Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Golden Crunchy Italian Classic

Comfort food takes on a whole new level with this irresistible chicken parmesan that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Golden-brown chicken breasts coated in a crunchy, seasoned breadcrumb layer make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

The melted cheese creates a blanket of rich, gooey goodness over perfectly crisp chicken.

Sharp parmesan and delicate herbs blend seamlessly to create depth and complexity in every bite.

Each slice reveals a tender interior beneath a satisfyingly crisp exterior that crunches with every forkful.

Simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

Savor the magic of this classic Italian-American favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

How to Cook Chicken Parmesan With Crispy Coating

• Tenderize Poultry

Gently pound chicken cutlets to create an even surface using a kitchen mallet. This helps ensure uniform cooking and tender meat.

• Create Crispy Coating

Set up three shallow dishes for magical transformation. First dish gets seasoned flour, second receives whisked eggs, third holds a mix of crunchy breadcrumbs and cheese.

• Golden Frying Magic

Dunk each chicken piece through the stations: flour first, then egg bath, finally roll in seasoned crumbs. Sizzle in hot olive oil until edges turn gorgeous golden brown. Let excess oil drip away on clean towels.

• Cheesy Baking Finale

Warm oven to toasty 400°F. Spread marinara sauce in baking dish, nestle crispy chicken on top. Shower with melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. Bake until cheese bubbles and chicken reaches perfect doneness.

• Serve With Flair

Sprinkle fresh herbs over your masterpiece. Plate alongside twirly spaghetti or crunchy garlic bread for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Cheese and Sauce Options for Chicken Parmesan

• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and texture that elevates the chicken's golden exterior.
• Bread the chicken cutlets in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying to help the coating adhere better.
• Replace frying with baking the breaded chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through for even browning.
• Swap wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Substitute mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a plant-based friendly option.

Serve Easy Chicken Parmesan With Pasta or Bread

• Pasta Paradise: Serve the crispy chicken parmesan over a steaming bed of al dente spaghetti, letting the marinara sauce and melted cheese cascade deliciously over the pasta.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Pair the golden chicken with warm, buttery garlic bread, perfect for soaking up the extra sauce and creating a complete, satisfying meal.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top, adding a bright, aromatic touch that elevates the dish's flavor and visual appeal.
• Salad Companion: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken parmesan.

Storing Chicken Parmesan to Reheat Later

• Store leftover chicken parmesan in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Keep prepared dish in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness by covering tightly with plastic wrap or sealed container.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, which can extend meal enjoyment up to 2 months without compromising quality.
• Restore crispy texture by warming chicken parmesan in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, avoiding microwave to prevent soggy breading.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 4

What You Need for Easy Chicken Parmesan

• Flour: Helps create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and provides a smooth base for breading.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the chicken's taste.
• Garlic Powder: Brings a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken's natural taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean herb notes and complexity.

• Eggs: Acts as a crucial glue that helps the breadcrumb coating stick perfectly to the chicken.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates an irresistible crispy texture that adds delightful crunch to the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a nutty, salty dimension to the breading and enhances the golden-brown crust.

• Marinara Sauce: Delivers a tangy, rich base that keeps the chicken juicy and adds classic Italian flair.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Gives a stretchy, creamy layer that melts beautifully and creates an indulgent finish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty note and helps create a beautiful golden-brown top.

• Olive Oil: Ensures even cooking and provides a subtle, rich flavor to the chicken.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a burst of herbal freshness.

• Chicken Cutlets.

Tools That Make Easy Chicken Parmesan a Breeze

• Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for perfectly frying chicken.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing and pounding chicken.
• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Essential for flattening chicken cutlets evenly.
• Three Mixing Bowls: Needed for easy dredging process with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking Dish: Used to assemble and bake chicken parmesan.
• Paper Towels: For draining excess oil from fried chicken.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and flipping chicken in the skillet.
• Cheese Grater: Optional, if using freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella.

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Italian-inspired elegance in this classic easy chicken parmesan that promises restaurant-quality flavor right from home. Crispy golden chicken breasts nestled in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese create a delightful meal guaranteed to satisfy hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, halved lengthwise (4 cutlets)
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)
• ½ cup (50 g / 1.8 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) olive oil
• 1 ½ cups (375 ml / 12.7 fl oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup (100 g / 3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup (25 g / 0.9 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation Ritual: Gently tenderize chicken cutlets to uniform thickness using a mallet, creating a canvas for crispy perfection.
2. Dredging Choreography: Establish three seasoned zones – a flour foundation seasoned with salt and pepper, an egg bath for adhesion, and a final breadcrumb station enriched with Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian herbs.
3. Coating Technique: Transform each cutlet by gracefully dancing through the dredging stations – first dusting with flour, then embracing the egg wash, and finally encrusting with the aromatic breadcrumb mixture.
4. Sizzling Performance: Heat olive oil in a skillet, orchestrating a golden-brown transformation by frying chicken cutlets until they achieve a crisp, enticing exterior.
5. Flavor Layering: Arrange a marinara canvas in a baking dish, nestling the crispy chicken cutlets and adorning them with a luxurious blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
6. Oven Finale: Slide the ensemble into a preheated 400°F oven, allowing the cheese to melt into a bubbling masterpiece and intensify the dish’s flavor profile.
7. Culinary Presentation: Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, serving alongside spaghetti or garlic bread for a complete gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Ensure chicken cutlets are pounded to consistent ½-inch thickness for uniform cooking and crispy texture.
• Maintain medium heat while frying to prevent burning and achieve golden-brown crust without greasy chicken.
• Sprinkle mozzarella first, then Parmesan on top for perfect melting and enhanced flavor profile.
• Place fried chicken on paper towels to absorb extra oil, keeping the breading crisp and preventing sogginess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg