Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a classic Italian-American comfort dish. It features crispy breaded chicken breasts smothered in rich tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese—usually mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Whether served over pasta, in a sandwich, or on its own with a salad, Chicken Parmesan is a meal that always feels like a warm hug. This easy and tasty dish has become a favorite in homes and restaurants across the globe.
Quick Facts
| Course | Cuisine | Difficulty | Servings | Prep Time | Cooking Time | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Course | Italian-American | Easy | 4 | 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 550 kcal |
Equipment Needed
To cook Chicken Parmesan properly, the right tools make all the difference. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Cutting board – for prepping your chicken and herbs
- Chef’s knife – for slicing chicken breasts evenly
- Meat mallet – to pound the chicken thin for even cooking
- Three shallow bowls – for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs
- Large skillet – for frying the chicken to golden perfection
- Tongs – to flip chicken without splattering oil
- Paper towels – to drain excess oil after frying
- Baking dish – for layering sauce and cheese over the chicken
- Oven or toaster oven – to melt the cheese and finish cooking
- Grater – for fresh Parmesan cheese
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy
- Aluminum foil (optional) – to keep the chicken warm if making in batches
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect Chicken Parmesan:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Olive oil for frying (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise, then gently pound to ½ inch thick. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Breading station: Set up three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Bread the chicken: Coat each chicken piece in flour, dip into eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it’s fully coated.
- Pan-fry the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble: Spoon marinara sauce into a baking dish. Lay chicken on top, then add more sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Top with fresh basil and serve over pasta or with crusty bread.
Essential Note
Use thin chicken cutlets for even cooking and better crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying—this keeps the breading crispy. For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying it. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking so juices settle and the crust stays crispy.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 48 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 145 mg |
| Sodium | 920 mg |
| Potassium | 700 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 800 IU |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 6 mg |
| Calcium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
Recipe Notes
For extra flavor, toast breadcrumbs in a dry pan before using. It boosts the crunch and gives a nutty depth.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Pound it thin: Always flatten the chicken evenly so it cooks at the same speed and stays juicy.
- Use fresh cheese: Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt better and taste way richer than pre-shredded.
- Don’t skimp on the sauce: A well-sauced dish is key! Use a quality marinara, or make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil.
- Finish under the broiler: Want a crispy, bubbly cheese topping? Place your dish under the broiler for 2 minutes.
- Add pasta water to sauce: If you’re serving over spaghetti, stir in a spoon of starchy pasta water to loosen up the sauce and coat the noodles better.
This Chicken Parmesan recipe is cozy, cheesy, and totally comforting. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just craving a weeknight indulgence, it’s the kind of dish that brings people to the table—and keeps them coming back for seconds. Let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!
