5-Star Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy and Completely Irresistible

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan

Few dishes can rival the satisfying crunch and gooey, cheesy comfort of a perfect Chicken Parmesan. With golden breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella over a bed of pasta or on its own, this Italian-American favorite is beloved around the world—and for good reason.

Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, a date night, or a family meal, Chicken Parmesan checks all the boxes: crispy, cheesy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. This guide will walk you through how to make the ultimate Chicken Parmesan from scratch, plus tips, variations, and answers to common questions.

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Cutlets:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 4 thinner cutlets)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)

Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to cut acidity)

Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Slice each chicken breast horizontally into 2 thinner cutlets.
• Place between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet to even thickness (about ½ inch).
• Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

• Set up a dredging station: one plate of flour, one bowl of beaten eggs, and one plate of breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika.
• Dip each cutlet first in flour (shake off excess), then in egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Press to coat well.

Step 3: Fry the Cutlets

• Heat ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Fry the chicken until golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side.
• Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

• In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft (3–5 minutes).
• Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and sugar (if using).
• Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Spoon some sauce into a baking dish. Place chicken on top.
• Spoon more sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
• Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan

• Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
• Avoid soggy chicken by frying it first and adding sauce right before baking.
• Fresh mozzarella adds a creamier melt but may release water—pat it dry first.
• Use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to set the cheese.

What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan

• Classic: Spaghetti, linguine, or penne with extra marinara sauce
• Lighter: Zucchini noodles or roasted vegetables
• Hearty: Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
• Comforting: Mashed potatoes or risotto

Healthy & Creative Variations

1. Baked Chicken Parmesan

Skip frying and bake the breaded chicken at 425°F for 20 minutes. Add sauce and cheese, then bake another 10 minutes.

2. Low-Carb or Keto

Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. Serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach.

3. Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Bread the chicken and cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 12–14 minutes. Then add sauce and cheese and cook for 2 more minutes.

4. Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

Serve on a toasted ciabatta or hoagie roll with extra sauce and melted cheese.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 480–600 (depends on frying oil & cheese)
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: Moderate to high (use low-sodium ingredients if needed)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?

A: Yes! You can freeze the fully cooked and assembled dish before baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To cook, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 35–45 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Q: What cheese is best for Chicken Parmesan?

A: Classic Chicken Parmesan uses mozzarella for its gooey melt and Parmesan for bold flavor. For a twist, try provolone, fontina, or even asiago. Always use freshly shredded cheese if possible—it melts better and tastes fresher.

Q: Can I use store-bought sauce?

A: Absolutely! Store-bought marinara works great in a pinch. Choose a high-quality brand like Rao’s, Mezzetta, or Newman’s Own for the best flavor. If you prefer full control over sweetness and salt, homemade sauce is your best bet.

Q: Is Chicken Parmesan gluten-free?

A: It can be made gluten-free! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and swap all-purpose flour for alternatives like almond flour, rice flour, or cornstarch. Double-check your marinara sauce and spices to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Parmesan is one of those magical, heartwarming meals that never goes out of style. With its crispy golden crust, savory homemade tomato sauce, and generous layers of melted cheese, it’s the definition of comfort food done right. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weeknight dinner, impressing guests, or indulging in a weekend treat, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy.

The beauty of Chicken Parmesan lies in its versatility—it can be served with pasta, tucked into a sandwich, or paired with a crisp salad for a lighter option. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to make it. With a few simple ingredients and this step-by-step guide, anyone can master this classic.

So go ahead—roll up your sleeves, get that skillet hot, and bring a little joy to your table with this timeless favorite. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s a five-star staple in kitchens around the world.

Yield: 4 serving

5-Star Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy and Completely Irresistible

Print

This 5-Star Chicken Parmesan is the ultimate comfort food golden, crispy chicken breasts are pan-fried to perfection, topped with rich homemade tomato sauce, and smothered in melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it's a crowd-pleaser every time! 4o

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• Chicken Cutlets:
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 4 thinner cutlets)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
• Tomato Sauce:
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to cut acidity)
• Toppings:
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Cut breasts into 4 cutlets. Season with salt & pepper.
   
2. Bread: Dredge in flour, dip in eggs, coat with seasoned breadcrumb-Parmesan mix.
   
3. Fry: Cook cutlets in oil until golden (3–4 mins per side). Set aside.
   
4. Make Sauce: Sauté onion in olive oil (3–5 mins), add garlic (1 min), then tomatoes, basil, spices & sugar. Simmer 15–20 mins.
   
5. Assemble: Layer sauce, chicken, more sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan in baking dish.
   
6. Bake: At 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 mins until cheese is bubbly.
   
7. Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley. Enjoy hot!
   

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 chicken cutlet with sauce & cheese
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 520 kcalTotal Fat: 28 ggSaturated Fat: 9 ggTrans Fat: 0 ggUnsaturated Fat: 17 ggCholesterol: 125 mgmgSodium: 850 mgmgCarbohydrates: 30 ggNet Carbohydrates: 27 ggFiber: 3 ggSugar: 6 ggSugar Alcohols: 0 ggProtein: 27 gg