Name: Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 6 breast halves; Salt and pepper, to season; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided; 2 eggs; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 cup Italian style bread crumbs (or panko); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 Tablespoons oil; 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil leaves, for serving

If you’re craving a classic, comforting Italian-American dish that’s straightforward to make but absolutely delicious, you’re going to love this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—it’s crispy, cheesy, and drenched in rich marinara sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a total winner and super approachable for cooks of any level. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your Chicken Parmesan is perfect!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You’ll probably already have most of these staples in your pantry and fridge.
Quick Prep: From start to finish, this comes together in under an hour, perfect for weeknights.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this dish—melty, crispy, saucy goodness every time.
Versatile Serving: Serve it over pasta, zoodles, or even spaghetti squash for a lighter touch.

A white plate holds a serving of spaghetti coated in red tomato sauce as the first layer, with strands twisted and piled unevenly. On top, there is a piece of breaded, crispy golden-brown chicken. The chicken is covered with a layer of melted white cheese that is sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The white marbled surface underneath adds a clean look to the scene, and a silver fork with some spaghetti is partially visible near the edge of the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan recipe, Italian chicken dish, crispy cheesy chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients for this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe. They create a great balance of flavors and textures—from the crunchy breadcrumb coating to the tender chicken under all that gooey cheese and savory sauce. I always recommend using freshly grated Parmesan for that fresh umami hit, and good-quality marinara really elevates the dish.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts halved horizontally, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of pale golden panko bread crumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Italian style bread crumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded white mozzarella cheese, a few vibrant fresh green basil leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden oil, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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 - Easy Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan recipe, Italian chicken dish, crispy cheesy chicken

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cutting them in half horizontally helps them cook evenly and makes a perfect portion size.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Fresh tastes better and melts into the breadcrumbs for a flavor boost.
Eggs: They help the breadcrumbs stick and create that golden crust.
Panko bread crumbs: These add that essential light crunch everyone loves in Chicken Parmesan.
Italian style bread crumbs: Seasoned breadcrumbs save time and infuse extra flavor.
Garlic powder: Just a pinch makes a big difference in the breadcrumb mix.
Oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection—I like using vegetable or canola oil for a neutral flavor.
Marinara sauce: Homemade or store-bought, but make sure it’s vibrant and not too watery.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, stringy layer everyone hunts for on this dish.
Fresh basil leaves: A fresh, aromatic finish that makes this meal really sing.

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.

Variations

One of the reasons I love this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to fit your mood or dietary needs. You can go classic, or switch it up to keep things interesting. Don’t hesitate to personalize it—you’ll find that little changes make this recipe truly your own!

Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular and Italian bread crumbs for gluten-free panko or almond flour. I’ve tested this, and it still crisps up nicely and tastes fantastic.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to your breadcrumb mixture or marinara sauce if you like a little heat like my family does on occasion.
Herb Twist: Mix in some dried oregano or fresh parsley with the breadcrumbs to amp up the Italian flavor profile.
Lower Carb: Serve over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta for a veggie-packed option.

How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Butterfly and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. To get those perfectly even, thin chicken halves, I like to butterfly the breasts by carefully slicing them in half horizontally with one steady hand on top of the meat. This helps the chicken cook evenly without drying out. After that, pat them dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Trust me, seasoning early on makes a huge difference.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In another, mix together the panko crumbs, Italian-style bread crumbs, half of the Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. This combo gives your chicken its deliciously crispy and flavorful crust.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs and then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides get well coated. I learned that pressing the crumbs onto the chicken instead of just tossing it in helps the crust stick much better.

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the breaded chicken and cook for about 2 minutes on each side. The goal here isn’t to cook through but to get a golden, crispy crust. If you skip this step, your chicken can turn out soggy after baking—this quick fry locks in texture.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spoon a thin layer of marinara into the bottom of a 9×13” baking dish and arrange the chicken pieces on top. Spoon more marinara over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the chicken reaches 165°F. It’s amazing how the oven finishes everything off, melding the flavors together beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top. It adds a fresh, herbal brightness that complements the rich cheeses and sauce. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, adding extra marinara on the side if you’re a saucy fan like me.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Butterflying Chicken: Take your time slicing the breasts evenly to ensure quick, even cooking without dryness.
Press Breadcrumbs Firmly: Prevents crumb loss while frying and baking for that perfect crust.
Use Less Oil at First: A shallow layer works best; too much oil can make the crust greasy.
Don’t Skip the Pan Fry: It locks in texture and flavor before baking, giving you that crispiness that everyone loves.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

There is a white plate with a ringed edge that holds a layer of light brown spaghetti with a thick red tomato sauce mixed through it. On top of the spaghetti sits a piece of crispy, golden-brown breaded chicken. Layered over the chicken is a melted white cheese with some browned spots and small green herb bits sprinkled on top. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a bit of shadow under the plate. The picture is well-lit and taken close up, showing all textures clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Parmesan recipe, Italian chicken dish, crispy cheesy chicken

Garnishes

I always go for fresh basil because it adds such a lovely aromatic finish and a pop of green. Sometimes, I add a little extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan right at the table for those who like it cheesier. A crack of fresh black pepper on top doesn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include a simple garlic butter spaghetti or a light green salad tossed with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli also pair beautifully with this dish, adding texture and a bit of color to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve each chicken breast on a bed of fresh pasta nests topped with basil chiffonade and extra sauce artfully drizzled around the plate. It gives it that restaurant-quality feel without the fuss. You can even place a Parmesan crisp on top for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool leftover Chicken Parmesan to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It stays good for up to 3 days. Pro tip: Keep the sauce and chicken together to lock moisture in, so reheated chicken doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well! I wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for best results.

Reheating

The oven is your friend here. Reheat leftovers at 350°F on a baking sheet until warmed through and cheese is bubbly again — about 15 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and the chicken juicy much better than the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor, but keep in mind they might need a slightly longer cooking time. Butterfly or pound them to an even thickness for best results.
Is it necessary to pan-fry the chicken before baking?

While you could bake chicken coated in breadcrumbs directly, pan-frying briefly in oil helps create a much better crust and prevents sogginess. It also adds a delicious golden color and flavor.
Can I make the marinara sauce from scratch?

Definitely! A homemade marinara with garlic, tomatoes, and herbs works beautifully and can be tailored to your tastes. But store-bought marinara works perfectly fine for convenience.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer — your chicken should reach 165°F internally. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear when pierced, and the meat isn’t pink inside.
Can I prepare this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe ahead of time?

You can bread and pan-fry the chicken earlier in the day, then refrigerate it before assembling and baking. This helps save time when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe, I was blown away by how restaurant-quality it felt without all the fuss. I’ve since made it countless times, and it never fails to impress guests and satisfy hungry bellies. I hope you’ll give it a go and enjoy the crispy crust, melty cheese, and rich sauce as much as I do. Cooking should feel good, and this recipe is one of those comforting dishes that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Happy cooking!