There is something effortlessly comforting about a classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe that makes it a beloved favorite for so many. Picture tender, golden-breaded chicken cutlets layered with rich marinara sauce, fresh basil, and ooey-gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese—baked to bubbly perfection. This dish not only delivers a perfect harmony of flavors but also offers a wonderful blend of textures, from the crisp crust to the succulent chicken inside. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a cozy night in, this Chicken Parmesan Recipe is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Chicken Parmesan Recipe. Each ingredient here is simple but absolutely crucial—they bring bright flavors, crisp textures, and that irresistible cheesy finish.
- 2 large chicken breasts (butterflied): Using butterflied breasts ensures quick, even cooking with tender results.
- Salt and pepper: The basic seasoning that enhances every element of the dish.
- 2 eggs: Helps the breadcrumb coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs: Adds a herby, flavorful crust for that classic crunch.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Gives an extra crispy texture to the breading.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts nuttiness and seasoning in the coating and topping.
- ¼ cup olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and infusing subtle richness with garlic.
- 1 tbsp minced garlic: Aromatic and bold, setting a savory foundation.
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced): Adds freshness and a bright herbal note to the final bake.
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (sliced): Melts beautifully for that signature gooey layer.
- Spaghetti and crusty bread (for serving): Perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices.
- 26 oz. jar marinara sauce: Brings vibrant tomato flavor that ties the whole dish together.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s ready when your chicken is good to go. Cut each large chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four thin cutlets. This technique allows the chicken to cook quickly and evenly, which means juicy meat inside with a crispy crust outside—exactly what a top-notch Chicken Parmesan Recipe demands.
Step 2: Pound and Season
Place each chicken cutlet between two layers of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re about ¼-½ inch thick and even. This step is critical for tenderness and consistency. Then season both sides liberally with salt and pepper to build foundational flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth—that’s your glue for the breading. In another bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, panko, and three-quarters of your grated Parmesan cheese for a crust that tastes as amazing as it looks.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic and Chicken
Warm the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Add minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes; this infuses the oil with savory goodness. Coat each chicken piece first in the eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully covered. Lay the cutlets in the skillet with a bit of space between and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until almost cooked through and gorgeously golden brown.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Bake
Remove the chicken briefly and turn off the heat. Pour half the marinara sauce into the skillet, scraping up those flavorful browned garlic bits at the bottom. Nestle the chicken back into the sauce, topping each piece with a spoonful of sauce, two slices of mozzarella, the leftover grated Parmesan, and fresh basil. Slide the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted, slightly browned, and bubbling with joy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, serve the Chicken Parmesan over a bed of spaghetti to soak up every last bit of saucy, cheesy goodness. Add slices of crusty bread on the side to mop up the extra sauce. This step turns a simple meal into an irresistible feast, making your Chicken Parmesan Recipe the star of any dinner table.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a lovely green contrast and a hint of herbal brightness that lifts the dish. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil at the end can also enhance richness and provide a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
Classic spaghetti tossed in extra marinara sauce is always a winning side, but consider roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the Chicken Parmesan Recipe. Crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for soaking up sauce and completing the meal elegantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken cutlets layered over zoodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. You could also transform the recipe into a hearty sandwich with toasted ciabatta and extra mozzarella for a mouthwatering handheld treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the crust from getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Chicken Parmesan Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to two months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes to revive the crispiness of the crust and melt the cheese back to that perfect gooeyness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the breading soft.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before butterflying and pounding them. This ensures even cooking and the best texture for your Chicken Parmesan Recipe.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute with extra Italian breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers for a different but still delicious crunch. Panko simply adds an extra airy crispness that’s lovely but not mandatory.
Is it necessary to use an oven-safe skillet?
Using an oven-safe skillet streamlines the process by allowing you to go straight from stovetop to oven without transferring the chicken. If you don’t have one, cook the chicken in a regular skillet and bake in a separate baking dish instead.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives and ensure your marinara sauce and other ingredients do not contain gluten. This adaptation keeps the meal just as tasty.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Pounding the chicken even in thickness, cooking it until just done, and finishing it in the oven with sauce and cheese helps keep the chicken moist and tender throughout.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Chicken Parmesan Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s straightforward, impressive, and heartwarmingly delicious. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the magic of homemade Chicken Parmesan with family or good friends. You’re going to love every moment of it.
Print
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A classic Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring crispy, golden-breaded chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection and served over spaghetti. This dish is a comforting Italian-American favorite that combines tender chicken with flavorful herbs and cheeses.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 2 large chicken breasts (butterflied)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Cooking
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced)
- 26 oz. jar marinara sauce
- 8 oz. mozzarella cheese (sliced)
Serving
- Spaghetti, cooked according to package instructions
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled chicken Parmesan.
- Prepare Chicken Cutlets: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing them in half lengthwise, creating four thinner cutlets total.
- Pound Chicken: Place each chicken cutlet between two layers of plastic wrap and pound gently with a mallet until they are an even thickness of about ¼ to ½ inch.
- Season: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another shallow bowl, mix together the Italian breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, and ¾ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken cutlet first into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Sear Chicken: Place the breaded chicken cutlets into the hot oil and garlic mixture in the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and almost cooked through. Add more oil if necessary. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and turn off the heat.
- Add Sauce to Pan: Pour half of the marinara sauce into the bottom of the skillet, stirring to incorporate the brown bits and garlic left behind from searing for added flavor.
- Layer Chicken and Toppings: Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, placing them on top of the sauce. Spoon additional marinara over each cutlet, then top each with two slices of mozzarella cheese, the remaining grated Parmesan, and sprinkle with sliced fresh basil leaves.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown.
- Serve: Serve the chicken Parmesan hot over cooked spaghetti with crusty bread on the side. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
Notes
- Butterflying and pounding the chicken evenly ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the chicken in a regular skillet and then transfer to a baking dish for the oven step.
- To keep the breading crispy, avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying the chicken.
- Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and flavor; however, you can substitute with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
- Leftover chicken Parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
