I still remember the first time I made chicken parmesan from scratch. I was convinced it would be complicated, but after that first bite—crispy, golden chicken smothered in marinara and bubbling melted cheese—I knew I had found a go-to weeknight dinner. This easy chicken parmesan delivers all the classic flavors without the fuss, making it perfect for busy nights.
With just a few simple steps, you’ll have crispy breaded chicken cutlets topped with rich tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. Serve it over pasta, alongside garlic bread, or with a fresh salad for a meal that feels straight out of an Italian restaurant.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love crispy, cheesy, saucy chicken, this is the ultimate comfort food. It’s simple, satisfying, and easy to make at home—no need for takeout.
- Crispy, Golden Chicken – A perfect breading locks in the juices while giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
- Rich Marinara Sauce – The combination of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates deep, bold flavors.
- Perfectly Melted Cheese – Mozzarella and parmesan blend together for a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Quick and Easy – With just a few simple steps, this meal comes together in under 40 minutes.
- Pairs with Everything – Serve it with pasta, a crisp salad, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
The Secret to the Best Chicken Parmesan
Getting that crispy, golden crust without it turning soggy is all about technique. The secret? A combination of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in the coating.
It creates the perfect crunch and helps the breading stick. Lightly frying before baking locks in the crispiness while keeping the chicken juicy.
Key Ingredients for an Irresistible Chicken Parmesan
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Pounded thin for even cooking and the perfect crispy bite.
- Breadcrumbs – A mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs gives the best texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – Mixed into the breading for a deeper, savory flavor.
- Marinara Sauce – A rich, tomato-based sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melts into a bubbly, golden topping.
- Eggs & Flour – Helps the breading stick for that crispy crust.
How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan
This recipe is all about crispy breading, rich marinara, and perfectly melted cheese. Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the Chicken – Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for better cooking.
- Bread the Chicken – Dip each piece in flour, then egg, then coat in a parmesan-breadcrumb mixture.
- Lightly Fry for Crispiness – Pan-fry the breaded chicken in a bit of oil until golden brown.
- Top with Marinara & Cheese – Place the crispy chicken in a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce on top, and sprinkle with mozzarella and extra parmesan.
- Bake Until Bubbling – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve & Enjoy – Pair with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Every bite is crispy, saucy, and full of cheesy goodness!
What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan pairs well with pasta, fresh vegetables, and classic Italian sides.
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti with Marinara | A classic pairing that soaks up the extra sauce. |
| Garlic Bread | Crunchy, buttery, and perfect for dipping. |
| Caesar Salad | A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich chicken. |
| Roasted Broccoli | A healthy, slightly charred side that balances the flavors. |
| Buttery Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and rich, perfect for a comforting meal. |
| Zucchini Noodles | A low-carb alternative that still holds the sauce well. |
| Sautéed Spinach | A quick, healthy side that adds a hint of freshness. |
Storage & Reheating Tips
Chicken parmesan stores well and reheats beautifully—just follow these tips to keep it crispy.
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How to Store Leftovers
- Let the chicken cool completely before storing.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months—store the sauce separately for better texture.
How to Reheat Chicken Parmesan
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until crispy and hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding sauce at the end.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for the best crispiness.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan
To make sure your chicken turns out crispy and full of flavor, follow these easy tips.
- Pound the chicken evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying to help the coating stick.
- Don’t drown it in sauce—too much marinara will make the breading soggy.
- Broil for the last 2 minutes to get that golden, bubbly cheese topping.
FAQs About Easy Chicken Parmesan
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes before adding the marinara and cheese.
2. Can I use store-bought marinara?
Absolutely! Just choose one with rich, natural ingredients for the best flavor.
3. Can I make chicken parmesan ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will be juicier but may take a few extra minutes to cook.
5. What’s the best cheese for chicken parmesan?
Mozzarella for meltiness, parmesan for flavor, and a sprinkle of provolone for extra depth!
Easy Chicken Parmesan
Equipment
- Skillet For frying the breaded chicken cutlets
- Baking Dish For baking the chicken with marinara and cheese
- Mixing Bowls For breading the chicken
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Set up a breading station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of panko and parmesan in a third.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each breaded chicken breast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, and enjoy with pasta or salad.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!