Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Name: Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2-3 teaspoons seasoning salt blend (divided); 1/2 cup flour (for dredging ); 2 large eggs; 2 cups panko bread crumbs; 1/4-1/3 cup olive oil; 12 ounces marinara sauce; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella; 2-3 ounces parmesan cheese

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This cheesy and comforting Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe is simple to make at home with pantry ingredients in less than 30 minutes. A great recipe for beginner cooks since it teaches great basic cooking skills and uses 8 ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

While it may seem like a restaurant-quality meal, making Chicken Parmesan at home is surprisingly simple. With a few basic ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and 30 minutes of your time, you can create an easy dinner that your family or friends will be asking for again and again.

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, combines tender crispy chicken breasts, savory marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs. It can pair with so many side dishes!

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Italian food is always a favorite in our house, be sure to check out my Creamy Bolognese, Beef and Sausage Meatballs, Easy Lasagna Soup, and Shrimp and Crab Scampi!

Table of Contents

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Easy Recipe: This easy dinner involves simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps!
Comforting Flavors: Combines classic Italian flavors, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs, and has the perfect combination of textures!
Versatility: It can be served in a variety of ways, alongside pasta, on a sandwich, or even on its own with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Family-Friendly: A homemade weeknight dinner the whole family will love!

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Parmesan

Scroll down to see the ingredient amounts in the recipe card.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The protein base of the dish, providing a substantial and flavorful component.
Seasoning Salt Blend (Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic): Adds flavor and savoriness to the protein.
Flour: Coats the chicken breasts and helps the egg mixture adhere to them. It also creates a barrier that prevents moisture loss during cooking, keeping in the meat juicy.
Eggs: Serve as a binding agent, helping the panko breadcrumbs stick to the meat and creating a crispy outer layer when fried.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Provides the classic crispy and crunchy coating when fried. Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, airier crispy crust compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
Olive Oil: Used for frying the breaded chicken breasts. It adds flavor and helps achieve a crispy exterior and moist interior of the meat.
Marinara Sauce: Adds a tangy tomato flavor and moisture to the dish. It also contributes to the overall sauciness and richness of the dish.
Fresh Mozzarella: Melts beautifully to finish the recipe, creating a gooey and creamy layer of cheese.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled over the top before baking to add a salty, nutty flavor and forms a golden crust.
Optional Garnishes: Fresh Basil, Extra Sauce, Extra Parmesan Cheese

Tools You'll Need

Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
Chef's Knife (optional)
Shallow Dishes or Bowls
Large Skillet or Roasting Pan
Silicone Tongs or Fork
12"x17" Sheet Pan
Rotary Cheese Grater
Close and Cut (to filet the chicken, optional)

How to Make this Simple Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ⅓ inch thick. You can also place them two sheets of plastic wrap before pounding, if desired.

Pounding chicken cutlets on a cutting board.

Season breasts on both sides with 1-2 teaspoons seasoning salt.

Seasoning chicken cutlets on a cutting board.

Create a breading station with three shallow bowls. Bowl 1, the flour. Bowl 2, the eggs, whisked together with a fork. Bowl 3, mix together panko bread crumbs and remaining seasoning salt.

Coat each breast with the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip each breast into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat the breasts with panko bread crumbs, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs.

Coating chicken with egg yolk and bread crumbs.

In a large skillet, heat enough olive oil over medium-high heat to cover the bottom of the skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer the cooked pieces to a large sheet pan.

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over each fried cutlet. Top with shredded or slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle shredded or grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.

Adding parmesan to the top of chicken parmesan.

Place the sheet pan in a preheated 400°F oven for 10 minutes. Broil on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and ensure the chicken has reached a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve hot with extra marinara sauce and alongside your favorite side dish(es).

Expert Tips and Substitutions

Even Pounding Thickness: To ensure even cooking, make sure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness. While traditional Chicken Parmesan is made with breasts, you can use thighs or tenders if you prefer. Keep in mind that cooking times and texture will differ.
Bake instead of Fry: You can also make oven-baked chicken parmesan. After breading, place the the breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. Make sure to flip the breasts halfway through baking for even cooking.
Sauce Distribution: Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken breasts evenly, but avoid smothering them completely. This ensures the breading stays crispy.
Breadcrumbs: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, Italian bread crumbs, crushed cornflakes, or crushed crackers for a different texture. You can add 1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning to the panko mixture if desired.
Pasta Sauce: While marinara sauce is traditional, you can use homemade marinara sauce, jarred sauce, or store-bought Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist. Alternatively, try a pesto sauce for a flavorful variation.
Cheese: If you don't have fresh mozzarella, you can use shredded mozzarella cheese, a blend of Italian cheeses, or provolone cheese slices. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavors.

What to Serve with Chicken Parmigiana

Chicken Parmesan pairs well with a variety of sides! You can keep it simple with plain pasta or zucchini noodles and a side salad or caesar salad. You could also add a side dish pasta with pizzazz like One Pan Pasta, Sun-dried Tomato Caper Pasta, and Pasta with Asparagus and Mushrooms.

Some of our favorite vegetables to pair with this classic dinner are Crispy Green Beans, Gremolata Green Beans or Asparagus, and Garlic Broccoli and Mushrooms.

Don't forget about buttery and delicious Garlic Bread! Crockpot Garlic Bread would be an excellent side dish or appetizer for this meal!

Storage and Freezing

For the Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing.

For the Freezer: Freeze the cooled chicken in an airtight container up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat: Ensure the chicken is reheated to above the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make Chicken Parmesan gluten-free?

To make Chicken Parmesan gluten-free, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of traditional panko. Additionally, use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken.

Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread the chicken breasts and refrigerate them until ready to fry or bake. You can also assemble the Chicken Parmesan in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to one day before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

It's cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?

Yes. Once assembled and baked, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

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