Chicken Parmesan is a timeless favorite that delivers crispy, golden breaded chicken topped with savory marinara and gooey melted mozzarella.

This recipe walks you through perfectly breading, frying, and baking chicken breasts for a deliciously satisfying meal everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and golden crust — perfectly crunchy outside and juicy inside.

Simple layering — with fresh mozzarella and savory marinara sauce.

Made from scratch — easy steps for impressive restaurant-style flavor.

Family-friendly dinner — classic comfort food everyone enjoys.

Ready in under an hour — perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts — tender and quick to cook.

Italian Panko breadcrumbs — extra crunchy texture.

Parmesan and mozzarella cheese — savory and melty cheese layers.

Fresh basil — bright herbal finish.

Garlic, flour, and eggs — for perfect breading.

Marinara sauce — rich and tangy tomato topping.

Oil for frying — to get that crispy golden crust.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Pound chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

Pat chicken dry to help breading adhere better.

Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying — maintain crispy crust.

Use fresh mozzarella slices for creamy melting on top.

Bake just until cheese bubbles—avoid overcooking chicken.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat oven to 425°F. Slice chicken breasts thinly or pound to ½ inch thickness.

Pat dry, then season all sides with salt, pepper, and half the garlic powder.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Set up three shallow dishes: flour mixed with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; beaten eggs mixed with minced garlic and optional hot sauce; and Italian Panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and half the Parmesan cheese.

Dredge chicken in flour, then dip into eggs, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture.

Place breaded chicken in a baking dish.

Step 3: Pan Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Fry chicken breasts in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy but not cooked through.

Drain on paper towels and transfer to a baking sheet.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast.

Add a thick slice of fresh mozzarella (or shredded mozzarella) on top, then sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake for about 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

What to Serve It With

Spaghetti or your favorite pasta tossed in olive oil or extra marinara sauce.

Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread.

A crisp Caesar salad or simple mixed greens with vinaigrette.

Roasted or steamed vegetables for a lighter side.

Variations / Substitutions

Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.

Swap marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce for heat.

Add sliced mushrooms or sautéed spinach under the cheese for extra veggies.

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary needs.

Broil for the last 2 minutes for extra bubbly cheese.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crispy.

Avoid microwave reheating to prevent sogginess.

Freeze cooked chicken parmesan (without sauce and cheese) for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat before adding sauce and cheese.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks well.

Is it necessary to pan-fry before baking?
Pan-frying helps create a crispy crust and richer flavor, but you can skip this step and bake directly for a lighter, less oily version.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying and baking.

What if I don’t have fresh mozzarella?
Shredded mozzarella is a great substitute—just sprinkle it evenly on top of the chicken before baking.

How do I keep the breading crispy after baking?
Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying, and for leftovers, reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness instead of the microwave.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs as substitutes to make the dish gluten-free.

What side dishes pair well with chicken parmesan?
Serve with spaghetti, a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This chicken parmesan recipe brings classic Italian-American comfort right to your table.

With its crispy breading, rich marinara, and melty cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite go-to for weeknights and special occasions alike.

Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, it’s a dish that pleases every crowd.