Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American favorite that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, topped with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs (or more as needed)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or more if needed)
- ½ cup olive oil for frying (or as needed)
- ½ cup prepared tomato sauce
- ¼ cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ½ cup grated provolone cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Step 3: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 4: Coat each chicken breast first in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the panko-Parmesan mixture.
- Step 5: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Step 6: Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish. Spoon tomato sauce over each piece, then top with fresh mozzarella cubes, grated provolone, chopped basil, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 8: Serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh Caesar salad and a cold raspberry lemonade.
Tips & Variations
- For a crunchier crust, use panko bread crumbs and make sure the oil is hot before frying.
- Substitute provolone with mozzarella if you prefer a milder cheese.
- Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the bread crumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Try using homemade tomato sauce for a fresher taste.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the crust crisp and cheese melty. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may take slightly longer to cook and offer a juicier texture.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. The baking and frying times in the recipe generally ensure this.
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Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with savory tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a satisfying Italian-American favorite perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs (or more as needed)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or more if needed)
- ½ cup olive oil for frying (or as needed)
Toppings and Sauce
- ½ cup prepared tomato sauce
- ¼ cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ½ cup grated provolone cheese
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the assembled chicken parmesan.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare Coating Bowls: Set up three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with panko bread crumbs mixed with half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko-Parmesan mixture to create a crispy crust when fried.
- Fry Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side, ensuring they are cooked through and crispy.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the fried chicken breasts to a baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of tomato sauce over each piece, then top them with cubed fresh mozzarella, grated provolone cheese, chopped fresh basil, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Parmesan hot, pairing it ideally with a fresh Caesar salad and a cold raspberry lemonade for a balanced and delightful meal.
Notes
- Use panko bread crumbs for extra crunch; regular bread crumbs can be used but may result in a less crispy texture.
- If chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Leftover Chicken Parmesan can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic flavor, but you can substitute with dried basil if unavailable, though fresh is preferred.
- For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken instead of frying, though frying yields the best traditional texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Breaded Chicken, Italian Chicken, Fried Chicken Recipe, Baked Chicken, Italian-American Cuisine, Comfort Food

