The Best Homemade Chicken Parmesan Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Chicken Parmesan recipe is a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness. It’s a dish that’s easy to make yet feels special enough for any occasion.

• Crispy breaded chicken topped with gooey melted cheese—what’s not to love?
• The tangy marinara sauce adds a burst of flavor that ties it all together.
• It’s versatile—serve it with pasta, salad, or even on a sandwich for a twist!

Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded chicken breasts baked with marinara sauce and melted cheese, offering a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Set up a breading station: place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a third.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in the egg, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
6. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Top each breast with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes:

• For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken without frying.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative.

Equipment:

• Plastic wrap
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Shallow dishes for breading
• Large skillet
• Baking dish

Time:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Cuisine:

Italian-American

Serving:

4 servings

Nutrition

Chicken Parmesan is a delicious and hearty dish that combines crispy breaded chicken with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving.

What To Serve With It

When I make chicken parmesan, I love pairing it with pasta—spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in marinara keeps things classic and comforting. Garlic bread is a must, whether it’s crispy on the outside or soft and buttery, because it soaks up all the extra sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a simple side salad adds a fresh crunch to balance the meal.

Pasta Pairings

Pasta’s versatility means you can pair it with almost anything, but I’ve found that keeping things simple lets the flavors shine. For chicken parmesan, I love tossing spaghetti with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes—it’s light but bold enough to complement the dish. A classic marinara works too, especially if you simmer it with fresh basil. If you’re feeling fancy, try a creamy Alfredo or a lemony butter sauce for contrast. Just remember, the pasta should support, not overpower, the star of the meal. Stick to one sauce, and you’ll nail the pairing every time.

Garlic Bread Options

Though garlic bread is amazing on its own, pairing it with the right dishes can make it even better. When I make chicken parmesan, I love serving it with garlic bread because it soaks up the rich tomato sauce beautifully. I usually go for a classic version with toasted baguette, butter, and fresh parsley, but sometimes I’ll add a sprinkle of parmesan or mozzarella for extra flavor. For a twist, I’ll mix roasted garlic into the butter or top it with a pinch of red pepper flakes. It’s simple, but it’s the perfect side to round out the meal.