chicken parmesan recipe

Craving a comforting Italian classic that never fails to impress? My homemade Chicken Parmesan recipe brings together juicy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re making dinner for the family or prepping a meal for guests, this easy Chicken Parmesan is packed with bold flavors, crispy textures, and that cozy homemade feel.

This recipe takes things up a notch by blending crispy panko and breadcrumbs, real Parmesan cheese, fragrant herbs, and just the right amount of seasoning. Trust me—once you try it this way, you’ll never go back to takeout again!

Ingredients List

Chicken and Marinade

• 6 chicken cutlets
• 2 eggs
• 3 cloves garlic, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Breading Mixture

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For Frying and Baking

• 1/2 cup avocado oil (or other neutral high-heat oil)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley, for serving

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, here’s a quick list of tools that will make cooking Chicken Parmesan easy and enjoyable:

1. Shallow Bowls – For the egg marinade and breading mixtures.
2. Large Skillet – A heavy-bottomed pan for frying chicken until golden brown.
3. Tongs or Spatula – To flip the chicken safely without splattering.
4. Baking Sheet or Baking Dish – For baking the chicken once it’s been topped with sauce and cheese.
5. Meat Thermometer (optional) – To make sure the chicken is cooked through at 165°F.

Having everything prepped and ready will streamline your cooking process and give you the best results.

Preparing and Marinating the Chicken

Getting that juicy, flavorful chicken starts with a simple but impactful marinade. This step locks in moisture and gives each bite a subtle boost of garlic and herb flavor.

Step 1: Make the Egg Mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the following:

• 2 eggs
• 3 grated garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• A few cracks of black pepper

This egg-based marinade not only adds flavor but also helps the breadcrumbs stick beautifully to the chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Cutlets

Add your 6 chicken cutlets to the bowl with the egg mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes—you can go up to 45 minutes if you have more time. I usually cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature while I prep the breading.

Letting the chicken soak up those herbs and garlic will make a noticeable difference in the final dish.

Breading, Frying, and Assembling the Chicken Parmesan

This is where the magic really happens. We’re creating that perfect golden crust and layering it with rich marinara and melty mozzarella for that classic Italian-American comfort food feel.

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Mixture

In a separate shallow bowl, combine:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• A pinch of salt to taste

Mix everything well so the herbs and cheese are evenly distributed. The panko adds crispiness while the Parmesan adds depth of flavor.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Take each marinated chicken cutlet and coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to make sure the coating sticks well and fully covers each piece.

Step 3: Pan-Fry Until Golden

Heat 1/2 cup avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), carefully place the breaded chicken into the pan.

• Fry each cutlet for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble for Baking

Place the fried chicken cutlets in a lightly greased baking dish or sheet pan. Top each cutlet with:

• About 1/4 cup of marinara sauce
• A small handful of shredded mozzarella cheese (more if you love extra cheese!)

Make sure to leave some crispy edges exposed—they’re the best part!

Baking, Serving, and Storage Instructions

Step 1: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once your chicken is breaded, fried, and topped with sauce and cheese, it’s time for the final step.

• Place your assembled chicken cutlets in the oven.
• Bake for 17–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
• To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer—you’re looking for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).

If you like your cheese extra golden and bubbly, switch the oven to broil during the last 1–2 minutes—but watch it closely to avoid burning.

Step 2: Serve It Hot and Fresh

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 3–5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

This Chicken Parmesan pairs perfectly with:

• Spaghetti or linguine tossed in olive oil or marinara
• Garlic bread
• A crisp Caesar or garden salad

Step 3: Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Place cooled chicken cutlets in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 10–15 minutes) to keep the crust crispy. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain texture.
• Freeze: You can freeze baked Chicken Parmesan for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new go-to homemade Chicken Parmesan recipe that’s crispy, cheesy, and full of bold Italian flavor. With just a few simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients, this dish turns any weeknight into something special.

Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers comfort and satisfaction every single time.

Now all that’s left to do is dig in—and maybe grab seconds!