Classic Chicken Parmesan: Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistible
Classic Chicken Parmesan is an Italian-American favorite, loved for its crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or any time you want a comforting and elegant meal at home. With this recipe, you’ll get perfectly breaded chicken baked or pan-fried to golden perfection and topped with marinara and mozzarella.
Why This Chicken Parmesan Is So Good
The secret to amazing chicken Parmesan lies in the breading, seasoning, and cheese. Lightly breaded chicken stays tender inside while getting a satisfying crunch outside. Fresh or high-quality marinara sauce makes a huge difference, and finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan creates a perfect cheesy layer.
Ingredients for Classic Chicken Parmesan
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden (it does not need to be fully cooked).
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place browned chicken in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil. Serve with spaghetti, salad, or garlic bread.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan
- Even Chicken: Pound chicken to uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Crispy Breading: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Cheese Layer: Add Parmesan under the mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: Homemade sauce makes a big difference, but store-bought works well too.
Classic Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken 2–3 minutes per side.
- Place chicken in a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce on top, then sprinkle with mozzarella.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
Variations to Try
- Baked Version Only: Skip pan-frying; assemble breaded chicken in the baking dish and bake with sauce and cheese for a lighter version.
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches: Serve on toasted rolls with extra marinara and cheese for a handheld meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a hearty meal.
- Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete Italian dinner.
- Great for meal prep: assemble individual portions in small containers and freeze for later.
Fun Facts About Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan, also called “Chicken Parmigiana,” originated in Italian-American cuisine, inspired by the Italian dish “Melanzane alla Parmigiana” (eggplant Parmesan). It became popular in the U.S. in the mid-20th century and is now a classic comfort food.
