Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Family Dinners

Culinary magic happens when a classic chicken parmesan recipe meets simple, fresh ingredients.

Tender chicken breasts create the perfect canvas for a mouthwatering meal.

Crispy golden breading hugs each succulent piece of meat.

Melted cheese blankets the chicken with irresistible richness.

Zesty marinara sauce adds a vibrant punch of flavor.

Bold Italian herbs dance through every delectable bite.

You can master this restaurant-worthy dish in your own kitchen with just a few easy steps.

Trust me, one taste and you’ll be craving this comfort food masterpiece again and again.

Cooking Tips for Juicy and Crisp Chicken Parmesan

• Pound Perfectly: Use plastic wrap or a zip-top bag when flattening chicken to prevent messy splatters and ensure even thickness.
• Crisp Coating Trick: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy layer that stays attached during frying.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain medium heat to achieve golden-brown crust without burning the breading or undercooking the chicken.
• Drain and Rest: Let fried chicken rest on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep the coating crispy before baking with sauce.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for maximum flavor and perfect cheese pull when baking.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Parmesan Without Drying It Out

• Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken from sauce to prevent soggy breading.
• Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy texture. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning and keep moisture locked in.
• Reheat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Place a damp paper towel over the chicken to prevent dryness.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan

• Chicken Parmesan Companions
• Light-bodied Italian white wines like Pinot Grigio perfectly balance the rich, crispy chicken with their bright acidity and clean finish.
• Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the heaviness of the cheesy chicken, adding fresh crispness to the meal.
• Roasted garlic parmesan vegetables complement the chicken's flavors, offering a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment that enhances the main course's Italian profile.
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce, providing a delicious textural contrast and maximizing the meal's overall enjoyment.

Easy Chicken Parmesan That’s Crispy and Saucy

• Kids and adults alike love the crispy chicken, melted cheese, and classic Italian flavors that make this dish universally appealing.
• Even novice cooks can master this recipe with simple step-by-step instructions and basic kitchen tools like a skillet and baking dish.
• Customize the dish by serving over pasta, with a side salad, or paired with garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal that adapts to any preference.

What Goes into Chicken Parmesan

• Chicken Cutlets: Tender and thin meat that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Choose fresh or thawed chicken breasts for best results.

• Flour, Salt, Pepper: Creates a dry base layer for breading. All-purpose flour works perfectly for even coating.
• Eggs: Helps breadcrumbs stick to chicken. Fresh eggs provide better binding.
• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Gives crispy texture and rich flavor. Panko breadcrumbs create extra crunchiness.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provides melty and tangy topping. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and classic Italian flavor. Homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce works well.

• Olive Oil: Used for frying chicken to golden perfection. Extra virgin olive oil adds more flavor.
• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds color and fresh herb notes.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan at Home

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

Get chicken cutlets ready by gently pounding them to create an even thickness. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the meat carefully.

• First bowl: Flour mixed with salt and pepper
• Second bowl: Whisked eggs
• Third bowl: Breadcrumbs combined with grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs

Step 2: Transform Chicken Into Crispy Delight

• Dust cutlet in flour mixture, shaking off excess
• Completely submerge in egg wash
• Press into herbed breadcrumb mixture until fully covered

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature.

Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crunchy.

Transfer to paper towels to remove extra oil.

Step 3: Layer and Melt Cheesy Goodness

Warm oven to 400°F.

Spread marinara sauce across baking dish.

Nestle crispy chicken cutlets into sauce.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Bake until cheese melts and becomes bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 4: Present and Devour

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top.

Serve alongside spaghetti or warm garlic bread.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal at home!

New Takes on Classic Chicken Parmesan

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use cornstarch as a coating alternative for crispy texture without gluten.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond meal. Skip flour coating and use beaten egg as primary binding agent for chicken.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with eggplant or portobello mushroom slices. Maintain the same breading and baking process for a plant-based version of the classic dish.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. Replace marinara with a low-carb tomato sauce. Top with extra cheese and bake until golden and crispy.

Chicken Parmesan Questions You Might Have

• What are the key ingredients for the breading?

The breading requires flour, beaten eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This combination creates a flavorful and crispy coating for the chicken.

• Why do I need to pound the chicken cutlets?

Pounding the chicken ensures even thickness, which helps the chicken cook uniformly and prevents some parts from being undercooked or overcooked. An even ½ inch thickness guarantees consistent texture and doneness.

• What type of oil works best for frying?

Olive oil is recommended for this recipe. It provides a nice flavor and has a good smoke point for frying the chicken at medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to create a crispy golden-brown exterior.

• Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken cutlets in advance and refrigerate them before frying. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking and fry them right before assembling the dish to maintain their crispy texture.

Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic Italian cuisine in this crowd-pleasing chicken parmesan that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. Crispy golden chicken breasts nestled under melted mozzarella and marinara sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (to make 4 cutlets)

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko for extra crunch)
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients and Sauces:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil (for frying)
• 1 ½ cups (375 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Gently tenderize the chicken cutlets to achieve a uniform ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin, ensuring even cooking.
2. Create three distinct stations for coating: first with seasoned flour mixture, then egg wash, and finally a flavorful breadcrumb blend incorporating Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
3. Methodically coat each chicken piece by first dredging in seasoned flour, removing excess, then thoroughly dipping in beaten eggs to help breading adhere.
4. Press chicken into the herbed breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum crispiness.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating the ideal environment for golden, crispy exterior.
6. Carefully fry chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a rich, golden-brown crust, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Preheat oven to 400°F, preparing for the final transformation of the crispy chicken.
8. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation for the chicken.
9. Arrange the fried chicken cutlets atop the sauce, then generously sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
10. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts into a bubbling, golden blanket and chicken is thoroughly heated.
11. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil or parsley, serving alongside spaghetti or warm garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Flatten chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry or undercooked spots.
• Create a neat dredging setup with separate bowls to make coating process smooth and less messy.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internally for food safety without overcooking.
• Pat chicken dry before dredging to help breading stick better and create crispier exterior.
• Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Add extra Parmesan into breadcrumb mixture for more intense cheesy flavor and crispy texture.
• Let chicken rest after frying to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy breading when baking.
• Choose low-fat mozzarella or reduce cheese quantity for a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness and cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg