Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a delicious combination of crispy, breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melty cheese. The tender chicken is coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, then baked to golden perfection, and topped with a rich, tangy marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be paired with a variety of sides for a complete meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Topping:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare the Breading Station:
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts. Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage since it will bake later. Transfer the fried chicken to the prepared baking sheet.

Assemble the Chicken Parmesan:

Add the Marinara Sauce:
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, spreading it evenly.
Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake the Chicken Parmesan:

Bake:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C).
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

To Serve:

Serve with Sides:
- Chicken Parmesan is traditionally served with spaghetti, but you can also serve it with other pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Use eggplant slices instead of chicken for a vegetarian take on Chicken Parmesan. Simply bread and bake the eggplant before topping it with sauce and cheese.
Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or the breadcrumb mixture to give the dish a little heat.
Use Different Cheese: Try adding provolone, gouda, or fontina cheese along with mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Chicken Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze individual portions of the chicken after baking. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Reheating: To reheat leftovers, warm them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will give you a juicier result.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Just assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make Chicken Parmesan gluten-free. You can also use a gluten-free flour for the breading station.

4. How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Be sure to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken as you bread it. Also, frying the chicken before baking helps the breading stick better.

5. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Chicken Parmesan is done when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and golden.

6. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly in this recipe, though homemade marinara will add extra flavor.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can use different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or mozzarella blends. Just keep in mind that mozzarella gives the best melt for this dish.

8. Can I skip the frying step?

Yes, if you’re short on time or prefer a lighter version, you can skip frying and bake the breaded chicken directly in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes before adding the sauce and cheese.

9. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the marinara sauce to boost the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

10. How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some on top of the chicken for an extra kick.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is a timeless, comforting dish that’s full of flavor and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a cozy meal, this recipe delivers crispy, cheesy, and satisfying results. With its juicy chicken, savory marinara, and melty cheese, Chicken Parmesan will quickly become a family favorite that everyone will love!