Crispy, golden-brown chicken smothered in rich marinara sauce and bubbling melted cheese—what’s not to love? Classic Chicken Parmigiana is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together crunchy breaded chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella in one irresistible dish. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, trust me—this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Classic Chicken Parmigiana
Restaurant-Quality at Home: You’ll get that perfect crispy chicken with melty cheese, just like your favorite Italian restaurant, but made right in your kitchen.
Easy to Make: Despite its fancy reputation, this dish comes together easily with simple steps.
Customizable: Prefer a spicier kick? Add red pepper flakes. Want extra cheesiness? Use provolone or fontina along with mozzarella.
Great for Meal Prep: Make extra and freeze portions for a quick and satisfying meal later.
Crowd-Pleasing: A hit with both kids and adults—everyone loves crispy chicken and melted cheese!
Ingredients in Classic Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish. Pound them evenly to ensure quick, even cooking.
Breadcrumbs: Provide that crispy, golden crust. Use panko for extra crunch!
Parmesan Cheese: Mixed into the breadcrumb coating for a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
Eggs: Help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken for the perfect breading.
Flour: Creates a base for the breading to adhere to.
Marinara Sauce: A rich, tomato-based sauce that adds bold, tangy flavor. Use homemade or store-bought.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the crispy chicken, creating that signature cheesy topping.
Olive Oil: Used for frying, giving the chicken its golden-brown crust.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and garlic powder for that classic Italian flavor.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
Set Up the Breading Station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a third.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece in flour, dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly so the crumbs stick well.
Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish, place the fried chicken on top, and spoon additional sauce over each piece. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Parmigiana
Over Pasta: Serve with spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne for a classic Italian dinner.
With Garlic Bread: A side of warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Alongside a Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed green salad balances out the richness of the dish.
With Roasted Vegetables: Try serving with roasted zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for a well-rounded meal.
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: Bread the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.
Extra Crunch: For an ultra-crispy crust, bake the breaded chicken for a few minutes before adding the sauce.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
Storage Tips: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Freezing Instructions: Freeze breaded (uncooked) chicken for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness to the dish.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Bread and fry the chicken, then refrigerate it. When ready, assemble and bake as directed.
Q3: Can I air fry the chicken?
A3: Yes! Cook breaded chicken in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q4: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A4: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
Q5: Can I freeze cooked Chicken Parmigiana?
A5: Yes! Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Q6: Can I make it dairy-free?
A6: Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and skip the Parmesan in the breadcrumb mixture.
Q7: What’s the best sauce for Chicken Parmigiana?
A7: A good-quality marinara sauce works best, but you can also try homemade tomato sauce for a fresher taste.
Q8: Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?
A8: Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds extra creaminess.
Q9: Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
A9: Yes! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Q10: How do I keep the breading from falling off?
A10: Make sure the chicken is dry before breading, press the breadcrumbs on firmly, and let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying.
Classic Chicken Parmigiana is the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, it’s a dish that never fails. Now grab your fork and enjoy every bite!
Print
Classic Chicken Parmigiana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Classic Chicken Parmigiana features crispy breaded chicken smothered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. A comforting Italian-American favorite that’s perfect for a family dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved to make 4 cutlets)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce & Topping:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets.
- Pound each cutlet to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
-
Coating Process:
- Set up three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour.
- Bowl 2: Whisk together eggs and milk.
- Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Set up three bowls:
-
Pan-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
-
Assemble the Parmigiana:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, spread ½ cup marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Place the fried chicken cutlets in the dish and top each with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden, slightly crisp cheese topping.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot with pasta, salad, or garlic bread.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Try fresh mozzarella slices for an authentic Italian touch.
- Serve with spaghetti for a classic Italian-American meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg