Crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese come together in this easy chicken Parmesan recipe.
The chicken is coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan, pan fried until golden, then finished in the oven with marinara and melted cheese.
The result is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with classic Italian American flavors.
Serve it over spaghetti, alongside a simple salad, or with garlic bread for a comforting family dinner.
This homemade chicken Parmesan is also simple enough for a weeknight while feeling special enough for a weekend meal.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan
- Crispy and cheesy: Golden breaded chicken is covered with melted cheese.
- Full of flavor: Garlic, herbs, Parmesan, and marinara create a classic combination.
- Easy to make: The preparation is straightforward.
- Family friendly: A great option for both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Serve with pasta, vegetables, salad, or bread.
- Perfect for leftovers: The chicken reheats well.
- Great for entertaining: Easy to prepare for a group.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Breading
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Cooking
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
How to Make Chicken Parmesan
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Lightly grease a large baking dish or oven safe skillet.
Set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
Gently pound the chicken until it has an even thickness.
This helps the chicken cook evenly.
If the chicken breasts are particularly large, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Set Up the Breading Station
Place flour in one shallow bowl.
In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
In a third bowl, combine:
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
Mix thoroughly.
4. Bread the Chicken
Coat each chicken cutlet in flour.
Shake off the excess.
Dip it into the egg mixture.
Allow the excess egg to drip away.
Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture.
Make sure both sides are well coated.
Place the breaded chicken on a clean plate.
5. Heat the Oil
Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium to medium high heat.
The oil should be hot enough to make the breadcrumbs sizzle when the chicken is added.
6. Cook the Chicken
Place the breaded chicken into the skillet.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until the coating becomes golden brown.
The chicken doesn’t need to be completely cooked through yet because it will finish cooking in the oven.
Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cook in batches if necessary.
7. Add the Marinara
Transfer the browned chicken to the prepared baking dish if you’re not using an oven safe skillet.
Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken.
Don’t completely drown the crispy coating.
A moderate amount of sauce helps preserve some of the crunch.
8. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella over the chicken.
Add Parmesan on top.
Use enough cheese to create a generous melted layer.
9. Bake
Place the chicken in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
The cheese should be melted and bubbling.
The chicken should reach a safe internal temperature.
For the most reliable check, use a food thermometer.
10. Finish and Serve
Remove the chicken Parmesan from the oven.
Let it rest briefly.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan
Pound the Chicken Evenly
Uniform chicken cutlets cook more evenly and help prevent dry edges.
Don’t Skip the Parmesan in the Breading
Parmesan adds savory flavor and helps create a more flavorful crust.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Fresh Parmesan melts and tastes better than many shelf stable alternatives.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Crowding reduces the temperature of the oil and can prevent the breading from becoming crisp.
Cook in batches if necessary.
Don’t Add Too Much Sauce
Too much marinara can soften the crispy coating.
Use enough sauce to provide flavor while leaving some of the breading exposed.
Finish Under the Broiler
If you want a deeply golden cheese topping, briefly place the chicken under the broiler at the end.
Watch it closely because cheese can brown quickly.
What Chicken Is Best for Chicken Parmesan?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the traditional choice.
However, chicken thighs can also work.
Chicken breasts are particularly convenient because they can be sliced into thin, even cutlets.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Yes.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are flavorful and naturally juicy.
Because they are shaped differently from chicken breasts, cooking time may vary.
Use a thermometer to confirm they are fully cooked.
Can I Use Store Bought Marinara?
Absolutely.
A good quality jarred marinara makes this recipe much faster.
You can also use homemade marinara if you prefer.
How to Make Homemade Marinara
For a quick homemade sauce, combine:
- Crushed tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- A small amount of sugar if needed
Simmer until the flavors come together.
Can I Bake the Chicken Instead of Frying It?
Yes.
For a lighter preparation, place the breaded chicken on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Spray or brush the breading lightly with olive oil.
Bake until golden and cooked through.
Add marinara and cheese near the end of cooking.
The crust won’t be exactly the same as pan fried chicken Parmesan, but it will still be delicious.
Can I Make Chicken Parmesan Without Frying?
Yes.
The baked version is an excellent option.
To encourage browning, place the breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken.
Best Cheese for Chicken Parmesan
Mozzarella is the classic choice.
You can also use:
- Fresh mozzarella
- Low moisture mozzarella
- Provolone
- Parmesan
- Pecorino Romano
For a classic combination, use mozzarella with Parmesan.
What Pasta Goes With Chicken Parmesan?
Spaghetti is the most popular choice.
Other options include:
- Linguine
- Fettuccine
- Penne
- Rigatoni
- Angel hair
- Bucatini
Toss the pasta with marinara sauce and serve the chicken Parmesan alongside or on top.
Chicken Parmesan Variations
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Skip the pan frying and bake the breaded chicken until crisp.
Top with marinara and cheese before finishing in the oven.
Spicy Chicken Parmesan
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or marinara sauce.
Garlic Chicken Parmesan
Add extra garlic powder to the breading.
