The Best Homemade Chicken Parmesan Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Culinary magic happens when you craft an irresistible chicken parmesan that sparks dinner table excitement.

My grandmother’s secret techniques blend perfectly crisp textures with rich, melted cheese.

Layers of golden-brown breaded chicken nestled under marinara create a symphony of flavors.

Italian comfort food reaches new heights with this straightforward yet elegant dish.

Weeknight meals transform into gourmet experiences through simple, smart cooking techniques.

Succulent chicken breasts coated in seasoned breadcrumbs promise a delightful crunch in every bite.

Come explore a recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Chicken Parmesan That’s Crispy, Saucy, and Classic

• Unlock Family Dinner Magic: Whip up this crowd-pleasing chicken parmesan that transforms an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.
• Quick-and-Easy Weeknight Wonder: Master this recipe in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy families who crave delicious home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Even novice cooks can nail this dish with simple step-by-step instructions and basic kitchen skills, building confidence with each crispy, cheesy bite.
• Versatile Meal Superstar: Switch up side dishes or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, turning this classic recipe into a customizable dinner solution that keeps everyone happy.

Chicken Parmesan Essentials

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that serves as the main dish base, best when fresh and uniform in thickness for even cooking.

• Flour, Eggs, Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, flavorful exterior that locks in moisture and provides texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and helps create a golden, crunchy coating.

• Garlic Powder, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Provides classic Italian-style flavor profile and enhances overall taste.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Ensures crisp, golden browning and adds rich flavor to the chicken.

• Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and classic Italian tomato flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a melty, stretchy topping that browns beautifully.

• Fresh Basil: Optional herb that adds bright, fresh flavor and visual appeal to the final dish.

Chicken Parmesan Classic Bake Steps

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create Breading Battlestations

• Flour
• Beaten eggs
• Breadcrumb mixture featuring

* Parmesan cheese

* Garlic powder

* Oregano

* Salt

* Black pepper

Step 3: Dress The Chicken

• First, dust with flour and shake off excess
• Dive into eggs for a quick swim
• Roll in seasoned breadcrumb mixture until fully armored

Step 4: Sizzle And Brown

Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Fry chicken breasts 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden and crispy.

Step 5: Sauce And Cheese Transformation

• Marinara sauce generously spooned over each piece
• Shower of shredded mozzarella

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide into oven and bake 15-20 minutes until cheese melts into gooey deliciousness and chicken is fully cooked.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finish and prepare for a mouthwatering meal.

Chicken Parmesan Simple Tips

• Select fresh, evenly-sized chicken breasts for consistent cooking and optimal texture.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to ensure crispy, golden coating that adheres perfectly.
• Maintain medium heat while frying to achieve even browning without burning the breading.
• Use a combination of Parmesan and mozzarella for rich, melty flavor with depth and complexity.
• Check chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe, juicy results.

Saving Chicken Parmesan for Later

• Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the crispy coating as fresh as possible.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers for convenient storage up to 2 months.
• Restore crispiness by placing chicken on a baking sheet at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• When short on time, reheat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness and maintain moisture.

Chicken Parmesan Matches You’ll Love

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied white wine with subtle oak notes that complement the rich, cheesy chicken without overpowering its delicate flavors.
• Serve Alongside Garlic Focaccia: Create a perfect bread companion that soaks up extra marinara sauce and provides a complementary carbohydrate element to the main dish.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Craft a light, peppery green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the heaviness of the chicken parmesan and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Recommend Roasted Herb Vegetables: Prepare a colorful medley of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus roasted with olive oil and herbs to add nutritional balance and visual appeal to the plate.

Chicken Parmesan With Easy Bake Tweaks

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a crispy, celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan: Swap chicken with thick eggplant slices, following the same breading and baking technique for a satisfying meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Chicken Parmesan: Use thinly sliced zucchini as a base instead of traditional breading, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining classic flavors.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Chicken: Substitute mozzarella with nutritional yeast and dairy-free cheese, adding Mediterranean herbs like za'atar for extra complexity.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They’re lean, cook evenly, and provide a perfect surface for breading and melting cheese.

• Can I use pre-seasoned breadcrumbs?

Yes, but for the best flavor, use plain breadcrumbs and add your own herbs and spices like garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to control the seasoning.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is it necessary to use both olive oil and butter when frying?

Yes, the combination helps prevent burning and adds rich flavor. Butter provides a golden color and depth, while olive oil has a higher smoke point for even cooking.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic happens when classic chicken parmesan meets modern kitchen creativity, blending Italian tradition with comforting flavors. Crispy golden chicken nestled under melted cheese promises a delightful journey through simple yet sophisticated cuisine you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally

Breading and Seasoning:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Arrange three shallow vessels for coating: dust one with flour, whisk eggs in another, and combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in the third.
2. Coat each chicken piece completely in flour, ensuring no excess remains. Dunk thoroughly in beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
3. Roll chicken in seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to create an even, crispy exterior that adheres completely.
4. Warm a blend of olive oil and butter in a heavy skillet over medium temperature. Cook chicken cutlets until they develop a rich, golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Transfer browned chicken pieces to a clean baking dish, arranging them without overcrowding.
6. Lavishly spread marinara sauce across each chicken piece, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
7. Position the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake until cheese transforms into a melted, slightly bubbling golden blanket and chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
8. After removing from oven, allow chicken to rest momentarily. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded to about 1/2-inch thickness for consistent cooking and crispy coating.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying to maintain oil temperature and achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety without overcooking.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg