Name: Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts, sliced in half length-wise to create 6 cutlets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can also use gluten-free flour blend or white whole wheat); 3 eggs, whisked; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp Italian herb blend (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary); 1 tsp garlic powder; 6 slices Mozzarella cheese; 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

If you're craving that perfect bite of comfort food, you’re going to love this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe. It’s all about those golden, herb-coated chicken cutlets topped with gooey mozzarella, zesty marinara, and a sprinkle of parmesan—holy flavor, right? Let me walk you through how to make this classic Italian-American favorite in your own kitchen.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish holding five pieces of breaded chicken topped with red tomato sauce and melted golden cheese sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The chicken pieces are arranged in two rows, three on the bottom and two on top, with some crispy brown edges around the chicken. A bunch of fresh green basil leaves is placed on the bottom right corner of the dish, adding a vibrant green color. The dish sits on a wooden surface with part of a white marbled texture visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this chicken parmesan more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress. It comes together fairly quickly, making it my go-to for an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant.

Crispy, tender chicken: The key is pounding the chicken cutlets to an even ½-inch thickness for perfect cooking every time.
Flavor-packed breadcrumb coating: The Italian herb blend mixed right into the breadcrumbs gives it a homemade, authentic touch.
Simple, fresh toppings: Melted mozzarella and fresh basil add the perfect finishing flair.
Quick but impressive: Total prep and cooking time is about 45 minutes—ideal for busy nights or casual dinner parties.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you dive in, gather some straightforward pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Quality chicken breasts and freshly shredded parmesan cheese make a noticeable difference here, while the Italian herb blend gives your crumbs that irresistible fragrance.

Flat lay of six raw chicken cutlets with smooth pale pink flesh, a small mound of fine all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, three whole brown eggs with clean uncracked shells arranged neatly, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, a shallow white dish containing coarse golden breadcrumbs mixed with green dried Italian herbs and specks of grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with bright red marinara sauce smooth and glossy, six slices of fresh white mozzarella cheese stacked slightly overlapping on a simple white plate, a small white bowl holding finely shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, and a small bunch of fresh vibrant green basil leaves, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Sliced in half length-wise for evenly sized cutlets that cook uniformly and stay juicy.
All-purpose flour: Helps the egg stick, giving the breading a sturdy base.
Eggs: Whisked to coat the chicken and hold the breadcrumb mixture firmly.
Olive oil: The best choice for pan-frying to get that golden crispness without overpowering flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Acts as the crispy crust; Italian herb-infused breadcrumbs elevate the taste.
Parmesan cheese: Mixed into the breadcrumbs and added on top for a sharp, nutty kick.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that brings everything together.
Italian herb blend: Thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary all packed into the breadcrumb mix for authentic flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds just the right amount of savory depth to the coating.
Mozzarella cheese slices: Melts perfectly over the chicken creating that ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for that irresistible tomato tang.
Fresh basil: Chopped and sprinkled on top at the end for a burst of freshness to balance the rich flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you like it spicy, cheesy, or a little lighter, there are simple tweaks that let you customize each bite to perfectly fit your taste buds and dietary preferences.

Spicy Kick Variation: I love adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a little heat. It pairs so well with the creamy mozzarella and tangy marinara, giving every bite a delightful warmth without overpowering the dish.
Gluten-Free Twist: Using a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs works beautifully here. I find the texture stays just as crispy, making it an easy swap for anyone avoiding gluten.
Vegetarian Alternative: Try swapping the chicken cutlets for thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms. Bread and cook them the same way for a hearty vegetarian take that’s just as satisfying.
Herb Variation: Playing around with the Italian herb blend is fun — adding a little fresh rosemary or swapping oregano for marjoram can brighten the flavor or add an earthy note depending on your mood.
Baked Option: For a lighter version, skip the pan-frying step and bake the breaded chicken cutlets at 450°F. This method also frees up stovetop space and reduces oil, while still giving you that classic crispy exterior.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with several pieces of golden brown, crispy chicken topped with a thick layer of red tomato sauce and melted pale yellow cheese sprinkled with small, chopped green herbs. The chicken pieces look crunchy around the edges with some grated cheese melted and browned on the sides. One piece is being lifted with metal tongs, showing the crispy texture underneath the sauce and cheese. Fresh, whole green basil leaves are placed both on the dish and in the corner. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Tenderize Your Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create six thin cutlets. Place them inside a large ziplock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper, then firmly pound each breast with a rolling pin or meat hammer until they are about a half-inch thick. This tenderizing step ensures your chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. After pounding, pat them dry with paper towels — this helps the breading stick perfectly!

