Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Irresistible Homemade Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crispy, golden chicken parmesan brings comfort to every dinner table with its irresistible blend of flavors.

The classic chicken parmesan recipe delivers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that dance on your palate.

Tender chicken breasts receive a generous coating of seasoned breadcrumbs, creating a delightful crunch with every bite.

Melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese blanket the chicken in a rich, gooey layer that screams indulgence.

Tangy marinara sauce adds a vibrant burst of Italian-inspired goodness to this beloved dish.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top provide a final touch of aromatic freshness.

Dive into this mouthwatering meal that promises to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 560 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything You’ll Need For Chicken Parmesan Recipe

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein foundation that creates the heart of the dish, choose fresh, evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking and optimal texture.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance the chicken's natural flavors and provide foundational taste profile.
For Breading and Coating:
  • Flour: Creates a dry base layer that helps eggs and breadcrumbs adhere perfectly to the chicken's surface.
  • Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help breadcrumb mixture stick securely to the chicken.
  • Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Combine to form a crispy, flavorful exterior that adds complexity and crunch to the chicken.
For Cooking and Finishing:
  • Vegetable Oil: Enables even, golden-brown frying that develops a crisp exterior.
  • Marinara Sauce: Provides moisture and rich tomato flavor that complements the chicken.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty toppings that create a decadent, golden crust and add creamy, tangy notes.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright garnish that introduces fresh herbal aroma and visual appeal.

Tools To Help Make Chicken Parmesan Recipe

  • Large skillet: Essential for frying chicken until golden and crispy.
  • Baking dish (9×13 inch): Perfect for assembling and baking the chicken parmesan.
  • Shallow bowls (3): Needed for creating the breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin: Great for pounding chicken to an even thickness.
  • Tongs: Helpful for safely turning chicken while frying.
  • Paper towel-lined plate: Useful for draining excess oil from fried chicken.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures accurate sauce and ingredient measurements.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Step-By-Step Guide To Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Step-By-Step Guide To Chicken Parmesan Recipe
  • Chicken Prep

Grab your chicken breasts and get ready to transform them into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, ensuring a tender and juicy result. Season with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper for that perfect flavor kick.

  • Breading Magic

Create a delicious armor for your chicken by setting up three magical stations. First, a layer of flour to help the coating stick. Next, a bath of beaten eggs to create a silky base. Finally, a crunchy mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and aromatic seasonings that will make your taste buds dance.

  • Golden Frying

Heat up a skillet with a splash of oil and watch the magic happen. Carefully slide the breaded chicken into the pan, letting it sizzle to a gorgeous golden brown. Each side gets a turn, creating a crispy exterior that’ll make everyone at the table eager to dig in.

  • Cheesy Baking Finale

Spread a layer of rich marinara sauce in a baking dish, creating a vibrant bed for your chicken. Nestle the crispy chicken pieces into the sauce, then shower them with a blanket of melty mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Pop it in the oven and let the cheese transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.

  • Serving Celebration

Pull out your most gorgeous serving platter and present your chicken parmesan like the star it is. Scatter some fresh basil on top for a burst of color and freshness. Pair with twirly spaghetti or a crisp green salad, and get ready for a dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Helpful Tips To Boost Chicken Parmesan Recipe Flavor

  • Crispy Coating Secrets: For an extra crunchy exterior, let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying. This helps the breading stick better and creates a more golden, crisp texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken up to the breading stage earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply fry and bake as directed for a convenient meal prep option.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use cornstarch as a substitute for flour in the dredging process for a crispy, celiac-friendly version.
  • Healthier Baking Hack: Skip the frying and bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray to achieve a crispy texture with less oil. This method cuts down on calories while maintaining great flavor and crunch.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast. Use plant-based milk in the egg wash to create a completely dairy-free chicken Parmesan that's just as delicious as the original.

Serving Chicken Parmesan Recipe Made Easy

  • Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this crispy chicken parmesan with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
  • Salad Companion: Create a fresh side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy chicken.
  • Pasta Perfection: Serve over al dente spaghetti or linguine, twirling the pasta to catch every drop of sauce and creating a classic Italian-style meal that will delight your taste buds.
  • Wine Pairing Elegance: Complement the dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir, which will enhance the savory flavors of the chicken and tomato sauce.

How To Store Chicken Parmesan Recipe The Right Way

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and food safety.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy breading. Microwave works faster but might soften the crust, so oven is recommended for best texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap each chicken piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen chicken parmesan remains delicious for 23 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken breasts in advance and store uncooked breaded cutlets between parchment paper layers. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for future quick meals. Cook directly from refrigerated or thawed state for convenient weeknight dinners.
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Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

This classic chicken parmesan recipe delivers Italian-American comfort at its finest. Crispy breaded chicken nestles under marinara and melted cheese, promising a satisfying meal that connects home cooks with traditional flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
  • 2 eggs, large, beaten
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
  • ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ¼ cup (60 ml or 2 fl oz) vegetable oil, for frying
  • 2 cups (500 ml or 16 fl oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Cooked spaghetti or favorite pasta (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Station: Establish three distinct breading zones with seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and a blend of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs. Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
  2. Breading Technique: Coat chicken pieces methodically by first dusting with flour, dipping in egg, and then firmly pressing into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture to create a robust exterior.
  3. Searing Process: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken pieces until they transform into crispy, amber-hued delicacies, about 2-3 minutes per side, then drain on paper towels.
  4. Baking Composition: Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Spread marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish, arrange crisp chicken pieces, and completely cover with additional sauce.
  5. Cheese Finale: Lavish chicken with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts into a bubbling, golden masterpiece and chicken reaches 165F (74C) internal temperature.
  6. Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately alongside spaghetti or a crisp green salad, creating a visually stunning and delectable meal.

Notes

  • Pound Precisely: Tenderize chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry or tough meat edges.
  • Breading Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crispy coating that adheres during frying and baking.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat while frying to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the breading or undercooking chicken.
  • Cheese Melting Mastery: Allow cheese to bubble and brown slightly for maximum flavor development and attractive presentation without overcooking the chicken.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 560
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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