You can also serve it with garlic butter bread.
Pesto Chicken Parmesan
Add a thin layer of pesto underneath the mozzarella.
The basil flavor works particularly well with chicken and Parmesan.
Mozzarella and Provolone Chicken Parmesan
Combine mozzarella and provolone for a richer cheese topping.
Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
Place the finished chicken Parmesan inside a toasted Italian roll.
Add extra marinara and melted mozzarella.
Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
Cut the cooked chicken into pieces and combine it with pasta, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Bake until bubbling.
What to Serve With Chicken Parmesan
Spaghetti
The classic choice.
Serve the chicken alongside spaghetti tossed with marinara sauce.
Garlic Bread
Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra marinara.
Caesar Salad
The crisp lettuce and creamy dressing provide a nice contrast to the rich chicken.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus make simple vegetable sides.
Green Salad
A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish.
Garlic Breadsticks
Serve warm breadsticks alongside the chicken for a complete Italian American dinner.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Ahead of Time
You can prepare the chicken and breading ahead of time.
Bread the chicken and store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
For the best texture, cook the chicken relatively close to serving time.
You can also prepare the marinara sauce in advance.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Parmesan
Allow leftovers to cool appropriately.
Place the chicken in an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator and use within a few days.
Keep pasta separate when possible.
How to Reheat Chicken Parmesan
For the crispiest result, reheat chicken Parmesan in the oven or air fryer.
Avoid relying entirely on the microwave because it can soften the breading.
Heat until the center is thoroughly warmed.
Can You Freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Yes.
For best results, freeze the breaded cooked chicken without adding the marinara and cheese.
When ready to eat, thaw safely, warm the chicken, add marinara and cheese, and finish in the oven.
You can also freeze fully assembled portions, although the breading may become softer after thawing.
Why Is My Chicken Parmesan Soggy?
The most common reasons are:
- Too much marinara sauce
- The chicken wasn’t crisp enough before adding sauce
- The dish was covered while baking
- Excess moisture in the chicken
- The breading wasn’t cooked properly
Allow the breading to become golden before adding the sauce.
Why Is My Breading Falling Off?
Make sure the chicken is dry before breading.
Follow the order:
Flour → Egg → Breadcrumbs
Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken.
After breading, allow the chicken to sit for several minutes before frying.
How Do I Keep Chicken Parmesan Crispy?
Cook the breaded chicken until deeply golden before adding marinara.
Use a moderate amount of sauce.
You can also place the chicken on a wire rack after baking so steam doesn’t soften the bottom crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chicken Parmesan?
Chicken Parmesan is a breaded chicken dish topped with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Is chicken Parmesan Italian?
Chicken Parmesan is strongly associated with Italian American cuisine. It is inspired by Italian dishes such as eggplant Parmesan but developed into the chicken version commonly served in the United States and other countries.
What should I serve with chicken Parmesan?
Spaghetti, garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, and green salad are all excellent choices.
Can I use store bought marinara?
Yes. A good quality jarred marinara is a convenient option.
Can I bake chicken Parmesan?
Yes. Baking is a simple alternative to pan frying.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used.
What cheese is best for chicken Parmesan?
Mozzarella and Parmesan provide the classic combination.
Why is my chicken Parmesan soggy?
Too much sauce or insufficiently crisp breading can cause the chicken to become soggy.
Can I make chicken Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the chicken, marinara, and cheese separately and assemble closer to serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze chicken Parmesan?
Yes. It can be frozen, although the breading may soften somewhat after thawing.
Can I make chicken Parmesan without breadcrumbs?
Yes, but the finished texture will be different. Breadcrumbs create the characteristic crispy coating.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes. Use gluten free flour and gluten free breadcrumbs.
Can I make chicken Parmesan in an air fryer?
Yes. Breaded chicken can be cooked in an air fryer until golden and fully cooked, then topped with marinara and cheese and returned briefly to melt the cheese.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition will vary depending on the chicken size, amount of oil, breadcrumbs, cheese, marinara, and serving size.
For accurate nutritional information, calculate the recipe using the exact ingredients and brands you use.
Final Thoughts
This easy chicken Parmesan combines everything you want in a comforting dinner: crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara, melted mozzarella, and plenty of Parmesan.
Serve it over spaghetti for a classic Italian American meal, or pair it with a fresh salad and garlic bread for something a little lighter.
The recipe is also easy to customize.
You can bake the chicken instead of frying it, add pesto or red pepper flakes, or turn leftovers into a delicious chicken Parmesan sandwich.
Once you learn the basic method, this is an easy recipe to keep in your regular dinner rotation.
Recipe Card
Easy Chicken Parmesan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Breading:
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Cooking:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Topping:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Set up separate bowls for flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumb mixture.
- Coat each chicken piece in flour.
- Dip into the egg mixture.
- Coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Cook chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish if necessary.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes.
- Check that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve with spaghetti, salad, or garlic bread.
Food safety note: Chicken should be cooked to a safe internal temperature. A food thermometer is the most reliable way to check.