Chicken Parmesan and Cheese is a classic comfort food dish featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with rich marinara sauce and a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, this restaurant-quality meal is surprisingly easy to make at home and pairs perfectly with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh garden salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside
- Loaded with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce
- Perfect for family dinners and special occasions
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- Delicious leftovers for lunch the next day
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1½ cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup vegetable oil for frying
For the Topping
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Tongs
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap.
Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and remain tender.
Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Set aside.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Place the flour in one shallow bowl.
In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
Arrange the bowls in a line to make breading easier.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating both sides completely.
Dip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating.
Place the breaded chicken on a plate.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts.
Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage because it will finish cooking in the oven.
Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread about ½ cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange the fried chicken breasts in a single layer.
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over each piece.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates the signature cheesy topping that makes Chicken Parmesan so irresistible.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Remove the dish from the oven.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with basil leaves if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Parmesan is delicious served with:
- Spaghetti or fettuccine
- Garlic butter pasta
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Steamed broccoli
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked Chicken Parmesan for up to 3 months.
Wrap each piece individually before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes or until heated through.
Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the crispy texture.
Helpful Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Pound the chicken evenly to prevent uneven cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet while frying.
- Use whole-milk mozzarella for a richer, creamier topping.
- Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian-American
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
