Chicken Parmesan is a timeless Italian-American dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Crispy, golden chicken cutlets are smothered in marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a family favorite that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters, and the best part? You can prepare it in under an hour! The combination of crispy breading, savory marinara, and melty cheese creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, making this dish a go-to for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal.

Ingredients (Servings: 4)
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten until frothy
- ½ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
- 2 Tbsp light olive oil (for sautéing)
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded)
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Trim the chicken breasts and slice them in half lengthwise to create four equal-thickness cutlets. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up Your Breading Stations:
- In a shallow bowl, combine ½ cup flour, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy.
- In a third bowl, mix ½ cup Italian bread crumbs with ½ cup Parmesan cheese. This combination gives the chicken a crispy, cheesy coating.
3. Bread the Chicken:
- Coat each chicken cutlet first in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the extra egg to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, ensuring it is well-coated.
4. Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, cook the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sauté the cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 425˚F. In a 9×13 casserole dish, pour 1½ cups marinara sauce and spread it evenly. Lay the cooked chicken cutlets over the sauce in a single layer. Spoon the remaining 1½ cups marinara sauce over the top of each chicken breast and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake and Serve:
- Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
- For a pop of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan:
- Thin and Even Cutlets: Slicing the chicken breasts in half ensures even cooking. If you prefer, you can also use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness.
- Crispy Coating: Press the bread crumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure an even, crispy coating. Frying the chicken just until golden and crisp before baking helps maintain that perfect texture.
- Customizable Cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina for extra flavor.
- Serve with Pasta or Veggies: Pair your Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
This Chicken Parmesan is a delightful mix of crunchy chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!
Chicken Parmesan
4
servings10
minutes25
minutesIngredients
2 large chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs)
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten until frothy
½ cup Italian bread crumbs
½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
2 Tbsp light olive oil (for sautéing)
24 oz marinara sauce
4 oz mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded)
1 Tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Chicken Parmesan is a timeless Italian-American dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Crispy, golden chicken cutlets are smothered in marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a family favorite that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters, and the best part? You can prepare it in under an hour! The combination of crispy breading, savory marinara, and melty cheese creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, making this dish a go-to for a special dinner or a casual weeknight meal.
Leave a Reply