If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy, juicy chicken with gooey cheese and rich tomato sauce, this Italian Chicken Parmesan is here to win your heart (and your taste buds). With perfectly breaded chicken breasts, a layer of tangy marinara, and a golden crown of bubbling mozzarella, this dish is everything you love about classic Italian-American cuisine Main Course. Whether you’re feeding family on a Sunday or impressing dinner guests, Italian Chicken Parmesan brings everyone to the table with its mouthwatering aroma and unbeatable flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of kitchen staples, but each one is essential for building those signature tastes and textures that make Italian Chicken Parmesan unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few savvy tips for prep and flavor!
- Chicken breasts: Pound to even thickness for uniform cooking and juicy, tender results in every bite.
- All-purpose flour: Forms a light coating so the egg and breadcrumbs stick beautifully to the chicken.
- Eggs: Act as the glue, making sure your crispy coating clings perfectly.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Infused with herbs and seasonings for that classic robust crust.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the breadcrumb layer (don’t skip it!).
- Marinara sauce: Pick your favorite homemade or store-bought sauce—the fresher, the better.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a creamy, stretchy blanket over the chicken and sauce.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle on top adds color and a burst of freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Season the chicken generously to build flavor at the base level.
- Olive oil: For frying the chicken to golden, crispy perfection before it bakes.
How to Make Italian Chicken Parmesan
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness. This quick trick ensures that every piece cooks at the same rate, so you won’t have dry edges or raw centers. Give them a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper—this foundation of flavor will shine through all the layers of Italian Chicken Parmesan.
Step 2: Build Your Breading Station
Set out three shallow bowls: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one with a mix of Italian-style breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. This assembly line approach makes breading efficient (and a little bit fun!) and guarantees every bite will have a perfectly seasoned, crispy exterior.
Step 3: Dredge and Coat
One by one, dredge each chicken breast in the flour, dip into the eggs, then press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Don’t rush—press the coating on so it really adheres. This is the secret to that audibly crunchy crust you dream about in Italian Chicken Parmesan.
Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden
Heat up a generous layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently place the breaded chicken in the oil and fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until gorgeously golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain—your kitchen will already smell incredible!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Nestle the browned chicken breasts into a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, letting it cascade down the sides. Sprinkle on a thick handful of shredded mozzarella to blanket the top. Slide the dish into a 375°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the chicken is cooked through. For the grand finale, garnish with fresh basil or parsley just before serving.
How to Serve Italian Chicken Parmesan
Garnishes
A flurry of chopped fresh basil or parsley on top gives your Italian Chicken Parmesan that extra pop of color and freshness. For a restaurant-style finish, try a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before bringing it to the table.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with spaghetti or your favorite pasta, but don’t stop there—think garlic bread for mopping up the sauce, a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter touch. Italian Chicken Parmesan is versatile enough to headline any plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your family or guests, try serving mini Italian Chicken Parmesan on toasted ciabatta as sliders, piling pieces onto a sub roll for a classic parm sandwich, or plating over creamy polenta for a twist. Presentation can be as cozy or as elegant as you like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Italian Chicken Parmesan (sauce and all) in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch the next day just as delicious as dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked chicken cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Oven reheating is best for Italian Chicken Parmesan—place leftovers in a baking dish, cover lightly with foil, and warm at 350°F until heated through and the cheese melts again. A quick broil at the end revives that gorgeous melty top and crispy edges.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and bring extra juiciness to Italian Chicken Parmesan. You might need a few extra minutes of baking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken and let the coated pieces rest a few minutes before frying. This step helps the crust adhere so you get that signature crunch.
Can I make Italian Chicken Parmesan gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. The rest of the recipe stays the same and you still get that classic, crispy texture everyone loves.
What’s the best marinara to use?
Homemade or high-quality store-bought marinara both work. If you have time, make your own with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil for a fresh, vibrant sauce. Otherwise, find a brand low in added sugar for the best flavor balance in Italian Chicken Parmesan.
How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check—it should reach 165°F in the center. The cheese will be melted and the juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyful about pulling a bubbling dish of Italian Chicken Parmesan from the oven and sharing it with people you love. This classic recipe is pure comfort, easy to master, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!
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Italian Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A classic Italian Chicken Parmesan recipe that is easy to make and incredibly delicious. Tender chicken breasts coated in crispy breadcrumbs, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Breading station: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer and bake: Transfer the browned chicken breasts to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15–20 minutes until cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier result, broil the chicken for the last 1–2 minutes of baking.
- Serve over spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or with a side salad and garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
