Chicken Parmesan Recipe

If you’ve ever longed for the ultimate comfort food that delivers golden crunch, savory red sauce, and luscious cheese on perfectly tender chicken, you are in the right place! Chicken Parmesan is pure joy on a plate—rustic Italian-American magic that turns even an ordinary weeknight into something deliciously memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s beautiful about Chicken Parmesan is that you probably have most of these ingredients on hand, but each one plays a starring role—ensuring every element from the crust to the gooey cheese layer shines in the finished dish.

• Chicken breasts: Pound them thin for even cooking and maximum juiciness in every bite.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning matters! This brightens up all the other flavors.
• Eggs: Act as the “glue” that helps the crisp breading stick firmly to the chicken.
• Panko bread crumbs: These extra-crispy Japanese-style crumbs are the secret to that crave-worthy crunch.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Flavor-packed and nutty, it’s blended into the breading and sprinkled on top—don’t skimp!
• All-purpose flour: Just a light dusting helps everything else cling and browns beautifully.
• Olive oil: Used for shallow frying and drizzle; it lends both flavor and a golden edge.
• Prepared tomato sauce: Go for a good-quality jarred sauce or homemade for extra richness.
• Fresh mozzarella: Cut into small cubes, it turns beautifully bubbly and stringy as it bakes.
• Fresh basil: Brings a burst of color and adds a fresh, aromatic layer to the finished dish.
• Grated provolone cheese: Melts into a rich, savory layer for that signature Chicken Parmesan cheese pull.

Variations

The beauty of homemade Chicken Parmesan is its flexibility—you can tweak, swap, or jazz it up to suit your mood or dietary needs. Here are a few fun ways to mix things up!

• Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan: Simply use gluten-free panko and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your tomato sauce or bread crumbs for a bit of heat.
• Lean & Green: Substitute turkey cutlets or thin eggplant slices for chicken if you’re after a lighter or vegetarian meal.
• Pesto Twist: Swap basil for a dollop of pesto under the cheese layer for a herby upgrade.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken

Start by getting all your ingredients ready and preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place your chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap or inside resealable freezer bags, then gently pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This helps them cook quickly and evenly, so you get tender, juicy results every time—and it’s oddly therapeutic!

Step 2: Season and Coat

Generously season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper on both sides. Sift flour over each piece so it’s lightly coated—this is what helps the egg wash stick. Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl, and in a separate bowl, mix panko with half the grated Parmesan. Dip each flour-dusted breast in egg, then press into the Parmesan-panko mixture, making sure every inch is coated in that irresistible crust.

Step 3: Let It Rest

After breading, let your chicken rest on a plate for 10-15 minutes. This quick pause gives the coating time to really adhere, so you don’t lose any during frying. It’s a minor step, but it makes a major difference in crispiness!

Step 4: Fry for Crunch

In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil over medium-high until shimmering. Fry each piece for about 2 minutes per side, just until gorgeously golden and crisp. No need to cook through here—the magic will finish in the oven.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Arrange your fried chicken pieces in a baking dish. Spoon tomato sauce over each, then layer with mozzarella cubes, a scatter of basil, and grated provolone. Finish each with the remaining Parmesan and a little drizzle of olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is gloriously melty and browned, and the chicken reads 165°F internally. The aroma is complete heaven!

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil leaves or a flurry of extra Parmesan right before serving instantly elevates your Chicken Parmesan and adds a pop of color. For a little zing, a final drizzle of fragrant olive oil is pure bliss.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with a twirl of spaghetti or your favorite pasta tossed with extra tomato sauce. For a lighter touch, pair your Chicken Parmesan with a crisp Caesar salad, simple sautéed greens, or roasted vegetables—each option makes the meal feel wonderfully complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Chicken Parmesan into a crowd-pleasing sandwich by tucking a cutlet into a crusty roll with sauce and cheese, or slice it over a bed of garlicky sautéed spinach for a low-carb twist. Arrange individual portions on small platters with basil sprigs and cherry tomatoes for an elegant dinner party vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Chicken Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the chicken cool to room temperature before packing it away to keep it from getting soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled Chicken Parmesan on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags or containers and store for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without basil or fresh garnishes—add those after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 15 minutes or until hot and bubbly, then uncover for a few more minutes to re-crisp the top. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven restores the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope this Chicken Parmesan recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Whether you serve it for family, friends, or just a cozy night in, you’re guaranteed smiles all around—so don’t hesitate, give it a try!

Print