Name: Chicken Parmesan – Crispy & Cheesy Italian-American Classic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600 g total); 100 g breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain); 50 g grated Parmesan cheese; 2 eggs, beaten; 60 g all-purpose flour; 250 ml marinara sauce; 200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced; 40 ml olive oil; Salt & pepper, to taste; 2 g garlic powder; 5 g fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Few dishes combine comfort and elegance quite like Chicken Parmesan. With its golden crust, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, it’s a recipe that turns simple chicken into something truly special. Originating as an Italian-American twist on traditional eggplant Parmesan, this dish has become a global favorite for family dinners and restaurant menus alike.

If you love classic Italian comfort food, you’ll also enjoy Pizza Margherita — a simple, authentic recipe with fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan

There’s a reason this recipe has stood the test of time:

Crispy and juicy: The breaded coating locks in moisture while adding crunch.
Cheesy perfection: Mozzarella and Parmesan create a gooey, flavorful topping.
Restaurant-quality at home: You can make it in under 40 minutes.
Versatile: Serve it over spaghetti, with mashed potatoes, or alongside a fresh salad.

It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

Making Chicken Parmesan involves three main steps: breading, frying, and baking. Here’s how to get that perfect balance of crispiness and flavor:

Prep & Coat: Pound the chicken evenly, season it, then coat it in flour, beaten eggs, and a breadcrumb-Parmesan mix.
Cook: Fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides. This creates the base layer of crisp texture.
Bake: Top the chicken with marinara sauce and mozzarella, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

In about 40 minutes, you’ll have a plate of crispy, cheesy perfection ready to serve.

Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan

Use good mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
Don’t skip the frying step: It keeps the coating crispy even after baking.
Add fresh basil: It brightens the flavor and gives that authentic Italian touch.
Serve immediately: The cheese is best when hot and melty straight from the oven.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can air-fry the chicken instead of pan-frying it – it stays crispy with much less oil.

For a fresh and easy Italian side dish, try Caprese Salad — made with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for the perfect balance of flavors.

What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan pairs perfectly with many sides, depending on the occasion:

Classic spaghetti tossed with marinara sauce.
Creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing for balance.
Or even garlic bread to soak up that extra sauce!

Chicken Parmesan final dish – crispy breaded chicken topped with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce, served over spaghetti with fresh basil.

Chicken Parmesan – Crispy & Cheesy Italian-American Classic

5 from 1 vote

This Chicken Parmesan is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. A comforting and flavorful Italian-American favorite, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over spaghetti or with a fresh green salad.

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 23

Total Time 40

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600 g total)
100 g breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain)
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, beaten
60 g all-purpose flour
250 ml marinara sauce
200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
40 ml olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 g garlic powder
5 g fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

Skillet
Baking dish
Tongs
Whisk
Oven

Method

Prep chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (~1.5 cm). Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Coat: Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.
Cook: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden brown on both sides (3–4 minutes each).
Assemble: Place cooked chicken in a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce on top, and add mozzarella.
Bake: Bake at 200°C for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and serve over spaghetti or with a salad.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs.
You can air-fry the chicken instead of frying it in oil.
Pairs perfectly with spaghetti or roasted vegetables.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.

Storage & Reheating

If you have leftovers, store Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven (180°C) for 10–12 minutes until hot. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

You can also freeze cooked portions – just wrap them individually in foil and store for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven until warmed through.

If you’re craving more Italian dinner favorites, Spaghetti Carbonara is another rich and satisfying pasta recipe you’ll want to try next.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with Italian flavor, Chicken Parmesan is the ultimate choice. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – elegant enough for guests, easy enough for a weeknight.

Pair it with spaghetti, a sprinkle of fresh basil, and a glass of white wine for the perfect dinner at home.

Chicken Parmesan is inspired by the Italian dish “parmigiana”, a popular preparation with layered sauce and cheese documented on Wikipedia.