Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Recipe

There is a distinct feeling of comfort that settles over the kitchen when the scent of frying breadcrumbs and melting cheese fills the air. I rely on this Chicken Parmesan recipe whenever I want to treat my family to a meal that feels special but is actually quite simple to pull together.

The combination of juicy chicken with that signature crispy crust and rich tomato sauce never fails to satisfy a craving for hearty Italian-inspired food. It is one of those dinners that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for turning a regular evening into an occasion.

Why This Chicken Parmesan is a Family Favorite

The contrast between the crunchy, golden exterior and the tender meat inside is satisfying in every single bite. I appreciate how this recipe delivers restaurant-quality texture right from my own stovetop and oven.

You can easily prepare the breaded cutlets earlier in the day to save time when the dinner rush hits. This makes the entire cooking process feel relaxed and manageable, even on busy weeknights.

My version strikes the perfect balance of sauce and cheese so you get all the flavor without losing that essential crunch. It quickly becomes a requested meal for birthdays and Sunday dinners alike.

If this dish hit the spot, you’ll want to try my Cozy Stuffed Potato Pancakes Recipe next, plus the Cozy Dark Chocolate Almond Shortbread Recipe delivers the same bold flavors. Both recipes share the same simple approach that makes weeknight cooking stress-free.

Everything You Need for Perfect Chicken Parmesan

Here is the simple list of ingredients you will need to gather before you start cooking:

• Chicken Breasts: You will need boneless, skinless breasts that are trimmed and ready to be pounded thin.
• All-Purpose Flour: This creates the first layer of the breading station to ensure the egg adheres properly.
• Salt and Black Pepper: I use these to season the flour and the chicken itself for layers of flavor.
• Large Eggs: Beaten until frothy, these act as the glue for your crispy coating.
• Italian Bread Crumbs: These provide that classic herbaceous flavor and signature crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: I mix shredded or grated parmesan directly into the breadcrumbs for a salty, nutty kick in the crust.
• Olive Oil: You need a light olive oil for pan-frying the cutlets until they are golden brown.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred variety or a homemade batch to bring moisture and acidity to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully over the top to create that iconic cheese pull.
• Fresh Basil: A little chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

My Method for Perfect Chicken Parmesan

Let’s get cooking and turn these simple ingredients into a meal everyone will remember:

1. Start by preparing the meat to ensure it cooks evenly and stays tender. I slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four cutlets, then place them between sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or a heavy rolling pin, I pound them gently until they are an even 1/3-inch thickness, which helps them fry up quickly without drying out, and then I season them generously with salt and pepper.
2. Set up your assembly line with three shallow bowls to make the breading process smooth and efficient. In the first bowl, I mix the flour with salt and pepper; in the second, I beat the eggs until they are frothy; and in the third, I combine the Italian bread crumbs with the parmesan cheese. Take each cutlet and dredge it in the flour, shaking off the excess, dip it into the egg wash, and finally press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure a thick, even coating on all sides.
3. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat with enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, I add the chicken pieces in batches to avoid crowding the pan, which ensures they fry rather than steam. I cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until the breading is a deep golden brown, noting that the chicken does not need to be fully cooked through yet as it will finish in the oven.
4. Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a 9×13 inch casserole dish by spreading half of the marinara sauce across the bottom. I arrange the fried Chicken Parmesan cutlets in a single layer over the sauce, then spoon the remaining marinara down the center of each piece, leaving the edges exposed to stay crispy. Top generously with the shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots and the chicken reaches 165°F.

My Chicken Parmesan Secrets

I always let the breaded chicken sit on a wire rack for about five minutes before frying. This allows the coating to set and adhere better to the meat, preventing it from sliding off in the pan.

Be careful not to drown the breaded cutlets in sauce when assembling the casserole. I spoon the marinara only down the center of each piece so the edges remain delightfully crispy and distinct.

For the best texture, I grate my own mozzarella cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags. The pre-shredded kind often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting into that smooth, gooey layer we all want.

If you are working with very large chicken breasts, cutting them into smaller cutlets is essential. This ensures that the meat cooks through at the same rate as the breading browns, avoiding a burnt crust with a raw center.

How to Serve This Chicken Parmesan

I almost always serve this dish over a bed of spaghetti tossed with a little butter and parsley. The pasta acts as the perfect vehicle for soaking up any extra sauce from the baking dish.

A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette is the ideal partner to cut through the richness of the fried chicken and cheese. It balances the meal and adds a fresh crunch that complements the heavy comfort of the main course.

For more daily inspiration and cozy meal ideas, come join me on Pinterest.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

---

• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 40 min
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: None

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A cozy, crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring tender breaded chicken breast, savory marinara, and melted mozzarella cheese.

---

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 Tbsp light olive oil
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (approx 4 oz)
• 1 Tbsp fresh basil or parsley for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four even cutlets. Pound them between plastic wrap until they are a uniform 1/3-inch thickness. Season well with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with salt/pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in egg, and press firmly into the crumb mixture.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown. Remove from heat.
4. Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Place the fried chicken on top in a single layer.
5. Top each piece of chicken with the remaining sauce and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the chicken registers 165°F internally. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, use less sauce on the bottom of the pan or serve the sauce on the side.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Resting Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cutlet
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 2180mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 185mg

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan Recipe, easy chicken dinner, italian comfort food, breaded chicken