Few dishes are as universally beloved as Classic Chicken Parmesan. Golden, crispy breaded chicken cutlets, smothered in rich marinara sauce, blanketed with melted mozzarella and parmesan — it’s the kind of comforting, satisfying meal that never goes out of style. Whether served over spaghetti, paired with salad, or layered inside a toasted sub roll, chicken parmesan delivers bold Italian-American flavors in every bite.

This recipe is designed to help you make restaurant-quality chicken parmesan at home without complication. The key lies in three essential steps: perfectly breaded chicken, high-quality marinara sauce, and a mix of cheese that melts beautifully while adding flavor and texture. When these components come together, the result is a crispy, cheesy masterpiece that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Italian restaurant.

Below, we’ll walk through the ingredients, methods, tips, variations, and serving ideas — everything you need to make the best Chicken Parmesan of your life.

What Makes This Chicken Parmesan Truly Classic

1. Perfectly Crispy Chicken Cutlets

Lightly breaded chicken fried to a golden crunch is the heart of this recipe. The chicken stays juicy while the coating provides satisfying texture.

2. The Ideal Cheese Combination

Mozzarella melts into gooey perfection, while parmesan adds salt, nuttiness, and color once broiled.

3. Flavor-Packed Marinara

A good marinara turns chicken parmesan from basic to unforgettable. Use homemade or a high-quality jarred sauce.

4. A Quick Broil at the End

This step creates the bubbly, browned cheese top that makes chicken parmesan visually irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts, halved horizontally
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned recommended)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• Olive oil for frying

For Assembling

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil for garnish

Optional Serving

• Cooked spaghetti
• Extra marinara

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up Breading Stations
   – Bowl 1: Flour
   – Bowl 2: Eggs whisked with water
   – Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, and dried basil
3. Bread the Chicken
   Coat each cutlet in flour, then dip in egg, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture.
4. Pan-Fry
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken cutlets until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble the Chicken Parmesan
   Spread a thin layer of marinara in a baking dish. Add chicken cutlets. Top each with remaining marinara, mozzarella, and parmesan.
6. Bake
   Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
7. Broil
   Broil 1–2 minutes until cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
8. Serve
   Garnish with fresh basil. Serve with spaghetti or a green salad.

Classic Chicken Parmesan

Crispy breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara, melted mozzarella, and parmesan for the ultimate Italian-American comfort dish.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 620

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 2 breasts chicken breasts halved horizontally
• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp water
• 1.5 cups breadcrumbs Italian seasoned
• 0.5 cup parmesan grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp pepper
• olive oil for frying

Assembly

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1.5 cups mozzarella shredded
• 0.25 cup parmesan grated
• fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

• Skillet
• Baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Oven

Method

 

1. Slice chicken breasts horizontally to make 4 cutlets. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Prepare three bowls: flour; beaten eggs with water; breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan, garlic powder, and basil.
3. Dredge cutlets in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs.
4. Pan-fry chicken in olive oil until golden and crispy.
5. Spread marinara in a baking dish and place chicken on top.
6. Cover with more marinara, mozzarella, and parmesan.
7. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
8. Broil 1–2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.

Notes

Serve over spaghetti for a classic presentation.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan

Pound Cutlets Evenly

Even thickness = even cooking.

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Pre-grated cheeses don’t melt as smoothly or taste as intense.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Crispiness requires space and hot oil.

Broiling Is Essential

That golden top makes all the difference.

Variations

Baked Chicken Parmesan (No Frying)

Bread chicken, spray generously with oil, bake at 425°F until crisp, then assemble.

Chicken Parmesan Subs

Place finished chicken parmesan inside toasted hoagie rolls with extra sauce.

Spicy Chicken Parmesan

Add red pepper flakes to your marinara.

Low-Carb Version

Use almond flour and pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic spaghetti
• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Buttered noodles
• Polenta

Fun Facts About Chicken Parmesan

• It originates from Italian-American cuisine, not Italy.
• It evolved from “Melanzane alla Parmigiana,” the eggplant-based dish.
• It’s now one of the most popular Italian-style dishes in the U.S.