Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian-American classic that combines tender, breaded chicken breasts with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese.
Each piece of chicken is typically coated in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then pan-fried or baked until golden brown.
The cooked chicken is smothered in a savory tomato-based marinara sauce, layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and baked until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Parmesan
If you love crispy, cheesy, and saucy comfort food, this Chicken Parmesan will become a favorite! Juicy, golden-breaded chicken is topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, then baked to perfection. It’s a high-protein, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for special occasions.
This dish is crispy yet tender, packed with Italian flavors, and pairs perfectly with pasta, salad, or roasted veggies. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a delicious, satisfying, and classic recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
Chicken Parmesan
Description
The dish is usually served over a bed of pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
The combination of crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese creates a symphony of textures and flavors that appeal to all ages.
Chicken Parmesan is perfect for weeknight dinners, special family gatherings, or casual entertaining. Its comforting taste and beautiful presentation make it a staple in Italian-American households and restaurants alike.
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring crispy breaded chicken cutlets, topped with tangy marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Serve it over pasta, zucchini noodles, or alongside a fresh salad for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Butterfly and pound chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
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Bread the Chicken:
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Set up three bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and a mix of breadcrumbs & grated Parmesan cheese in the last.
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Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then coat in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix, pressing gently to adhere.
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Pan-Fry for Crispiness:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook each chicken piece for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
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Bake with Marinara & Cheese:
- Place fried chicken in a baking dish.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve & Garnish:
Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve hot!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Sodium 650mg28%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 42g84%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks
- Get Extra Crispy Chicken
- Use Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- For extra crispiness, toast the breadcrumbs in olive oil before coating the chicken.
- Use High-Quality Marinara
- A good-quality marinara sauce makes all the difference! Go for a homemade version or a premium store-bought brand.
- Cheese Matters
- Fresh mozzarella creates a gooier texture, while shredded mozzarella melts evenly. A mix of both is best!
- Make It Spicy
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Pair with the Right Sides
- Serve with spaghetti, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Caesar salad.
- For a low-carb option, try it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Make It Ahead
- Bread the chicken in advance and store in the fridge for a quick weeknight meal.
- Freeze uncooked breaded chicken for up to 2 months. Cook straight from frozen (just add a few extra minutes).
Variations
Chicken Parmesan can be customized in many ways. For a lighter option, you can bake the breaded chicken instead of frying it. Some recipes incorporate herbs like basil or oregano into the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
Mozzarella can be substituted with provolone or fontina, and the dish can also be made using chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
For a low-carb version, you can replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Additionally, Chicken Parmesan can be served as a sandwich on a hoagie roll, creating a delicious Chicken Parmesan sub.
Storage
To store Chicken Parmesan, allow it to cool completely after cooking. It can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When reheating, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to prevent the chicken from drying out. For longer storage, Chicken Parmesan can be frozen for up to 2–3 months.
Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat frozen portions in the oven for best results; microwaving may cause the chicken to become soggy.
If making ahead for meal prep, consider storing the sauce separately from the chicken and adding cheese only during reheating to maintain the best texture. Proper storage ensures that the flavors remain intact and the chicken stays tender and flavorful for future meals.
Conclution:
Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a timeless classic that beautifully blends Italian and American culinary traditions.
This beloved dish features tender, breaded chicken breasts, fried to a golden crisp, then layered with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Baked until bubbling and aromatic, Chicken Parmesan offers a satisfying harmony of textures and flavors—crispy, cheesy, tangy, and savory all in one bite.
One of the reasons Chicken Parmesan remains a favorite across generations is its comforting nature. Whether served over a bed of spaghetti, with a side of garlic bread, or in a hearty sandwich, it consistently delivers a restaurant-quality experience at home.
It's a dish that’s both impressive and approachable, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, or family gatherings. Additionally, it’s highly customizable: you can lighten it up with baked chicken instead of fried, add extra spices to the sauce, or even turn it into a casserole or slider for a fun twist.
Nutritionally, while traditional Chicken Parmesan can be rich, it can also be made healthier by using whole wheat breadcrumbs, low-fat cheese, and baking instead of frying. This makes it versatile for a range of dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
In conclusion, Chicken Parmesan is more than just a meal—it's a celebration of comfort, flavor, and tradition. Its combination of crispy chicken, zesty tomato sauce, and gooey cheese makes it irresistible to many.
Whether you're preparing it from scratch or using shortcuts for a quicker meal, this dish never fails to satisfy.
It's no wonder Chicken Parmesan has earned its place as a staple in countless homes and restaurants alike. With its crowd-pleasing appeal and adaptability, it’s a recipe worth mastering and revisiting time and time again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! To bake, place breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, before adding sauce and cheese.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan without breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Use crushed pork rinds, almond flour, or grated Parmesan for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
