If you have ever yearned for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together without a fuss, this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is exactly what you need. Crispy, golden breaded chicken cutlets smothered in savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese create a heavenly combination that feels both classic and fresh. This recipe captures all the signature flavors of traditional Chicken Parmesan while keeping the steps straightforward enough for weeknights or casual weekend treats. From the perfect breading mix to the melty cheese finish, this dish is destined to become one of your all-time favorites, effortlessly satisfying both family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is key to making this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe a breeze. Each component plays an important role, from providing the crispy crust to the rich, cheesy topping and vibrant sauce. Together, these ingredients ensure every bite bursts with flavor and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, perfect for slicing into even cutlets that cook quickly and evenly.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy coating that crisps up beautifully in the skillet.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty depth that blends perfectly with the breadcrumbs.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the breading with warm, aromatic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties together the Mediterranean notes.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Basics that enhance all other flavors.
- Egg: Acts as the adhesive that holds the breading on the chicken.
- All-purpose flour: Provides a dry base layer that helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick better.
- Cooking oil: Essential for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- Marinara sauce: Brings bright tomatoes and spice, balancing richness and adding moisture.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly on top for that irresistible, gooey finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of fresh color and a light herbal note for garnish.
How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast lengthwise to create thin cutlets; this helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly, giving you that ideal tender bite. If time is tight, pre-cut chicken cutlets from the store work just as well.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Lightly sprinkle salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder on both sides of each cutlet. This seasoning layer infuses the chicken with flavor even before the breading step, ensuring every bite is tasty through and through.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Prepare three shallow bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked egg, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. First, dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off the excess. Then dunk it into the egg mixture, coating completely, and finally press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture. This thorough breading process creates that golden, crispy crust that is signature to chicken Parmesan.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When the oil shimmers hot, lay the breaded chicken in without crowding the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes on the first side until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown—resisting the urge to flip too soon helps develop that perfect crispiness.
Step 5: Top and Finish Cooking
Flip the cutlets over, reduce the heat to medium, then spoon marinara sauce evenly on top of each piece. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce and cover the skillet with a lid. This gentle steaming melts the cheese smoothly while warming the sauce and finishing the cooking process gently over 5 to 7 minutes, resulting in melty, delightful perfection.
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked through, remove the lid and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for that burst of color and subtle freshness. Serve these beauties alongside spaghetti or your favorite pasta, with extra marinara on the side for dipping or drizzling. Your Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a lively herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and tangy tomato sauce. For extra flair, consider a few freshly grated Parmesan shavings or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic spaghetti tossed in olive oil or marinara sauce. If you want to keep things lighter, try serving alongside a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables to add freshness and crunch that complements the savory chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer the chicken Parmesan on toasted garlic bread for a hearty open-faced sandwich. Alternatively, slice the cutlets thinly and serve atop a bed of creamy risotto or polenta for an elegant touch. These ideas turn the Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe into versatile, memorable meals perfect for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken Parmesan keeps well when refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the chicken to room temperature before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken Parmesan for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag or container. This lets you enjoy your favorite dish even on a busy night with minimal prep.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the crust soggy instead of crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful twist. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free all-purpose flour to maintain the crispy coating without any gluten.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can bake the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Finish with sauce and cheese under the broiler until melted.
What marinara sauce is best for this recipe?
Choose a marinara sauce with a fresh, balanced tomato flavor without too much sweetness. Homemade or high-quality store-bought options both work great—just pick one that you love.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can bread the chicken cutlets a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook. This saves time when you’re preparing an easy weeknight dinner.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe brings a wonderful blend of simplicity and irresistible flavor to your kitchen that everyone will appreciate. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, it’s the kind of dish that fills the room with warmth and joy. Give it a try, and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness right at home.
Print
Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A classic Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring breaded and pan-fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This quick and flavorful Italian-American dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, ready in just 22 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Breading:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- â…“ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Coating:
- 1 egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Cooking:
- ¼ cup cooking oil
Topping:
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Use a sharp knife to carefully filet the chicken breasts lengthwise into two cutlets each, making a total of 4 thinner cutlets. Alternatively, you can use pre-cut chicken cutlets to save time.
- Season Chicken: Lightly season both sides of each chicken cutlet with a pinch of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Bread Chicken: In a wide shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. In a third bowl, place the all-purpose flour. Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten egg, coating fully and allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere well on both sides.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add the breaded chicken cutlets carefully to the skillet. Cook the chicken on the first side without moving it until it turns a golden brown color, about 5 minutes.
- Top and Finish Cooking: Flip each cutlet over and reduce the heat to medium. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on top of each cutlet, then sprinkle about ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap heat, allowing the cheese to melt, the sauce to warm, and the chicken to cook thoroughly, approximately 5 to 7 more minutes.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot, ideally paired with spaghetti and extra marinara sauce on the side.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- If you prefer, you can bake the chicken topped with sauce and cheese in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of finishing on the stovetop.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to avoid sticking and to get a golden crust.
- Leftover Chicken Parmesan can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese for less watery topping.
