This recipe is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, smothered in warm marinara and melty cheese.

This version of Chicken Parmesan is quick, straightforward, and reliable. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, but it’s also easy to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd or bringing a dish to a get-together.

Why Chicken Parmesan Is Always a Win

Chicken Parmesan has been around forever, and there’s a reason it never goes out of style.

It uses pantry staples most of us already have.
It’s kid-friendly but still feels grown-up.
It pairs beautifully with pasta, salad, or even just some crusty bread.
Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have them) reheat surprisingly well.

It’s also one of those meals that makes the kitchen smell amazing that sizzling chicken, warm tomato sauce, and bubbling cheese combo is hard to beat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe serves 2, but you can easily double or triple it for family dinners or parties.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Cooked spaghetti or pasta of your choice (optional, for serving)

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cool Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This way it’s ready to go when you need it.

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap (or baking paper) and gently pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm). This step really matters. Even thickness means:

The chicken cooks evenly
No dry edges
No undercooked centers

Season both sides with salt and pepper. Don’t skip this seasoning the chicken itself makes a big difference.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

Grab three shallow dishes:

Flour in the first
Beaten eggs in the second
Breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan in the third

This setup keeps things organized and makes breading quick and tidy.

Chicken, beaten eggs, flour, bread crumbs

Take one chicken breast at a time:

Dredge it in flour, shaking off the excess
Dip it into the egg, letting any extra drip off
Press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture

Make sure the coating sticks well. That crispy layer is what makes Chicken Parmesan so satisfying.

3. Pan-Fry Until Golden

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken breasts.

Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. You’re not cooking them all the way through here just building that beautiful crust.

Transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish.

4. Add Sauce and Cheese

Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast. You don’t want to drown it just enough to coat the top.

Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella.

Adding marinara sauce then cheese on the cooked chicken

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until:

The cheese is melted and bubbly
The chicken is cooked through

Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything settle and makes slicing easier.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil if you like. Serve hot, either on its own or over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

Helpful Tips

Pound the Chicken Evenly

This one step saves so many problems later. Even thickness means predictable cooking and juicy results.

Don’t Rush the Pan

Medium heat is your friend. Too hot and the coating burns; too low and it turns greasy.

Use a Baking Dish, Not a Sheet Pan

You want the sauce and cheese to stay put, not slide off.

Easy Variations

Make It Extra Crispy

Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Add More Flavor

Mix a little garlic powder or Italian seasoning into the breadcrumb mixture.

Swap the Protein

This method works beautifully with chicken thighs or even eggplant slices for a meat-free option.

Making Chicken Parmesan for a Crowd

Chicken Parmesan is a great party dish because it:

Can be prepped ahead
Feeds a lot of people easily
Feels hearty and comforting

To serve a group:

Bread and pan-fry the chicken earlier in the day
Arrange in a baking dish
Add sauce and cheese just before baking

Pop it in the oven when guests arrive, and dinner practically cooks itself.

What to Serve With Chicken Parmesan

You really can’t go wrong here, but a few favorites include:

Spaghetti or penne with extra marinara
A simple green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or rolls
Roasted vegetables

Keep the sides simple and let the chicken be the star.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers (a big if):

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through
Avoid the microwave if you can the oven keeps it crisp

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