Incredible Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Family Dinners

Crafting the ultimate chicken parmesan recipe brings pure comfort to your kitchen.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary with this classic Italian-American favorite.

Home cooks searching for a reliable crowd-pleaser will adore this straightforward approach.

Restaurant-quality results emerge without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Crispy, golden breaded chicken meets rich marinara sauce in a match made in culinary heaven.

Melted cheese creates an irresistible blanket of flavor that beckons everyone to the table.

One bite promises to transport you straight to a cozy trattoria in Italy.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular dish that guarantees smiles around your dinner table.

Common Questions About Easy Chicken Parmesan

• What makes this chicken Parmesan crispy and delicious?

The secret is the three-step breading process: flour for coating, eggs for binding, and seasoned breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Frying the chicken in olive oil creates a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.

• Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! You can use traditional, panko, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs. Each will give a slightly different texture, but the seasoning blend ensures great flavor every time.

• How do I know the chicken is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white and juicy on the inside, without any pink areas.

• Is it possible to make this recipe healthier?

Yes! You can bake the breaded chicken instead of frying, use less cheese, or substitute whole wheat breadcrumbs. These small changes can reduce calories while maintaining great taste.

Why Easy Chicken Parmesan Feels Like A Classic Favorite

• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious chicken parmesan in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: The step-by-step breading and frying technique ensures crispy, golden chicken every single time, even for novice home cooks with limited kitchen experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: This classic Italian-American dish appeals to both kids and adults, featuring familiar flavors and a satisfying combination of crunchy chicken, gooey cheese, and tangy marinara sauce.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily serve over pasta, alongside a fresh salad, or tucked into a sandwich – making it a flexible dinner solution that adapts to different preferences and hunger levels.

What To Use For Easy Chicken Parmesan

• Chicken Cutlets: The star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base for the classic Italian-American favorite. Choose fresh, evenly sized cutlets for consistent cooking.

• Flour, Salt, Pepper: Creates a light, seasoned base layer for the breading. All-purpose flour works best for a smooth coating.
• Eggs: Helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken, creating a crispy exterior. Fresh eggs ensure better adhesion.
• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Provides a flavorful, crunchy coating with a perfect blend of herbs and cheese. Panko breadcrumbs work great for extra crispiness.

• Olive Oil: Allows for even frying and adds a subtle richness to the chicken. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and traditional Italian-style flavor to the dish. Homemade or store-bought sauce works well.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creates a melty, golden topping that adds creaminess and depth of flavor. Fresh, high-quality cheeses make a difference.

Step By Step Instructions For Easy Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

• Flour station (seasoned with salt and pepper)
• Egg wash station (whisked eggs)
• Crispy coating station with: Breadcrumbs, Grated Parmesan cheese, Garlic powder, Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Create Crispy Chicken Magic

• First, roll each cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess
• Dive into the egg wash, ensuring complete coverage
• Press into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, creating a perfect golden coating

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat

Fry each cutlet for 3-4 minutes per side until it turns a gorgeous golden brown

Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil

Step 3: Build Cheesy Chicken Perfection

Crank up the oven to 400F (200C)

Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish

Carefully place your crispy chicken cutlets on the sauce

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a melted, bubbly blanket

Step 4: Serve with Love

Plate your chicken parmesan and watch eyes light up with excitement

Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you’re feeling extra fancy

Serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistible

Tips To Keep Easy Chicken Parmesan Crispy And Juicy

• Tenderize Wisely: Use plastic wrap when pounding chicken to prevent splattering and keep your workspace clean during the flattening process.
• Seasoning Secret: Mix extra herbs like basil or oregano into breadcrumbs for an intense flavor boost that elevates the traditional chicken parmesan taste.
• Crispy Coating Technique: Pat chicken completely dry before dredging to ensure the flour and breadcrumb layers stick perfectly and create a crunchier exterior.
• Temperature Control: Let chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to guarantee even heating and prevent tough, dry meat.
• Cheese Melting Hack: For ultimate cheese coverage, switch oven to broil during the last 2 minutes of baking to create a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping.

Storage Suggestions For Easy Chicken Parmesan

• Refrigerate leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions in aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain crispiness.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best results, which helps restore the crispy coating.
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy and tough.
• Freeze chicken parmesan for up to one month by placing in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date to track freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Discard any leftovers that have been stored for more than four days to ensure food safety.

What Goes Well With Easy Chicken Parmesan

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the cheese and complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Toasted garlic bread provides a crunchy texture that matches the golden-brown chicken and soaks up the delicious marinara sauce.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and balance to the hearty chicken parmesan, cutting through the heavy flavors.
• Match with Robust Red Drink: For red wine lovers, a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese offers a bold flavor that stands up to the cheesy, saucy chicken dish.

Tasty Twists On Easy Chicken Parmesan

• Mediterranean Marvel: Swap marinara for a zesty Greek-style tomato sauce with oregano, topped with crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella. Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin in the breadcrumb mix. Use pepper jack cheese and add a dollop of chipotle salsa on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a southwestern kick.
• Herb Garden Classic: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary into the breadcrumb coating. Use a blend of fontina and Parmesan cheese for a more complex flavor profile. Serve with a light herb-infused olive oil drizzle.
• Crispy Almond Crunch: Mix ground almonds with breadcrumbs for extra texture and nutty flavor. Use a lighter white wine-based sauce instead of marinara. Top with toasted sliced almonds for added crunch and elegance.

Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets classic Italian cuisine in this mouthwatering chicken parmesan that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to home kitchens. Crispy golden chicken topped with rich marinara and melted cheese promises a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners when you crave something deliciously familiar.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (to make 4 cutlets)

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Topping:

• 1 ½ cups (375 ml) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil (for frying)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Carefully flatten the chicken cutlets to ensure uniform thickness, using a meat mallet or rolling pin to create an even surface that promotes consistent cooking.
2. Prepare three separate shallow dishes for the coating process: the first containing seasoned flour, the second with whisked eggs, and the third mixing breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan, aromatic garlic powder, and fragrant Italian herbs.
3. Meticulously dredge each chicken piece through the flour, ensuring a light, even coating that will help the subsequent layers adhere perfectly.
4. Submerge the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, creating a tacky surface for the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Generously press the egg-coated chicken into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, rotating and patting to achieve a complete, crisp exterior.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating a shimmering surface that will transform the chicken into a golden, crunchy delight.
7. Carefully lower the breaded chicken into the hot oil, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until a rich, amber-brown crust develops.
8. Transfer the crispy cutlets to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain their crispness.
9. Preheat the oven to 400°F, preparing for the final transformative stage of the dish.
10. Spread a layer of robust marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation.
11. Arrange the golden-fried chicken cutlets atop the sauce, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
12. Generously sprinkle a blend of melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese over each chicken piece, creating a luxurious blanket of dairy goodness.
13. Bake for 10-15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a bubbling, golden-brown crust that signals culinary perfection.
14. Remove from the oven and let rest briefly, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly before serving.

Notes

• Achieving the perfect crispy coating starts with evenly pounded chicken cutlets to ensure uniform cooking and maximum crunch.
• Create a foolproof dredging technique by using one hand for dry ingredients and another for wet to prevent messy, clumpy fingers during breading.
• Maximize flavor absorption by letting the breaded chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before frying, allowing the coating to adhere more effectively and create a crispier exterior.
• Accommodate gluten-free diets by substituting regular breadcrumbs with almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs, maintaining the same delicious texture and golden-brown finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg