Crispy Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. This dish offers the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and cheesy flavors, making it a favorite for family dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- A rich marinara sauce adds a savory depth of flavor.
- Melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese create a deliciously gooey topping.
- It pairs well with pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables.
- A great option for meal prep, as it reheats well.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
- Salt and pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Italian breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Marinara sauce
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Baked Instead of Fried: Skip frying and bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes before adding sauce and cheese.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook the breaded chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat and add sauce before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Avoid adding too much sauce before baking, and serve immediately after cooking for the crispiest texture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well but may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
Italian-style breadcrumbs provide the best flavor, but panko breadcrumbs add extra crispiness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking.
What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan?
It pairs well with spaghetti, garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely. Use your favorite brand or make homemade marinara for a fresher taste.
How do I prevent soggy chicken?
Let excess sauce drain off before baking, and place the chicken on a wire rack instead of directly on a baking dish.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the cheese entirely.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
No, but you can make it keto-friendly by using almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
Crispy Chicken Parmesan is a comforting, flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it with pasta or a light salad, its crispy texture and cheesy topping make it a family favorite. Try the variations to customize it to your taste, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal.
Print
- Total Time: : 35 minute
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crispy Chicken Parmesan is golden, crunchy, and topped with marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella. It’s the perfect combination of crispy breaded chicken and rich Italian flavors, served over pasta or with a side salad for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare breading: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a third.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge each piece in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Add sauce & cheese: Transfer chicken to a baking dish, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake on a wire rack.
- Serve with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.
- Use store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Cours
- Method: Baked & Pan-Fried