Chicken Parmesan Recipe (Crispy, Juicy & Cheesy)

Oh, you are in for a treat! This chicken parmesan recipe is crispy, cheesy, and downright delicious. It’s like a warm hug in every bite.

I’ve made this dish so many times, and let me tell you—it never gets old. The crispy chicken, the rich tomato sauce, and all that melty cheese? Pure comfort food magic.

The best part? You don’t need fancy skills to make it. Just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

So, let’s get started! Grab your ingredients, and let’s make the best chicken parmesan you’ve ever had. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Crispy & Juicy: A golden-brown crust locks in moisture while keeping the chicken tender.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: This recipe rivals the best Italian restaurants but is simple to make.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make extra and reheat for quick, delicious meals.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Swap ingredients or tweak the seasonings for your preferred flavors.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes 4 servings. If you need more, simply double the ingredients.

Difficulty Level

Beginner-friendly with simple steps. If you’re new to breading chicken, take your time for an even coating.

Required Kitchen Tools

To achieve the perfect Chicken Parmesan, make sure you have the following tools:

• Meat Mallet – To pound the chicken for even cooking.
• Shallow Bowls – For dredging the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
• Large Skillet – For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
• Baking Dish – To bake the chicken with sauce and cheese.
• Tongs – For flipping the chicken while frying.
• Paper Towels – To drain excess oil after frying.
• Oven & Stovetop – Essential for cooking this dish to perfection.

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crispy, cheesy dish:

• Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless, and pounded to even thickness.
• Breadcrumbs – Use plain or Italian-style for extra flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the coating.
• Garlic Powder – Enhances the seasoning with a subtle garlicky kick.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian flavors.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning every layer.
• Egg – Helps the breading stick to the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour – Creates a base for the crispy coating.
• Cooking Oil – For frying; use vegetable or olive oil for best results.
• Marinara Sauce – Choose a high-quality sauce or make your own.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded for even melting.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional) – A garnish that adds a fresh touch.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Follow these steps to make crispy, golden Chicken Parmesan with gooey melted cheese.

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This ensures even cooking.
2. Season the Chicken: Lightly season both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

Prepare three shallow bowls for the breading process:

• Bowl 1: Add all-purpose flour (this helps the egg stick).
• Bowl 2: Whisk the egg with a splash of water (helps the breadcrumbs adhere).
• Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning (creates the crispy, flavorful crust).

3. Bread the Chicken

1. Dredge in Flour: Coat each piece of chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Dip in Egg Mixture: Submerge the floured chicken into the egg wash, making sure it’s evenly coated.
3. Coat with Breadcrumb Mixture: Press the chicken into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix, ensuring a thick, even coating.

4. Pan-Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat ¼ cup cooking oil over medium-high heat.
2. Fry the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

5. Assemble & Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Add the Chicken: Place the crispy chicken on top of the sauce.
4. Top with More Sauce & Cheese: Spoon additional marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over each piece.
5. Bake Until Melted: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan

This classic dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:

• Over Pasta: Serve with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne tossed in marinara or garlic butter sauce.
• With Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery garlic bread helps scoop up the extra sauce.
• On a Sandwich: Make a Chicken Parmesan sub by placing the crispy chicken on a toasted hoagie roll with extra cheese.
• Alongside a Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli for a lighter side.

Variations for Chicken Parmesan

Want to switch things up? Here are some ways to customize your Chicken Parmesan:

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an even crunchier crust, swap traditional breadcrumbs with panko.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
• Use Different Cheese: Instead of mozzarella, try provolone, fontina, or a mix of Italian cheeses.
• Make it Low-Carb: Skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
• Air Fryer Option: Instead of frying in oil, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Parmesan

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed.
• Microwave: Use short intervals (30 seconds at a time) to prevent sogginess.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.
• Don’t Skip the Flour: The flour layer helps the egg stick, which makes the breadcrumbs adhere better.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
• Let the Chicken Rest Before Baking: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it crispy.
• Don’t Overdo the Sauce: Too much sauce can make the breading soggy—just a light layer works best.
• Broil for Extra Crispiness: For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450-500 kcal
Protein	45g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	8g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g
Sodium	700mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and vary based on ingredients used.

Chicken Parmesan FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Bread and fry the chicken in advance, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, add sauce and cheese and bake.

How do I keep Chicken Parmesan crispy?

Avoid adding too much sauce before baking. Also, let it rest on a wire rack instead of directly on a plate after frying.

Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?

Yes! Freeze breaded (uncooked) chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes before adding sauce and cheese.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is a comforting, crispy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served over pasta, on a sandwich, or with roasted veggies, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. Try it today, and enjoy a satisfying, homemade meal!