Name: Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish); Cooked spaghetti or pasta for serving (optional)

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Chicken Parmesan is the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that instantly transports you to an Italian trattoria, even when you’re just gathered around your own kitchen table. Picture tender, golden chicken cutlets smothered in rich marinara sauce, bubbling mozzarella, and a shower of fresh basil—every bite is a perfect balance of crispy, savory, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or just craving something special on a weeknight, Chicken Parmesan never disappoints, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Parmesan recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients, each playing an essential role in building flavor and texture. From juicy chicken breasts to a shower of melty mozzarella, every element adds its own magic to the finished dish.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here—they cook up juicy and are perfect for breading.
All-purpose flour: A light coating helps the egg and breadcrumb mixture stick, creating that irresistible crust.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue, ensuring the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly for maximum crunch.
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: These add herby flavor and crispy texture to every bite.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan in the breading gives a salty, nutty flavor that’s classic in Chicken Parmesan.
Garlic powder: A touch of garlic powder infuses the coating with savory depth.
Dried oregano: This aromatic herb brings a taste of Italy to your breading mix.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken just right.
Black pepper: A bit of freshly ground black pepper adds subtle heat and balance.
Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jarred or homemade marinara for that luscious, tangy base.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts into gooey perfection over the chicken.
Olive oil: Just a little for pan-frying the chicken to a beautiful golden brown.
Fresh basil: Optional, but a sprinkle on top adds color and bright, peppery flavor.
Spaghetti or pasta: Also optional, but serving Chicken Parmesan over pasta is a classic move.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Prep Your Breading Station

Start by setting up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Having everything lined up assembly-line style makes the breading process quick and mess-free.

Step 2: Pound and Bread the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap or inside a zip-top bag, then gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Dredge each piece first in flour, then dip it in the eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.

Step 3: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and crisp. You’re not cooking them through just yet—just setting up that crunchy exterior. The rest of the magic happens in the oven.

Step 4: Assemble with Sauce and Cheese

Pour half the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the browned chicken breasts on top of the sauce, then spoon the rest of the marinara over each piece. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over everything, making sure no chicken is left bare.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling

Bake the Chicken Parmesan uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The aromas wafting from your oven will have everyone circling the kitchen!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove your Chicken Parmesan from the oven and, if you like, scatter freshly chopped basil over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it piping hot, either on its own or over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan

Garnishes

Nothing finishes Chicken Parmesan quite like a handful of torn fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan. A little fresh parsley or a drizzle of good olive oil is also wonderful for extra color and a burst of flavor right before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chicken Parmesan with a simple green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, some roasted vegetables, or classic garlic bread for soaking up the extra sauce. Serving it over spaghetti or linguine is always a hit, but creamy risotto or roasted potatoes are delicious alternatives too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to mix things up, try slicing the chicken and serving it family-style over a large platter of pasta, or make Chicken Parmesan sandwiches using crusty ciabatta rolls. For a lighter twist, serve smaller pieces atop a bed of arugula dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The breading will soften a bit, but the flavors only deepen, making for a delicious next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

Chicken Parmesan freezes beautifully! Cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding the cheese and sauce, then add them fresh when ready to bake.

Reheating

To reheat, place the Chicken Parmesan in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. This method helps revive the crispy edges and keeps the chicken juicy. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but the oven gives the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in Chicken Parmesan. They’re a bit juicier and have more flavor, just adjust the cook time as they may be slightly thicker or thinner than breasts.

Is it possible to make Chicken Parmesan gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. Look for gluten-free panko or seasoned breadcrumbs for best results.

Can I prepare Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

You can bread and pan-fry the chicken in advance, then assemble with sauce and cheese and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

What’s the best marinara sauce to use?

Homemade marinara is always wonderful if you have the time, but a good-quality store-bought sauce works perfectly too. Choose one with simple ingredients and a robust tomato flavor for the best Chicken Parmesan.

How do I keep the breading crispy?

For extra crispiness, try using panko breadcrumbs and avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken, and bake uncovered to keep the cheese bubbly and the crust crisp.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to making Chicken Parmesan or it’s a beloved staple in your home, this recipe promises golden, cheesy, saucy satisfaction every time. Gather your loved ones, give it a try, and get ready for rave reviews around your table!

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Classic Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring breaded and baked chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for an Italian-American family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Breading

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Cooked spaghetti or pasta for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
Prepare Breading Stations: Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in a second bowl, and mix the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a third bowl.
Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Dredge each breast first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere well.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown, creating a crispy crust.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour half of the marinara sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the chicken and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired, and serve hot over cooked spaghetti or pasta for a complete meal.