This classic Chicken Parmesan is as good as it gets! It has a parmesan crust that seals in the juiciest chicken breast, topped with Homemade Marinara and a generous amount of melted cheese.

The process to make this is surprisingly quick and easy. Watch the video tutorial and you’ll be on your way to making restaurant-quality Chicken Parm at home.

Chicken Parmesan served over pasta and marinara sauce, garnished with parsley

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

This is the classic version of Chicken Parm. We love re-creating our favorite Italian restaurant dishes like Zuppa Toscana and of course, this Chicken Parmesan which you can make at home for a fraction of the price. Since this chicken is breaded and covered in sauce, it also reheats really well so you will appreciate any leftovers. This is among our family’s favorite 30-minute meals.

This Chicken Parmesan Recipe is wonderful over hot pasta and served with Caesar Salad or Roasted Asparagus on the side. It can also be served as a hot sandwich on a toasted bun; yum!

Watch the Video Tutorial

This is one chicken dinner you’ll make on repeat and it always gets rave reviews. It’s truly simple to make and is perfect for busy weeknights or even a special Italian dinner night in. It’s a keeper of a recipe! If you enjoyed this video, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

What is Chicken Parmesan?

The Italian name is Chicken Parmigiana and in the US, it has been nicknamed Chicken Parm, short for Chicken Parmesan. It is essentially breaded and parmesan-crusted chicken breast covered in tomato sauce and cheese and is similar to Eggplant Parmesan.

How can something so simple be THIS good you ask? You only have to try it once and you will know why everyone is talking about this dish. P.S. If you want to take this a step further, you can also make Stuffed Chicken Parmesan.

Chicken Parmigiana being served out of a casserole dish with spatula and cheese pull

Ingredients

You just need a few pantry staples to make Chicken Parm. We do love to add a little parsley or basil to garnish the top, but that’s optional. All you need for the perfect chicken parm is:

  • Chicken breasts – get boneless skinless chicken breast. Cutlets would also work or even chicken tenders for smaller strips of chicken parmesan.
  • Flour – use all-purpose flour and season with salt and pepper to dredge the chicken
  • Eggs – for the egg wash which helps the crumbs adhere
  • Italian bread crumbs – seasoned bread crumbs add more flavor to the chicken
  • Cheese – use freshly grated parmesan for the crust and shredded mozzarella for topping
  • Marinara sauce – This is the best with homemade marinara sauce but if you’re in a hurry, you can use your favorite store-bought marinara
Ingredients for chicken parmesan with homemade marinara sauce, chicken breast, cheese, bread crumbs, eggs, flour and seasonings

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

  • Prep Marinara If using storebought marinara, move on to step 2, otherwise, make the easy 20-minute homemade marinara. While it simmers, continue to prep the chicken.
  • Cut 2 chicken breasts in half length-wise for 4 cutlets. Put them between plastic wrap and pound them to an even 1/3″ thickness then season with salt and pepper.
  • Set up 3 shallow bowls: In the first bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper, in the second bowl, beat together 2 eggs, and in the third bowl, stir together parmesan and bread crumbs
  • Coat Chicken – Dredge chicken in flour, dusting off excess, then dip in eggs and turn to coat in bread crumbs.
  • Saute Once all chicken is breaded, heat a large non-stick skillet with enough oil to lightly coat the bottom and saute 3-4 minutes per side or until just cooked through at 165˚F on an instant-read thermometer. 
  • Assemble – Pour half of your marinara sauce in a casserole dish. Arrange chicken pieces over the marinara in a single layer. Spoon on marinara sauce and top with cheese then bake in a casserole dish at 425˚F for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling.
Chicken breading bowls with flour, egg and crumb mixture

Do I have to pound the chicken breast?

If chicken cutlets are large or uneven, use a meat mallet to pound between plastic wrap into 1/3″-thick cutlets and they will cook faster and more evenly. Pounding the chicken also helps to tenderize it.

