If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and crispy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender chicken cutlets breaded to golden perfection, topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, making it a true classic everyone loves. The best part is how simple the ingredients and steps are, so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home without the fuss. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and essential, each lending its unique contribution to the irresistible flavor, texture, and appearance of the dish. From the crispy breadcrumb coating to the luscious cheese melt and fresh herbs, they combine to create the perfect harmony in this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs): The star protein; tender and mild, perfect for layering flavors.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Provides the crunchy, golden crust that makes each bite delightful.
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty richness to the breading.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with subtle, aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a mix of herbs that complement the tomato and cheese beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the dish perfectly.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a bit of spicy brightness to each bite.
- 1 egg: Helps the coating stick firmly to the chicken for that perfect crust.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: The first layer to ensure the breading clings nicely.
- ¼ cup cooking oil: For frying the chicken to a crispy, golden brown finish.
- ½ cup marinara sauce: Rich, slightly tangy tomato sauce that keeps the dish moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistibly gooey top.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herbal pop of color and flavor at the end.
How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts lengthwise into thin cutlets—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. If you’re short on time, pre-cut chicken cutlets are a great shortcut. Taking care at this stage sets a solid foundation for juicy and tender results.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Lightly season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This seasoning layer is critical because it ensures every bite has a burst of flavor, not just the crispy crust or sauce.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked egg, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. First, dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off the excess. Next, coat it thoroughly in the egg mixture to help the breadcrumbs stick. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture on all sides until evenly coated for that irresistible crunch.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat your cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken and cook the first side until it turns a golden brown, about 5 minutes. This step locks in moisture and creates that signature crispy shell that everyone loves.
Step 5: Top and Finish Cooking
Flip the chicken over and reduce the heat to medium. Spoon 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each cutlet and sprinkle with ¼ cup shredded mozzarella. Cover the skillet with a lid to let the cheese melt, the sauce warm, and the chicken finish cooking through evenly, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve your chicken parmesan hot, ideally paired with spaghetti tossed in extra marinara sauce. Enjoy the comforting combination of textures and flavors that make this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe a standout.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley isn’t just pretty—it adds a subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of cheese and sauce. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and complexity.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic spaghetti, garlic bread, or a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli bring color and a healthy crunch to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stacking the chicken on a bed of creamy polenta or using it to top a generous serving of zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal. You can also bake it in individual ramekins layered with sauce and cheese for an elegant presentation that feels special but remains easy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken parmesan keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its texture, store the chicken separately from the sauce if possible, and add sauce fresh when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken parmesan for up to 2 months. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly and melted again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crispy. A quick sear in a skillet with a lid can help revive that fresh-fried texture as an alternative.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and provide extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
Is it necessary to use marinara sauce or can I substitute?
Marinara sauce is classic for this recipe because of its bright tomato flavor, but you can use any tomato-based sauce you love, such as a spicier arrabbiata or a chunky garden vegetable sauce for a twist.
How do I make my chicken extra crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs or adding a bit of cornmeal to the breadcrumb mix can increase crispiness. Also, making sure the oil is hot enough before frying and not overcrowding the pan helps keep the crust crunchy.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Just be sure to check labels on other ingredients like marinara sauce to be certain.
What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?
Mozzarella is the traditional choice because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, but you can mix in provolone or fontina for a more complex cheese flavor without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is one of those feel-good meals that never goes out of style. It pairs simple ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver a dish that’s both impressive and approachable. I can’t wait for you to try making this at home—to enjoy the crispy, cheesy, comforting goodness that makes chicken parmesan such a family favorite. Trust me, it’s a winner every time!
Print
Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender, juicy chicken cutlets breaded with a flavorful mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. The cutlets are pan-fried to golden perfection, then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Breading
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Coating
- 1 egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Cooking
- ¼ cup cooking oil
Topping
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully filet each chicken breast lengthwise into two thin cutlets, yielding a total of four cutlets. Alternatively, use pre-cut chicken cutlets for convenience.
- Season Chicken: Lightly season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Bread Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In separate shallow bowls, place the flour and beaten egg. Dredge each chicken cutlet first in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip it into the egg, ensuring full coverage, and finally coat well with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently for adherence.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Add the breaded chicken cutlets and cook on the first side until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Top and Finish: Flip the chicken, reduce the heat to medium, spoon 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce over each cutlet, and sprinkle with ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese and warm the sauce, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot alongside spaghetti or your preferred side with extra marinara sauce.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- You can bake the chicken cutlets in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of pan-frying for a lighter version.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will yield the best flavor compared to pre-grated.
- This dish pairs well with spaghetti, salad, or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
