Description
Craving a crispy, cheesy, and comforting meal that’s easy to make? This Best Chicken Parmesan recipe is your answer. It features golden-breaded chicken breasts topped with tangy marinara, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for the ultimate Italian-American comfort dish. Whether you’re planning a quick dinner, looking for easy dinner ideas, or searching for something to impress guests, this classic hits the mark. It’s one of the best food ideas for busy nights that still feels like a gourmet dish. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s an easy recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil (or neutral oil for frying)
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Pound the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, and coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and pan-fry the chicken for 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the fried chicken on a baking sheet.
6. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece and top with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden top.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
For crispier chicken, let the breaded cutlets rest for 10 minutes before frying.
Always use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
To make ahead, bread the chicken and refrigerate up to a day in advance before cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked + Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 145mg