Crispy Chicken Parmesan
There’s something magical about Chicken Parmesan.
It’s a dish that feels like a hug on a plate—crispy, golden chicken cutlets smothered in rich marinara, bubbling mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, Chicken Parmesan is your ticket to instant smiles.
Let’s dive in and make this comfort food favorite with a Maggie-approved shortcut twist!
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Prepare and Flatten the Chicken:
Take your boneless chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to gently pound each piece to about ½ inch thickness for even cooking.
Set Up the Breading Station:
Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper in the flour for added flavor.
Bread the Chicken:
Coat each chicken breast first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even, thick coating.
Pan-Fry the Cutlets:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the breaded chicken breasts. Fry each piece for 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Assemble the Dish:
Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece, then top with slices of mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and golden at the edges.
Serve and Garnish:
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving. Pair with spaghetti or a green salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tips
- Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality mozzarella for maximum flavor and meltiness.
- Double Dredge: For ultra-crispy chicken, double-dip the cutlets in the breadcrumbs before frying.
- Drain the Cutlets: Place fried cutlets on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep them crispy.
- Homemade Marinara: If you have time, homemade marinara sauce can elevate this dish to the next level.
- Fresh Basil: Add basil after baking to retain its fresh, fragrant flavor.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the breading crisp.
- Freeze: Assemble the dish without baking and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.
Crispy Chicken Parmesan: A Classic Italian-American Comfort
Description
Golden, crispy chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and freshly grated Parmesan, baked to perfection. A crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Dip each piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry each chicken breast until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella slices, and additional Parmesan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Sodium 780mg33%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Protein 42g84%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- Pair with a light red wine like Chianti for a true Italian experience.
These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Always check your ingredient labels for precise nutrition details.
