Chicken Parmesan

Name: Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or GF flour); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 large eggs (beaten until frothy); 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded or grated); 2 Tbsp light olive oil (to sauté); 3 cups marinara sauce (divided); 4 oz mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded); 1 Tbsp fresh basil or parsley (chopped for optional garnish)

Jack

Update : February 6, 2026

Plate of Chicken Parmesan with crispy chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese

Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. With its crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it is a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or casual weeknight meals. Not only is it delicious, but it also combines simple ingredients, making it easy for anyone to prepare.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts (large, about 1 1/2 lbs)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or GF flour)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs (beaten until frothy)
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded or grated)
2 Tbsp light olive oil (to sauté)
3 cups marinara sauce (divided)
4 oz mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded)
1 Tbsp fresh basil (or parsley, chopped for optional garnish)

Directions:

Prepare the chicken – Trim the chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise to create 4 equal-thickness cutlets. If needed, pound larger chicken breasts to 1/3-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
Set up dredging station – In one shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the 2 eggs until frothy. In a third bowl, combine 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs with 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
Breading the chicken – Dip both sides of each chicken cutlet into the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip them in the beaten eggs, letting any excess egg drip off, and then coat in the cheesy breadcrumbs, pressing down to ensure an even coating. Let the breaded cutlets sit for 5 minutes.
Pan-fry – Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches (do not overcrowd the pan). Sauté for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown but not fully cooked through.
Assemble and bake – Pour half of the marinara sauce into a 9×13 casserole dish. Arrange the chicken in a single layer over the sauce. Top each cutlet with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered at 425˚F for 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches a safe 165˚F, while the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan

Serve Chicken Parmesan hot right out of the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a side of spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. You can also offer extra marinara sauce on the side for added flavor.

How to Store Chicken Parmesan

To store leftover Chicken Parmesan, let it cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven until heated through or microwave individual portions.

Tips to Make Chicken Parmesan

For a lighter version, you can bake the breaded chicken in the oven instead of pan-frying. Coat with a little olive oil spray and bake until crispy.
Use fresh ingredients when possible to enhance the flavors, especially in the marinara sauce.
Feel free to tweak the cheese used for topping; a mix of mozzarella and provolone can add a unique touch.

Variation

You can easily add vegetables to Chicken Parmesan by incorporating spinach or mushrooms into the marinara sauce. Additionally, using grilled chicken instead of breaded and fried can create a healthier alternative.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They will stay juicier and add more flavor to the dish.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for the breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free bread crumbs, or you can make your own by processing gluten-free bread into crumbs.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge before cooking. You can also assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. Just extend the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.