Crispy & Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Crispy breaded chicken parmesan has been my secret weekend comfort meal for years.

Layers of golden-brown chicken nestle beneath rich marinara and melted cheese.

Restaurants charge premium prices for this classic Italian-American dish, but homemade versions taste far superior.

Authentic ingredients make all the difference when crafting this crowd-pleasing entree.

Simple techniques help you achieve restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

Precise seasoning and careful coating techniques guarantee a perfectly crunchy exterior with tender meat inside.

Master this recipe, and you’ll impress everyone at the dinner table.

Chicken Parmesan That’s Crispy and Saucy

• Breeze Through Weeknight Dinners: This chicken parmesan transforms a complex restaurant dish into an easy home-cooked meal anyone can master in under 30 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Kids and adults alike will devour this crispy, cheesy chicken that delivers restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
• Family-Friendly Meal Prep: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy parents wanting a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over pasta, alongside a fresh salad, or with roasted vegetables to create a complete meal that adapts to your family's preferences and dietary needs.

Chicken Parmesan Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Breast: Tender meat at the heart of the dish, look for fresh, boneless, and skinless cuts.
• Eggs: Helps breading stick perfectly to the chicken, ensures crispy coating.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates first dry layer for breading, helps other ingredients adhere.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy exterior texture, choose plain or Italian-style.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory flavor to breading, use freshly grated for best taste.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle garlic flavor to breading.
• Oregano: Brings Mediterranean herb notes to the coating.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps fry chicken with golden color, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Butter: Adds rich taste during frying, enhances browning.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides classic Italian sauce base, select good quality jarred or homemade.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creates gooey cheese layer.
• Fresh Basil: Optional garnish with bright, fresh herb flavor.

Chicken Parmesan Cooking Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F.

This will ensure a perfect baking environment for your chicken.

Step 2: Create Breading Stations

• First dish: Flour
• Second dish: Beaten eggs
• Third dish: Breadcrumb mixture with:
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Coat The Chicken

• First, dredge in flour and shake off any excess
• Next, dip into the beaten eggs
• Finally, generously coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture

Step 4: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat a large skillet with a combination of olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Fry the chicken breasts until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, cooking about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the golden chicken to a baking dish and generously spread marinara sauce over each piece.

Sprinkle a blanket of shredded mozzarella on top.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese becomes wonderfully melted and bubbly, and the chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

For a final touch of freshness, scatter some torn fresh basil leaves over the top before serving.

Chicken Parmesan – Classic Cooking Tips

• Experiment with panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness or add ground nuts for a unique texture and flavor boost.
• Use a wire rack when baking to allow air circulation and keep the chicken crisp on all sides, avoiding moisture buildup.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Choose a high-quality marinara with robust flavor, or make your own from scratch for a more authentic and fresh taste profile.

Store Chicken Parmesan the Smart Way

• Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen chicken parmesan can maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• If in a hurry, reheat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overcooking and maintaining crispy breading.

Chicken Parm Matches Made Easy

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, savory flavors of chicken parmesan, cutting through the cheesy, tomato-based sauce with its tannic structure.
• Serve with Garlic Herb Pasta: Create a simple side of linguine or spaghetti tossed with olive oil, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan to soak up the marinara sauce and add textural contrast.
• Classic Italian Salad Companion: Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with red wine vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onions to balance the heavy, breaded chicken and provide a fresh, light element to the meal.
• Crusty Bread Pairing: Offer warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to help diners soak up extra marinara sauce and add a delightful crunch that complements the crispy chicken coating.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe Adjustments

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use cornstarch as an alternative dredging agent for a crispy coating.
• Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan: Swap chicken breasts with thick-sliced eggplant, following the same breading and baking method. Use plant-based mozzarella for dairy-free option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken Parmesan: Skip traditional breading and coat chicken with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Top with extra cheese and serve alongside roasted cauliflower.
• Mediterranean-Style Chicken: Replace marinara with sun-dried tomato sauce, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with oregano and fresh parsley for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

• What makes the breading crispy and flavorful?

The combination of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings like garlic powder and oregano creates a perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating that adds incredible texture and taste to the chicken.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses to customize the flavor and create your own unique version of chicken Parmesan.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safely cooked through while remaining juicy and tender.

• Is it necessary to use both flour and eggs in the breading process?

Yes, the flour helps the egg wash stick to the chicken, and the egg wash helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere perfectly, creating a more consistent and crispy coating that seals in the chicken’s moisture.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken parmesan delivers a classic Italian-American comfort dish with golden-brown perfection. Melted cheese, tangy marinara, and herb-crusted chicken create a mouthwatering experience that will delight your senses and satisfy your dinner cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare culinary workspace by heating oven to 400°F, ensuring precise temperature for optimal cooking results.
2. Meticulously season chicken breasts with aromatic herb blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, and oregano, creating a robust flavor profile.
3. Construct a three-tier breading ensemble: first station with flour, second with whisked eggs, third combining breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan for a crispy exterior.
4. Methodically coat each chicken piece by first dusting with flour, then immersing in egg wash, and finally encrusting with seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
5. Warm olive oil in a capacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden-brown crust by pan-frying chicken approximately 4-5 minutes per side until exterior achieves a crisp, enticing texture.
6. Transfer golden chicken to a paper towel to absorb excess oil, then arrange in a baking vessel with a foundational layer of marinara sauce.
7. Lavishly drape chicken with additional marinara, ensuring complete sauce coverage for moisture retention.
8. Generously crown each chicken piece with melting mozzarella and a delicate sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a rich, indulgent finish.
9. Dispatch prepared dish into preheated oven, allowing 20 minutes of baking until cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden canopy.
10. Optional: Embellish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant presentation, and accompany with pasta, garlic bread, or crisp green salad to complete the meal.

Notes

• Experiment with different breadcrumb types like panko for extra crispiness and lighter texture.
• Pound chicken breasts to even thickness before breading to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• For gluten-free version, substitute wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Reduce oil absorption by using a wire rack after frying to let excess oil drip off, maintaining crispy coating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 150mg