Step 2: Mix Up Your Flavorful Breadcrumb Coating

In a shallow dish, combine 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs, ½ cup shredded parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian herb blend, and garlic powder. Give it a good mix so every bite is packed with those classic savory Italian notes. This breadcrumb mixture will be the crispy shell that makes this recipe so irresistibly crunchy.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

Create an easy assembly line with three shallow bowls — one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with your breadcrumb mixture. This setup keeps things moving smoothly, especially when you’re breading multiple cutlets. Remember: coat each chicken piece thoroughly with flour first, shake off excess, dunk in eggs, then pack on the breadcrumbs on both sides firmly.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken to Crispy Perfection

Heat about 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over low to medium heat. Add the breaded chicken cutlets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. You’re looking for that perfect golden brown color and a beautifully crunchy crust. This step locks in moisture and adds layers of flavor you just can’t beat.

Step 5: Layer, Bake, and Broil

Arrange the browned chicken cutlets in a large baking dish. Place a slice of mozzarella on each piece, then spoon your marinara sauce over the top. Pop the dish into your preheated oven at 425°F and bake uncovered for 14 minutes. Once done, sprinkle with shredded parmesan and switch your oven to broil on high for 1 minute, just until the cheese melts and turns a gorgeous light brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot

Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped basil over the hot, cheesy chicken parmesan. This adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal fragrance that perfectly balances the rich sauce and melted cheese. Serve immediately with your favorite pasta or a crisp Italian salad to complete this comforting meal.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is all about the details. These tips will make your chicken golden, juicy, and irresistibly flavorful every time.

Tenderize Evenly: Pounding the chicken cutlets to about ½ inch thickness is key. It ensures even cooking and a tender bite without drying out the meat.
Bread with Care: Press those breadcrumbs firmly on both sides so you get that wonderful crunch that sticks through the cooking process.
Pan-Fry on Medium-Low Heat: Cooking the chicken at a lower temperature helps brown the coating perfectly without burning or undercooking the inside.
Use Fresh Basil as a Finishing Touch: Adding basil just before serving lifts all the rich flavors with a bright, fresh note.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Three photos show steps of breading a piece of raw meat held by a woman's hand with dark nail polish. The first photo shows the meat being placed on a bed of white flour on a white plate with a scalloped edge, the flour layer is dry and powdery. The second photo shows the flour-coated meat being dipped into beaten eggs in a white oval dish, the egg layer looks smooth and bright yellow with foam bubbles. The third photo shows the meat being covered fully in a light brown crispy crumb mixture inside a clear round glass dish, the crumb layer looks rough and textured, and the dishes are on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped basil is a classic garnish that brings a fragrant pop of color and freshness to your Chicken Parmesan. For a bit of extra texture and flavor, sprinkle on some finely chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of extra shredded parmesan cheese right before serving.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with a wide range of sides. Classic pasta, like spaghetti or penne tossed simply in extra virgin olive oil and garlic, works beautifully. For a lighter accompaniment, an Italian chopped salad or a Tuscan artichoke salad adds a crisp, tangy contrast. Don’t forget some crusty country sourdough or Italian bread to soak up all the savory sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crispy Chicken Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce-covered chicken separate if possible to maintain the crispiness of the breading before reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze this chicken parmesan for up to 2 months. Cool completely, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your chicken parmesan in a 350°F oven for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly. To keep the crust crispy, avoid the microwave if possible, or use a microwave-safe plate at medium power briefly then finish in a skillet or oven.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used — just pound them to about ½ inch thickness for even cooking. They tend to stay juicier and add a slightly richer flavor.

Is it necessary to broil the parmesan cheese at the end?

Broiling melts and lightly browns the parmesan cheese, giving that signature golden finish. If you prefer, you can skip broiling, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend for dusting the chicken and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just make sure all other ingredients, like marinara sauce, are gluten-free certified.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes! You can bread and brown the chicken, then arrange it with toppings in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake at 425°F for 14 minutes, sprinkle parmesan, broil 1 minute, and serve.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a well-made Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe—it’s a dish that brings warmth and smiles to any table. With just a little care and attention to those key steps, you’ll create a meal that feels like a special occasion any night of the week. So roll up your sleeves, get that skillet sizzling, and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy, saucy bite!