Name: Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I make this Chicken Parmesan when I crave a comforting, classic Italian-American dish with crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and always feels like a special meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines crispy texture with gooey, melty cheese and savory marinara sauce. The chicken turns out golden on the outside and juicy on the inside. I also appreciate that I can serve it over pasta, with a side salad, or even in a sandwich. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
I pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season both sides with salt and pepper.
I set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.
I dredge each piece of chicken in flour, dip it into the eggs, and then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
I transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish.
I spoon marinara sauce over each piece and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
I bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
I garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 50 minutes

Variations

I sometimes bake the breaded chicken instead of frying it by placing it on a greased baking sheet and spraying the tops lightly with cooking spray before baking until crispy. When I want extra flavor, I mix a little garlic powder and dried oregano into the breadcrumb mixture. For a lighter version, I serve it over zucchini noodles instead of pasta. I also enjoy making Chicken Parmesan sandwiches with toasted rolls.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes to keep the coating crisp. If I’m in a hurry, I use the microwave, though the crust softens slightly. I avoid freezing after adding sauce and cheese, but I sometimes freeze the cooked breaded chicken separately for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I just make sure they are trimmed and pounded evenly so they cook at the same rate.

What’s the best marinara sauce to use?

I use my favorite store-bought marinara or homemade sauce. A thick, flavorful sauce works best so it doesn’t make the coating soggy.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I sometimes bread the chicken ahead and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before cooking. I also fully assemble it and refrigerate briefly before baking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

I find Chicken Parmesan to be one of the most comforting and dependable meals I can make. The crispy coating, rich marinara, and melted cheese create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whenever I want a classic dish that feels both hearty and satisfying, this recipe is the one I turn to.