcrumb mixture.
Cook the chicken: Cook chicken in a skillet until golden brown.
Assemble and bake: Transfer chicken to a baking dish, top with marinara and mozzarella, bake until cheese melts and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and serve: Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.