Description
Crispy, saucy, and cheesy—this Chicken Parmesan recipe is a classic Italian-American favorite. Tender chicken breasts are coated in breadcrumbs, fried to perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnishing)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. If they are thick, pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Set up a breading station:
- In one shallow dish, add the flour.
- In a second shallow dish, whisk the beaten eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the chicken:
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture.
- Coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres well.
- Fry the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and top with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Make ahead: You can bread the chicken earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Sauce choice: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara.
- Serving suggestions: Serve with pasta (like spaghetti or penne), roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
- Extra crisp: For an even crispier crust, use panko breadcrumbs and add a little olive oil spray before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking (with initial pan-frying)
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parm, Italian Chicken Recipe, Crispy Chicken, Cheese, Marinara, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food