Name: Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 6 breast halves; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 Tablespoons oil; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 2 eggs; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 cup Italian style bread crumbs (or panko); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil leaves, for serving

If you’re craving a classic Italian-American favorite that’s both comforting and downright delicious, you’ve got to try this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, with crispy breaded chicken topped with melty mozzarella and savory marinara sauce. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers big on flavor and is surprisingly simple to make—stick around, and I’ll guide you through every step to nail it perfectly.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these staples in your pantry and fridge.
Crispy & Juicy: The breading stays crisp while the chicken inside remains tender and juicy.
Family Favorite: This dish always gets rave reviews—my family goes crazy for it every time.
Quick & Easy: Ready from start to finish in under an hour, perfect for busy nights.

A white plate holds a serving of spaghetti coated in red tomato sauce as the first layer, with strands twisted and piled unevenly. On top, there is a piece of breaded, crispy golden-brown chicken. The chicken is covered with a layer of melted white cheese that is sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The white marbled surface underneath adds a clean look to the scene, and a silver fork with some spaghetti is partially visible near the edge of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan dinner, crispy chicken Parmesan, homemade Chicken Parmesan, Italian-American chicken dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe come together beautifully, we use simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Using a blend of Italian and panko breadcrumbs gives the chicken that irresistible crunch, while fresh parmesan and mozzarella keep it authentically cheesy.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts halved horizontally, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of pale golden panko bread crumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Italian style bread crumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded white mozzarella cheese, a few vibrant fresh green basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden oil, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Easy Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan dinner, crispy chicken Parmesan, homemade Chicken Parmesan, Italian-American chicken dish

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Butterfly these to get thin, even pieces that cook faster and crisp nicely.
Parmesan cheese: I recommend freshly grated for the best flavor and texture.
Eggs: These help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken for that perfect breaded coating.
Panko bread crumbs: Use these for extra crunchiness compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Italian style bread crumbs: Adds herby notes that pair wonderfully with the cheese and sauce.
Garlic powder: Just a touch to boost flavor without overpowering.
Oil: For pan-frying; I use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
Marinara sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade—both work great here!
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts fabulously, creating that gooey top layer.
Fresh basil leaves: For a fresh, aromatic garnish that really lifts the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it to suit what I have on hand or to fit different tastes, and it always comes out delicious. Don’t be afraid to personalize it!

Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara or breadcrumb mix for a subtle kick—I love this variation when I’m craving something a bit bolder.
Low-carb version: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour to keep it keto-friendly without losing that crispy texture.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal—I’ve done this for friends and everyone loved it.
Herb twist: Mix fresh chopped rosemary or oregano into the breadcrumbs for an earthy note that’s extra special.

How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Butterfly and Prep the Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to make two thinner halves—this helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove any moisture; this is a game-changer for getting a crisp crust. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

In two shallow bowls, whisk the eggs in one, and combine the panko, Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder in the other. Dipping the chicken first in eggs then the breadcrumb mix ensures a nice, even coating that sticks like a charm.

Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—once it’s hot but not smoking, add the breaded chicken. Fry each side for about 2 minutes until golden brown but not cooked through. Don’t rush this step; you want that golden crust but still juicy chicken inside.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, then arrange the fried chicken on top. Spoon more sauce over each piece, sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and pop it in a 450°F oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melty and bubbling and the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil leaves to add a fragrant, colorful finishing touch. Serve it hot over spaghetti or your favorite pasta, with extra sauce on the side for dipping—trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Butterflying Matters: Taking the time to slice your chicken breasts thin ensures they cook quickly and stay juicy—I’ve learned this the hard way when thicker pieces ended up dry.
Patting Dry: Dry chicken means the breading sticks better and fries up crispier; don’t skip this little but vital step.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary; overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and makes the crust soggy.
Cheese Layering: Adding both mozzarella and parmesan on top brings great melty texture and nutty depth—trust me, mix ‘em!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

There is a white plate with a ringed edge that holds a layer of light brown spaghetti with a thick red tomato sauce mixed through it. On top of the spaghetti sits a piece of crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken. Layered over the chicken is a melted white cheese with some browned spots and small green herb bits sprinkled on top. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a bit of shadow under the plate. The picture is well-lit and taken close up, showing all textures clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan dinner, crispy chicken Parmesan, homemade Chicken Parmesan, Italian-American chicken dish

Garnishes

I love scattering fresh basil leaves on top just before serving—it adds a pop of green and a fresh, herbaceous aroma that brightens the whole dish. Sometimes I add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

Side Dishes

Serving this chicken parmesan alongside spaghetti tossed in olive oil or butter is a classic. For something lighter, I also pair it with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli—this balances richness with freshness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at dinner parties, I’ve served this Easy Chicken Parmesan stacked between slices of ciabatta for a hearty sandwich or even sliced over a bed of creamy polenta. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or shaved parmesan curls on top—small touches make a big difference!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. Make sure to place a layer of parchment paper between pieces if stacking, so the crust doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! After baking and cooling completely, I wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to 2 months. When I’m ready to eat, I just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To keep the breading crisp when reheating leftovers, I pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that delightful crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great option as they tend to be juicier and more forgiving than breasts. Just make sure to butterfly or pound them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Is it necessary to pan-fry the chicken before baking?

Pan-frying creates that irresistible golden crust and helps seal in juices, but if you’re short on time, you can bake breaded chicken directly after coating. The texture may be a bit less crispy, but it will still taste delicious.
What kind of marinara sauce works best?

I recommend using a flavorful, slightly chunky marinara—either store-bought or homemade. If using store-bought, pick one with simple, natural ingredients for the best results.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free panko, and make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free too.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried making this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe, I was hooked by how restaurant-quality it tasted with simple home ingredients. It’s now a go-to in my kitchen, especially when I want to impress my family or guests without a ton of fuss. Trust me, once you master these steps, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal on the table that everyone will love. Give it a try—I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!