Step by step assembling chicken parmesan in casserole dish with marinara and mozzarella cheese

Can Chicken Parm be Made Ahead?

You can saute the breaded chicken, arrange it in a casserole dish, and top it with marinara and cheese, then cover and refrigerate. Bake before serving, but be sure to bake a few minutes longer since you are baking chilled chicken. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer to ensure that it bakes to a safe 165˚F.

For a Healthier Baked Version

While we prefer sauteing the chicken lightly in oil because it is faster and uniformly golden, you can skip the pan-frying step and make this a healthier Baked Chicken Parmesan.

To make baked chicken parm, complete steps 1 through 3, lightly coat breaded chicken breasts with cooking spray on all sides, and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes then continue with the recipe in step 5.

Chicken Parmesan prepped to make ahead then baked

More Easy Chicken Dinners

We love chicken recipes that come together fast. These are the ones our family requests most often and they have been tested and loved by hundreds of readers.

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

4.99 from 414 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
chicken Parmesan served over spaghetti and marinara sauce garnished with basil and parsley
Classic Chicken Parmesan recipe with parmesan-crusted tender chicken, topped with marinara and cheese. Chicken Parm is an easy, excellent chicken dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 people
  • 2 chicken breasts, (large), about 1 1/2 lbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten until frothy
  • 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
  • 2 Tbsp Light olive oil, to sauté
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese, (1 cup shredded)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh basil, or parsley, chopped for optional garnish

Instructions

  • Trim chicken breasts and slice in half length-wise so you end up with 4 equal-thickness cutlets.* Season with salt and pepper.
  • In a shallow bowl, stir together 1/2 cup flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk 2 eggs until frothy. In a third bowl, stir together 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs with 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
  • Dip both sides of each chicken cutlet into the flour, tapping off the excess, then dip in beaten eggs, letting excess egg drip off and finally dip into the cheesy breadcrumbs, pressing cutlets into breading to ensure a thick, even coating of crumbs.
  • Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and add enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Once oil is hot, add chicken in batches (don't crowd the pan), sautéing 3-4 min per side or until golden brown and just cooked through.
  • Pour 1 1/2 cups of marinara into a 9×13 casserole baking dish. Arrange chicken over sauce in a single layer. Top each chicken down the center with the remaining 1 1/2 cups marinara, then cover with shredded mozzarella. Bake uncovered at 425˚F for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

*Cook’s Tip: For large chicken breasts, pound your chicken between plastic wrap into even 1/3″-thick cutlets.

Nutrition Per Serving

499kcal Calories33g Carbs44g Protein21g Fat7g Saturated Fat181mg Cholesterol2212mg Sodium1098mg Potassium4g Fiber9g Sugar1179IU Vitamin A14mg Vitamin C437mg Calcium4mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
499
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Cholesterol
 
181
mg
60
%
Sodium
 
2212
mg
96
%
Potassium
 
1098
mg
31
%
Carbohydrates
 
33
g
11
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
9
g
10
%
Protein
 
44
g
88
%
Vitamin A
 
1179
IU
24
%
Vitamin C
 
14
mg
17
%
Calcium
 
437
mg
44
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: chicken parmesan
Skill Level: Easy/Medium
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 499
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the creator behind Natasha's Kitchen (established in 2009), and I share family-friendly, authentic recipes. I am a New York Times Best-Selling cookbook author and a trusted video personality in the culinary world. My husband, Vadim, and I run this blog together, ensuring every recipe we share is thoroughly tested and approved. Our mission is to provide you with delicious, reliable recipes you can count on. Thanks for stopping by! I am so happy you are here.

Read more posts by Natasha

4.99 from 414 votes (206 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Linda
    October 8, 2024

    This came out delicious. Using zip lock bags for the mixtures instead of bowls was the only alternative made. My husband and I enjoyed it very much. Thank you!

    Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.