There’s just something about a great Chicken Parmesan Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Crispy, golden chicken cutlets smothered in tangy marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese create a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this classic Italian-American favorite brings comfort, savory satisfaction, and a touch of elegance all in one bite. If you’ve never made it yourself, get ready to fall in love with this Chicken Parmesan Recipe that’s simple enough for everyday cooking but impressive enough to wow your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step to creating this delicious Chicken Parmesan Recipe. Each one has a role in building the dish’s vibrant flavor, satisfying texture, and beautiful presentation.
- Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures a tender yet lean protein base for your cutlets.
- All-purpose flour: This helps dry the chicken surface and keeps the coating crispy.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the perfect binder for the breadcrumb coating to stick to the chicken.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: These crumbs add that irresistible crunch and a bit of herbaceous flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the crust with nutty, savory notes and enhances the crispiness.
- Garlic powder, salt, and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring depth and balance to the coating.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, it delivers a golden, crispy texture without overpowering the flavors.
- Marinara sauce: A rich, tangy tomato base that beautifully complements the cheese and chicken.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts delightfully over the cutlets, forming that luscious, stringy cheese layer everyone loves.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma as a finishing touch.
- Cooked spaghetti (optional): A classic pairing that turns your chicken parmesan into a full, hearty meal.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Start by halving your chicken breasts horizontally so you have four even cutlets. If needed, gently pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly. This step is crucial for getting that perfect crispy exterior without drying out the inside.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
Arrange three shallow bowls: one with the all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture made by combining Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This setup keeps everything organized and makes coating the chicken fast and fun.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Take your time to make sure the coating adheres well for that extra crispy crust after frying.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Fry the cutlets for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to keep them from getting soggy.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread half a cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Lay the fried chicken cutlets on top, then spoon the remaining marinara evenly over each. Finally, sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly, and the chicken is cooked through.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley over the chicken to introduce a fresh herbal note that brightens every bite. The vibrant green also makes the dish visually irresistible.
Side Dishes
While this Chicken Parmesan Recipe can stand proudly on its own, serving it atop a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti creates a classic Italian dinner experience. Garlic bread or a crisp green salad also pair beautifully to round out your meal without overshadowing the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your crispy chicken cutlets sliced over creamy polenta or alongside roasted vegetables. You can even turn leftovers into hearty sandwiches with a toasted bun, extra marinara, and melted cheese for a flavorful lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken parmesan keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, add fresh mozzarella when reheating rather than relying on pre-melted cheese.
Freezing
You can freeze individual cutlets wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze them before baking; then you can bake directly from frozen with a few extra minutes added to the cooking time.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Chicken Parmesan Recipe is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) so the crust stays crispy and the cheese melts evenly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful variation. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to make sure they cook through.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Yes! To lighten this Chicken Parmesan Recipe, try baking the breaded chicken cutlets instead of frying. Using whole wheat breadcrumbs and reduced-fat cheese can also cut calories without sacrificing taste.
What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
Look for a marinara that’s rich in tomato flavor but not overly sweet or salty. Homemade sauce is fantastic, but a good-quality store-bought sauce works well for convenience.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can bread and fry the chicken a few hours in advance, then assemble just before baking. This helps reduce last-minute cooking stress and keeps the crust crispy.
What if I don’t have fresh basil or parsley?
Dried Italian herbs like oregano or basil can be sprinkled on top as a substitute, but fresh herbs really add that bright, fresh dimension that completes the dish.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Chicken Parmesan Recipe because it truly is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with every crispy, cheesy bite. The combination of textures and flavors is such a comforting reminder of good food shared with good people. Give it a go, and soon enough, it might just become one of your favorite go-to recipes too!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features crispy, golden chicken cutlets topped with savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection. Perfectly balanced with Parmesan and Italian breadcrumbs, it’s an Italian-American favorite that’s easy to make and wonderfully satisfying, especially when served over spaghetti.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Topping
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Optional
- Cooked spaghetti (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled chicken parmesan later.
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: If needed, pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a breadcrumb mixture made from Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating well.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each breaded chicken cutlet for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble for Baking: Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the fried chicken cutlets on top of the sauce, and spoon the remaining marinara sauce over each cutlet.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each chicken piece. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with cooked spaghetti on the side if desired.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and texture.
- For a lighter version, skip frying and bake the breaded chicken directly.
- You can prepare the breaded chicken cutlets ahead and bake them fresh just before serving for convenience.
