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.
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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.

- 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.
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

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

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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
Print
Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Description
This Best Chicken Parmesan recipe features tenderized chicken cutlets breaded with a flavorful Italian herb breadcrumb mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, then topped with melted mozzarella, rich marinara sauce, and parmesan cheese. Finished with a quick broil, this classic Italian-American dish is perfect for an easy and hearty dinner that pairs beautifully with pasta or fresh salad.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 chicken breasts, sliced in half length-wise to create 6 cutlets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (can also use gluten-free flour blend or white whole wheat)
- 3 eggs, whisked
- ⅓ cup olive oil
Breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoon Italian herb blend (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping
- 6 slices Mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken parmesan.
- Tenderize Chicken: Place the chicken cutlets in a large ziplock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Firmly pound with a rolling pin or meat hammer until the thickness is about ½ inch. Remove and pat dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, shredded parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian herb blend, and garlic powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls or dishes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture for an efficient assembly line.
- Bread the Chicken: Coat each chicken cutlet thoroughly first with flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the whisked eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, packing the breadcrumbs firmly onto both sides.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or pan over low to medium heat. Add the breaded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
- Layer and Bake: Arrange the browned chicken pieces in a large baking dish. Top each with a slice of mozzarella, then spoon marinara sauce over the top. Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 14 minutes.
- Add Parmesan and Broil: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese over the chicken. Broil on high for 1 minute or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top before serving. Serve hot with your choice of pasta or salad.
Notes
- This chicken parmesan pairs wonderfully with any pasta shape and an Italian salad like Tuscan artichoke salad or Italian chopped salad.
- For a lighter option, try baking instead of pan-frying: bake breaded chicken cutlets at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes in a generously oiled pan, then add toppings and bake 5 more minutes before broiling to brown the cheese.
- Serve with crusty bread such as country sourdough or Italian bread to complete the meal.
- Ensure chicken is pounded evenly to about ½ inch thickness for uniform cooking and tender texture.
- Using fresh basil in the final garnish adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the rich tomato sauce and cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg



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