Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Method: Pan-fried + Baked
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian-adaptable
#Jumptorecipecard| Print Recipe
If you’re looking for a no-fail, flavor-packed chicken dinner, this Italian Chicken Parmesan recipe is it! With its perfectly crispy crust, juicy chicken center, savory marinara sauce, and golden melted cheese, every bite feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this easy chicken Parmesan delivers restaurant-quality taste with basic pantry staples.
Why This Italian Chicken Parmesan Works
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion
It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, but tasty enough to serve at special gatherings or holidays.
✅ Family-Friendly
Kids and adults alike love it. Even picky eaters will clean their plates!
✅ Pantry-Staple Ingredients
You likely already have everything you need—breadcrumbs, cheese, sauce, eggs, and chicken.
✅ Ready in 1 Hour
From prep to plate in about 60 minutes, with most of it being hands-off baking time.
✅ Easily Customizable
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts, add heat with chili flakes, or keep it low-carb by skipping the pasta.
Recommended Tools
- ✔️ Digital Meat Thermometer – Ensures your chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F
- ✔️ Olive Oil Spray Bottle – For even oil coverage and lighter frying
- ✔️ Cast Iron Skillet – For that golden, crispy sear
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko or Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 10 oz cooked spaghetti (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking once your chicken is seared.
2. Prepare Breading Stations
Set up three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
3. Bread the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in the Parmesan, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make the coating stick.
4. Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3 minutes per side, until golden. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked—it’ll finish baking.
5. Assemble and Bake
Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Top each with a slice of mozzarella, spoon over marinara sauce, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan.
6. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internal temp and cheese is bubbly.
7. Serve
Sprinkle with chopped basil. Serve with spaghetti, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Serving Ideas
- 🥗 Fresh Salad: Try arugula with lemon vinaigrette
- 🍞 Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up sauce
- 🍝 Pasta: Spaghetti, penne, or zucchini noodles
- 🥦 Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, carrots, or asparagus
Tips for Success
- Make Ahead: Bread and pan-sear the chicken ahead of time. Refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- Healthier Option: Skip the frying and bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes before adding sauce and cheese.
- Crispy Top: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden finish.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked, cooled portions for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F until hot and crisp.
- Reheating: Use the oven or toaster oven for best texture (avoid microwave if possible).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! They’re slightly juicier and work great in this recipe.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your marinara label.
Q: What cheese alternatives can I use?
A: Provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses work wonderfully.
Q: Can I skip frying?
A: Absolutely. Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 25 minutes before topping and finishing with cheese.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! Just make sure the chicken is in a single layer in your baking dish.
Final Thoughts
This crispy Italian Chicken Parmesan recipe is a total weeknight win. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you serve it with pasta, veggies, or salad, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
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If you loved this chicken Parmesan, pin it to your Dinner Favorites or Comfort Food board for easy access later!
📌 The Ultimate Italian Chicken Parmesan Recipe Card
👩🍳 Prep: 15 min | 🍳 Cook: 45 min | ⏱️ Total: 1 hour
🍽️ Servings: 4 | 🇮🇹 Cuisine: Italian | 🥘 Method: Bake & Pan-Fry
🧀 Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 4 mozzarella slices
- ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 10 oz spaghetti (optional, for serving)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prep breading stations:
- Bowl 1: ½ cup Parmesan
- Bowl 2: whisked eggs
- Bowl 3: breadcrumbs, seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- Bread chicken:
Coat each piece in Parmesan → egg → breadcrumb mix. - Sear chicken:
Heat olive oil in skillet. Cook chicken 3–4 mins per side until golden. - Assemble:
Place seared chicken in baking dish. Top with mozzarella slices, marinara, shredded mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan. - Bake 30 mins, until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Serve over spaghetti and garnish with basil.
🌟 Pro Tips
- For extra crunch, broil 2 mins after baking.
- Try chicken thighs for juicier results.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
🍴 Serving Ideas
Pair with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies.
🔁 Storage
Fridge: 3 days | Freezer: Up to 3 months
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