Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe

There’s something about Chicken Parmesan that just feels like comfort on a plate. Crispy, cheesy, saucy, and satisfying — it’s one of those dishes that never fails to make everyone at the table happy. This recipe delivers that perfect restaurant-style experience right at home, inspired by the flavors of classic Italian-American cooking (and yes, it’s even better than Olive Garden’s version!).

With a golden Parmesan crust, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, this Chicken Parmesan is everything you love about Italian comfort food. It’s ready in under 40 minutes, can be made ahead, and reheats beautifully. Once you make it, it’s sure to become a go-to in your dinner rotation.

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⭐️ Reader Favorite

“I made this dish for my son-in-law’s birthday and everyone loved it! It was so easy but so delicious. I also used your homemade marinara — you’re right, it’s way better than the jarred kind!”
— Stephanie ★★★★★

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan

This recipe is simple, foolproof, and full of flavor. Tender chicken is coated in a Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pan-seared to golden perfection, then baked with marinara and mozzarella until bubbly and irresistible. It’s the perfect mix of crispy and cheesy in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting family for a cozy Italian meal, this dish always delivers.

What is Chicken Parmigiana?

Chicken Parmigiana, or Chicken Parmesan (affectionately called Chicken Parm in the U.S.), is a breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and cheese. It’s similar to Eggplant Parmesan or Meatball Parmesan — all classic Italian-American comfort dishes.

If you want to switch things up, you can even make a Stuffed Chicken Parmesan, where mozzarella is tucked inside the chicken before breading. But for this version, we’re keeping it classic.

Key Ingredients

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create this family favorite:

Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless breasts work best. You can also use chicken cutlets or tenders.
Breadcrumbs – Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs give great flavor. You can also use Panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs and mix in dried basil or oregano.
Eggs – Help the coating stick. Buttermilk is a good substitute for an egg-free option.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty crust that crisps beautifully.
Mozzarella Cheese – For that signature melty topping; use shredded or fresh slices.
Marinara Sauce – Homemade is best, but a good-quality store-bought sauce works when you’re short on time.
Fresh Herbs – Chopped parsley or basil add a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

1. Prepare the Chicken

Slice two large chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets. Place between plastic wrap and pound to about ⅓-inch thick for even cooking. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Set Up the Dredging Station

You’ll need three shallow bowls:

Flour Mixture: Combine flour, salt, and pepper.
Egg Mixture: Beat eggs until frothy.
Breadcrumb Mixture: Mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan.

Coat each piece of chicken in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes to help the coating stick.

3. Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat a large skillet with enough olive oil to lightly cover the bottom. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked through — it will finish in the oven.

4. Assemble and Bake

Spread half the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay the chicken in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon the remaining marinara over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Bake uncovered at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

💡 Pro Tip for Extra Crispiness

If you prefer an extra-crispy crust, skip the sauce layer at the bottom of the baking dish. You can also bake the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet — it helps air circulate around the coating and keeps it crunchy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Parmesan over:

Spaghetti or fettuccine tossed with butter or olive oil
Garlic bread or Caesar salad for a complete Italian-style dinner
Or make it a Chicken Parm sandwich by serving it on toasted rolls with extra sauce and cheese!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is fantastic for meal prep — the breading helps seal in moisture, so the chicken stays juicy even after reheating.

To prep ahead: Bread and sauté the chicken, top with marinara and cheese, then refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes of baking time when ready to serve.
To store leftovers: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
To reheat: Thaw overnight if frozen, then bake at 375°F until warmed through and crispy on top.

Baked Chicken Parmesan (No Frying)

To make a lighter version, skip the frying step:

After breading the chicken, coat both sides with cooking spray.
Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
Top with marinara and cheese, then bake another 3–5 minutes until melted.

You’ll still get a crisp crust without the extra oil!

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs)
½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup Italian breadcrumbs (or Panko)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 cups marinara sauce, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella (about 4 oz)
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

Prep Chicken: Slice and pound chicken to even thickness; season with salt and pepper.

Dredge: Coat each cutlet in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture.
Fry: Heat olive oil and cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
Bake: Layer marinara and chicken in a baking dish, top with sauce and mozzarella. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with basil or parsley and enjoy!

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 502 | Protein: 44g | Carbs: 33g | Fat: 21g

Chicken Parmesan is one of those dishes that proves simple ingredients can create something truly special. With its crispy crust, melted cheese, and flavorful sauce, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again — whether for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy Sunday dinner with family.