Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a beloved Italian-American classic featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Served over pasta or on its own, this hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts
salt
black pepper
all-purpose flour
eggs
Italian-style breadcrumbs
grated Parmesan cheese
olive oil
marinara sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese
fresh basil (optional)
spaghetti or pasta of choice (optional for serving)

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with foil.

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat with a breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.

Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then top with mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve over cooked spaghetti or pasta.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use provolone cheese instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.
Add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms under the sauce.
Make it spicy with crushed red pepper in the breadcrumb mixture.
Serve in a hoagie roll for a Chicken Parmesan sandwich.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the breading crispy.
To freeze, cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay juicy.

Is it necessary to fry the chicken first?
Frying adds crispiness, but you can bake the breaded chicken for a lighter version.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely, just choose a quality brand for best results.

Can I prep this in advance?
Yes, bread the chicken ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for an easy substitution.

Do I need to cover it while baking?
No, bake uncovered to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.

Can I make it without eggs?
Dip the chicken in milk or a mayo-water mixture as an alternative binder.

Why is my breading falling off?
Make sure to press the crumbs onto the chicken well and don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.

What pasta goes best with Chicken Parmesan?
Spaghetti is traditional, but penne, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles work great.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, just cool it completely before freezing and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan is a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for guests. With its crispy coating, savory sauce, and gooey cheese, it brings Italian-inspired comfort to your table every time.