Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They're naturally more moist and flavorful, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.

How do I keep my chicken parmesan from getting soggy?

The key is to avoid overloading with sauce before baking. Use just enough marinara on top to flavor the chicken without drowning it. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough when frying to create a good seal on the breading, and don't cover the chicken with sauce until just before baking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs in equal amounts. Many stores now carry gluten-free panko breadcrumbs that work perfectly in this recipe. Just double-check that your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.

Is there a way to make this healthier?

For a lighter version, skip the frying step altogether. Instead, spray the breaded chicken with olive oil cooking spray and bake at 425°F for about 15 minutes until nearly cooked through, then add your sauce and cheese and continue baking until finished. You can also use reduced-fat mozzarella and whole wheat breadcrumbs.

Homemade Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Name: Homemade Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut in half horizontally to make 8 pieces; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian style or regular); ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons parsley, fresh, chopped; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying); 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar); 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons basil, fresh, chopped

This classic Chicken Parmesan transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen. Crispy chicken cutlets topped with tangy marinara and melty cheese create the perfect comfort food that’s surprisingly straightforward to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or wanting to impress guests, this foolproof recipe delivers incredible flavor in every bite while keeping the process manageable even on busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Crispy: These chimichangas are bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of tender chicken, a blend of spices, and a creamy, cheesy sour cream sauce. They’re also perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
Versatile: You can easily customize these chimichangas with your favorite fillings and toppings.
Freezer-Friendly: You can assemble these chimichangas ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and easy meal later on.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: The star of the show, sliced horizontally to create thinner cutlets that cook evenly and quickly.
All-purpose flour: Creates the first layer of the breading station, helping the egg wash adhere to the chicken.
Eggs: Acts as the glue that holds the breading onto the chicken, creating that perfect crispy exterior.
Panko breadcrumbs: Provides that signature light, airy crunch that makes restaurant-quality chicken parmesan special.
Italian breadcrumbs: Adds seasoning and a more traditional texture that complements the panko perfectly.
Parmesan cheese: Incorporated into the breading for flavor and sprinkled on top before baking for that beautiful finish.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the breading mixture with fresh herb flavor.
Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to golden perfection without burning.
Marinara sauce: The tangy tomato base that brings everything together – use your favorite jarred version for convenience!
Mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible cheese pull when melted on top of the chicken.
Fresh basil: The finishing touch that adds color and a burst of aromatic flavor.

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

Want to customize your chicken parmesan? Try these delicious twists:

Chicken Parm Sandwiches: Place the finished chicken between toasted garlic bread for an incredible sandwich.
Lighter Version: Skip the initial frying and bake the breaded chicken directly, spraying with a bit of olive oil for color.
Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers between the chicken and sauce layer.
Heat Lover’s Version: Mix red pepper flakes into your marinara or add thin slices of spicy pepperoni under the cheese.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Set up three shallow dishes: the first with flour, the second with eggs beaten with salt and pepper, and the third with a mixture of both breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Take each chicken piece and dip first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then coat in the egg mixture, allowing extra to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage on both sides.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded chicken for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remember, we’re not fully cooking the chicken here—it’ll finish in the oven.

Step 4: Assemble for Baking

Spread 1½ cups of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Arrange the fried chicken pieces on top, then spoon a couple tablespoons of sauce over each piece. Top generously with mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the chicken reaches 165°F internally. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges—that’s when you know it’s ready!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil right before serving for that professional touch and fresh flavor boost.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pound Your Chicken: For even cooking, pound the chicken pieces to an even thickness after slicing them horizontally.
Don’t Skip the Drying: Pat your chicken dry with paper towels before breading—this helps the coating stick better.
Test Your Oil: Drop a few breadcrumbs in your oil; if they sizzle immediately, it’s ready for frying.
Double Dip for Extra Crunch: For an ultra-crispy coating, double-dip your chicken (flour, egg, breadcrumbs, then back into egg and breadcrumbs again).
Rest Before Cutting: Let the baked chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting to keep the juices inside.

How to Serve

Chicken Parmesan shines brightest when served over a bed of al dente spaghetti. The pasta catches all that delicious sauce and creates the perfect bite with the crispy chicken. For a complete meal, consider these perfect pairings:

Side Dishes:

Italian green beans sautéed with garlic
Steamed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon
Garlicky sautéed spinach or kale
A simple tossed salad with Italian dressing

Bread Options:

Garlic bread or garlic knots for sopping up extra sauce
Focaccia with olive oil for dipping
Warm crusty Italian bread

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Ahead

You can bread the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store the breaded, uncooked chicken pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. When ready to cook, continue with the frying step.

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. For best results, store the chicken separate from any pasta to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

Freeze the fried chicken pieces (before adding sauce and cheese) by placing them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then continue with adding sauce and cheese before baking.

Reheating

The best way to reheat chicken parmesan is in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For a crispier texture, use a toaster oven or air fryer. Microwaving works in a pinch but will make the breading softer.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re naturally more moist and flavorful, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I keep my chicken parmesan from getting soggy?

The key is to avoid overloading with sauce before baking. Use just enough marinara on top to flavor the chicken without drowning it. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough when frying to create a good seal on the breading, and don’t cover the chicken with sauce until just before baking.
Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs in equal amounts. Many stores now carry gluten-free panko breadcrumbs that work perfectly in this recipe. Just double-check that your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.
Is there a way to make this healthier?

For a lighter version, skip the frying step altogether. Instead, spray the breaded chicken with olive oil cooking spray and bake at 425°F for about 15 minutes until nearly cooked through, then add your sauce and cheese and continue baking until finished. You can also use reduced-fat mozzarella and whole wheat breadcrumbs.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan recipe brings a taste of Italian-American comfort food to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. The combination of crispy, seasoned chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. Don’t be intimidated by the multiple steps—once you’ve made this once, you’ll see how simple it actually is, and the results are absolutely worth it. Give it a try this week and watch as it quickly becomes a requested favorite in your meal rotation!

Homemade Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that features juicy, breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this recipe is a comforting meal that’s easy to make and ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it over spaghetti or with a side of vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.

Instructions

Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure it’s ready to bake your chicken after frying.
Prepare breading ingredients
Arrange your breading station with three shallow dishes. Add flour to the first dish. In the second, beat the eggs with salt and pepper. In the third, mix Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated, and shake off any excess. Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating evenly.
Fry the chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry each breaded chicken piece for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 380°F for 7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken completely; it will finish cooking in the oven.
Assemble Chicken Parmesan
Spread 1 ½ cups of marinara sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish or on a baking sheet. Place the fried chicken pieces on top. Spoon a couple of tablespoons of marinara sauce over each piece. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the chicken.
Bake
Bake the assembled dish for 10–15 minutes or until it turns golden and bubbly and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Garnish and serve
Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil. Serve over cooked pasta for a satisfying meal.

Notes

Serving suggestions: Pair this dish with a side of spaghetti, Italian green beans, steamed broccoli, or a tossed salad. For an extra treat, add garlic bread or sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil.
Leftovers: Fully cooked Chicken Parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. However, storing the sauce separately from the chicken can help prevent the breading from getting soggy when reheated. Use the microwave or oven for reheating.