Name: Crispy Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise to make 4 cutlets); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup bread crumbs (Italian seasoned or panko); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying); 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Pasta, for serving (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers the perfect combination of textures and flavors—crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and savory tomato sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal made easily at home, and it pairs beautifully with spaghetti or garlic bread for a complete dinner.

Ingredients

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

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
All-purpose flour
Eggs
Bread crumbs (Italian seasoned or panko)
Parmesan cheese, grated
Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
Marinara sauce
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper
Pasta, for serving (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season with salt and pepper.
Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in a mixture of bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Transfer to a baking dish.
Spoon marinara sauce over each cutlet, then top with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and chicken is fully cooked.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with pasta or salad.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Extra Crispy: Use panko bread crumbs for a crunchier texture.
Healthier Option: Bake instead of pan-frying the chicken.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara or breading.
Cheese Lover’s Version: Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the coating crispy.
Freezing is possible before adding sauce and cheese; bake directly from frozen when ready.

FAQs

Can I make Crispy Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.

What’s the best pasta to serve with it?

Spaghetti is classic, but penne, linguine, or even garlic bread works well.

Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?

Yes, bake breaded chicken cutlets at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

What type of cheese works best?

Mozzarella for meltiness, Parmesan for flavor, and provolone if you want extra richness.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Pat chicken dry before dredging and press the coating firmly onto the chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work great, though cooking time may vary.

Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?

Yes, freeze breaded chicken before adding sauce and cheese for best results.

How do I know the chicken is cooked?

It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought works, but homemade adds a fresher flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

Crispy Chicken Parmesan is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish with the perfect mix of crunchy breading, gooey cheese, and savory marinara. Whether served for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s a hearty favorite that never disappoints.