Crispy and Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Recipe for Easy Italian Nights
If you’re dreaming of a meal that’s crispy, cheesy, and downright irresistible, this chicken parmesan recipe has you covered. Perfectly breaded chicken breasts, pan-fried to golden perfection, are smothered in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, creating a dish that’s pure comfort food. And the best part? It’s so simple to make, you’ll feel like an Italian chef in no time!
I first tried making this quick and easy chicken parmesan on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became a family favorite. The crispy crust and gooey cheese had everyone raving, and I couldn’t believe how easy it was to pull off. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is always a hit—and the leftovers might be even better!
Your Grocery List
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (sliced or shredded)
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Marinara sauce
- Fresh basil (optional for garnish)
The Secret to Crispy Breaded Chicken
The secret to perfect chicken parmesan is all in the breading. Using a three-step process—flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs—creates a crust that’s flavorful and crispy. Be sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to get an even coating.
Adding parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs takes the flavor up a notch. And don’t forget to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker and more even cooking.
Tips for Frying and Baking
Frying the chicken in olive oil gives it that restaurant-quality crispiness, but the magic happens in the oven. Once fried, the chicken is topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella, then baked just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This keeps the crust crisp while infusing the dish with cheesy, saucy goodness. For an extra golden top, you can broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking—just keep an eye on it!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover chicken parmesan is a gift that keeps on giving. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Want to freeze it? Assemble the dish without baking, then freeze in a freezer-safe container. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 20 minutes to the cooking time, but watch closely.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is a great base for creativity. Swap regular breadcrumbs for panko for an ultra-crispy crust, or use a spicy marinara to add some heat. Want to lighten it up? Skip the frying and bake the breaded chicken at 400°F until golden, then continue with the recipe. Pair it with spaghetti for a classic combo, or serve with roasted vegetables or a green salad for a lighter option.
Additional Tips
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Nutrition: Approximately 520 calories per serving
Drink pairing: Pair with a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a refreshing sparkling Italian soda.
Dessert pairing: End your meal with a decadent tiramisu or a light and creamy panna cotta.
Crispy and Cheesy Chicken Parmesan
Equipment
- Shallow bowls
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (sliced or shredded)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness if needed, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast first in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere the coating.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Arrange the fried chicken in the baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
