Few dishes deliver pure comfort quite like a perfectly made classic chicken parmesan. Crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and a golden blanket of melted mozzarella and parmesan — it’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet timeless, elegant yet incredibly approachable. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or a restaurant-worthy meal at home, chicken parmesan is one of those recipes that never disappoints.

This dish, rooted in Italian-American cuisine, combines familiar, wholesome ingredients to create an irresistible harmony of textures and flavors. The crunchy coating contrasts with soft melted cheese, the tangy tomato sauce brightens the richness, and fresh basil adds a fragrant finish. With simple steps and accessible pantry staples, you can make a meal that tastes like it came from a classic Italian trattoria.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every detail: how to achieve the crispiest chicken cutlets, how to layer the cheese so it melts beautifully, best sauces, variations, meal-prep strategies, and serving ideas. By the end, you’ll have a go-to recipe you can rely on for years.

Why This Classic Chicken Parmesan Stands Out

1. Perfectly Crispy Exterior

The chicken is breaded in flour, eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then pan-fried to golden perfection. The coating stays crisp even under the sauce and melted cheese.

2. Layers of Melty, Gooey Cheese

Both parmesan and mozzarella are used:

• Parmesan adds salty richness.
• Mozzarella melts into that stretchy, irresistible topping.

3. A Homemade or High-Quality Marinara

Use your favorite marinara or make a quick stovetop version. The acidity and sweetness cut through the richness of the chicken.

4. Quick, Easy, and Totally Foolproof

With simple steps and ingredients, anyone can make restaurant-quality chicken parm at home.

Ingredients for Classic Chicken Parmesan

This recipe keeps it traditional, simple, and incredibly flavorful. A classic chicken parmesan should never be overcomplicated — just high-quality ingredients prepared well.

Main Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced or pounded to even thickness.
• Flour: Helps the egg adhere.
• Eggs: Bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: Classic, crispy coating.
• Marinara sauce: Adds acidity, sweetness, and rich tomato flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: For melting and bubbling.
• Parmesan cheese: Sharp, salty, nutty flavor enhancer.
• Fresh basil: Optional but delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise or pounded thin
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil for frying
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken.
   Slice chicken breasts in half or pound to even thinness. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Bread the chicken.
   Dredge each piece in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs until fully covered.
3. Pan-fry.
   Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken until golden and crispy on both sides.
4. Add sauce and cheese.
   Arrange fried chicken in a baking dish. Spoon marinara over each piece, then top with mozzarella and parmesan.
5. Bake.
   Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve.
   Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

classic chicken parmesan recipe

Crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara, melted mozzarella, and parmesan for the perfect classic chicken parmesan.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken Parmesan

• 2 large chicken breasts sliced or pounded thin
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1.5 cups breadcrumbs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan
• salt and pepper to taste
• oil for frying
• fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method

 

1. Prepare chicken by slicing or pounding to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat in breadcrumbs.
3. Pan-fry chicken in oil until golden and crispy on both sides.
4. Place chicken in a baking dish, top with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan.
5. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end.

How to Get the Crispiest Chicken

Pound the Chicken Evenly

Even thickness = even crispiness.

Use Dry → Wet → Dry Breading Method

Flour → Eggs → Breadcrumbs
This creates a strong, crunchy coating.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Fry in batches so the chicken stays crisp and golden.

Bake Just Until Melted

Too long in the oven softens the coating — pull it out when cheese is just bubbly.

Variations

1. Classic Chicken Parmesan

The exact recipe you see here — crispy, saucy, cheesy perfection.

2. Baked Chicken Parmesan

Skip frying and bake the breaded chicken at 425°F until crisp.

3. Spicy Chicken Parmesan

Add crushed red pepper to the sauce or breadcrumbs.

4. Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan

Use almond flour + pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

5. Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

Stuff the cooked chicken parm into a toasted roll with extra marinara.

Serving Suggestions

• Over spaghetti or fettuccine
• With garlic bread
• With Caesar salad
• Over creamy mashed potatoes
• As a sandwich or wrap

Chicken Parmesan pairs well with almost anything — its rich, bold flavors make it the star of any meal.

Meal Prep Tips

• Store chicken and sauce separately to preserve crispiness.
• Reheat in the oven for best texture.
• Assemble fresh when serving for the perfect bite.