🎉 Introduction
Classic Chicken Parmesan is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. Crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together in a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels both nostalgic and satisfying. It’s hearty without being heavy, simple yet impressive, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
What makes this recipe truly special is the balance of textures—a golden, crunchy coating on the outside and juicy, tender chicken on the inside—paired with a savory tomato sauce and a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Every bite delivers warmth, flavor, and that unmistakable Italian-inspired comfort.
If you’re looking for a reliable, classic dinner that everyone loves, this Chicken Parmesan is a must-have in your recipe collection.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Three shallow bowls (for breading)
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
🛒 Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs total)
Breading Station
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce & Topping
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
Cooking Fat
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil
These ingredients create a crispy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced chicken Parmesan.
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
Step 2:
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
Step 3:
Place the chicken cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness.
Step 4:
Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
Step 5:
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in the third.
Step 6:
Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess.
Step 7:
Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, coating completely.
Step 8:
Press the chicken into the bread crumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
Step 9:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 10:
Add the breaded chicken cutlets and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step 11:
Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish.
Step 12:
Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece of chicken.
Step 13:
Top with mozzarella cheese.
Step 14:
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 15:
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: About 45 minutes
Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. - Freezer:
Freeze cooked chicken Parmesan for up to 1 month. - Reheating:
Reheat in the oven until warmed through to keep the coating crisp.
🥄 Variations
- Extra crispy: Add more bread crumbs to the coating
- Cheese lover: Increase mozzarella slightly
- Sauce-heavy: Add extra marinara on top
- Herb twist: Add dried Italian herbs to the breading
- Light version: Use less cheese and sauce
These variations keep the soul of Chicken Parmesan while allowing flexibility.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Why pound the chicken thin?
It ensures even cooking and tenderness. - Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Pan-frying gives the best crisp texture. - Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild and comforting. - Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and bake before serving. - Does the coating stay crispy?
Yes, especially when reheated in the oven. - What cheese works best?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish. - Do I need fresh basil?
It adds freshness but is optional. - Is this a traditional-style dish?
Yes, inspired by classic chicken Parmesan. - What makes this recipe special?
The balance of crisp chicken, sauce, and cheese.
🏁 Conclusion
This classic Chicken Parmesan is comfort food at its finest—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with rich sauce and melted cheese. Simple ingredients and timeless flavors make it a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Whether for family dinner or a special night in, this recipe always delivers.
Classic Chicken Parmesan – Crispy, Cheesy & Timeless Comfort
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
- Place the chicken cutlets between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in the third.
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, coating completely.
- Press the chicken into the bread crumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on both sides.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the breaded chicken cutlets and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each piece of chicken.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezer:
Freeze cooked chicken Parmesan for up to 1 month. Reheating:
Reheat in the oven until warmed through to keep the coating crisp. 🥄 Variations Extra crispy: Add more bread crumbs to the coating Cheese lover: Increase mozzarella slightly Sauce-heavy: Add extra marinara on top Herb twist: Add dried Italian herbs to the breading Light version: Use less cheese and sauce These variations keep the soul of Chicken Parmesan while allowing flexibility. ❓ 10 FAQs Why pound the chicken thin?
It ensures even cooking and tenderness. Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Pan-frying gives the best crisp texture. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild and comforting. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and bake before serving. Does the coating stay crispy?
Yes, especially when reheated in the oven. What cheese works best?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish. Do I need fresh basil?
It adds freshness but is optional. Is this a traditional-style dish?
Yes, inspired by classic chicken Parmesan. What makes this recipe special?
The balance of crisp chicken, sauce, and cheese. 🏁 Conclusion This classic Chicken Parmesan is comfort food at its finest—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with rich sauce and melted cheese. Simple ingredients and timeless flavors make it a dish you’ll come back to again and again. Whether for family dinner or a special night in, this recipe always delivers.
