Chicken Parmesan Recipe

7 min readNov 17, 2024

There’s something irresistible about the combination of crispy chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Whether serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Chicken Parmesan is a classic dish that never goes out of style. Its perfect balance of textures and flavors makes it a family favorite, and it’s easy to see why this dish is beloved across the globe. I remember the first time I made it — it was a rainy evening, and I was craving something warm and comforting. I decided to try Chicken Parmesan, and the moment the cheesy, crispy chicken hit my plate, I knew I had discovered a dish that would stay in my recipe rotation forever. This dish is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, and it’s the kind of meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Recipe Card: Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Recipe Name: Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Description: A crispy, tender chicken breast smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 550 calories per serving

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
Dredge chicken breasts in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken on both sides until golden (about 4–5 minutes per side).
Place browned chicken breasts on a baking sheet, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot.

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Notes:

If you want a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy nights, yet it still feels like a special treat.
Family-Friendly: The pickiest eaters will love the crispy chicken and cheesy goodness.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken Parmesan uses simple, affordable ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Versatile: Pair it with pasta, salad, or veggies for a well-rounded meal.
Comforting: There’s nothing better than sinking your fork into crispy chicken covered in marinara sauce and melted cheese.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are the go-to option for Chicken Parmesan, but you can substitute them with boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. Chicken tenders are also a great option for smaller portions.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional panko breadcrumbs give the chicken a crispy, crunchy texture. If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free option, swap them out for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice cereal.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella offers a wonderful creamy texture, but pre-shredded mozzarella works perfectly fine, too. Try provolone cheese or a combination of Parmesan and mozzarella for a twist.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought marinara or homemade sauce for this dish. Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a spicier version.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Recipe (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. This seasoning will infuse the chicken with flavor before it even hits the skillet.

Step 2: Dredging Station

Set up a dredging station by placing three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Coat each chicken breast first in flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally, coat it generously in the breadcrumb mixture. When it’s fried, the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese will give the chicken a crispy, golden crust.

Step 3: Browning the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts, cooking them for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. You’re not looking to cook the chicken all through at this point — to get a crispy exterior. After browning both sides, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Baking with Marinara and Cheese

Spoon marinara sauce generously over each chicken breast, ensuring it’s well-covered. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, allowing it to melt and bubble during baking.

Step 5: Baking

Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking, the cheese will melt, and everything will come together beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Serving

Once your Chicken Parmesan is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve it with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

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Expert Tips for Success

Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When browning the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure an even, crispy coating.
Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella has a creamier texture and a richer taste than pre-shredded cheese, so if possible, opt for fresh.
Test for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C).

Variations and Customizations

Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds to make this recipe gluten-free.
Chicken Parmesan with a Twist: Add a few slices of prosciutto or pepperoni between the chicken and the cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Chicken Parmesan Bake: If you want to turn this into a casserole, layer the chicken with marinara and cheese in a baking dish. Top with more cheese and bake until golden and bubbly.
Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add red pepper flakes or a few splashes of hot sauce to your marinara sauce for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Parmesan is delicious, but it pairs perfectly with various sides. Here are some great options:

Pasta: Serve with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne for a classic pairing.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect side to soak up extra marinara sauce.
Salad: A fresh, crisp Caesar or mixed green salad is a great contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers make for a healthy and flavorful side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and freeze it before baking. Assemble the chicken with breadcrumbs, sauce, and cheese, then freeze it in an airtight container. When ready to bake, cook it from frozen at 375°F for 30–40 minutes.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

You can substitute crushed crackers, cornflakes, or panko breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can use provolone, fontina, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Related Recipes

Eggplant Parmesan: A vegetarian take on the classic Chicken Parmesan using crispy breaded eggplant.
Chicken Piccata: Another Italian chicken dish featuring a lemony, caper-infused sauce.
Chicken Marsala: A rich and flavorful dish made with chicken, mushrooms, and Marsala wine.

Conclusion

This Chicken Parmesan Recipe perfectly combines crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner at home or a special family gathering, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences and flavor twists. So, what are you waiting for? Please get in the kitchen and enjoy this classic comfort food at its finest!