Dinner

Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Name: Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half horizontally to make 6 breast halves; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided; 2 eggs; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 cup Italian style bread crumbs (or substitute panko); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons oil; 24 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil leaves, for serving

ByElara Stone January 15, 2026January 15, 2026

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Introduction

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. This comforting recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

A white plate holds a dish with three clear layers: the bottom layer is a nest of orange-red spaghetti noodles mixed gently with chunky red tomato sauce, the middle layer is a golden-brown, crispy breaded chicken cutlet sitting on top of the spaghetti, and the top layer is melted white cheese with small green herb pieces sprinkled over it, showing a soft and slightly bubbly texture. The plate is placed on a soft striped cloth, all set against a white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut in half horizontally to make 6 breast halves)
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided)
2 eggs
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 cup Italian style bread crumbs (or panko)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 Tablespoons oil
24 ounces marinara sauce (or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Step 2: Butterfly chicken breasts by carefully slicing each breast in half horizontally to create two even, thin halves.
Step 3: Pat chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Beat eggs in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, Italian style bread crumbs, half of the parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
Step 5: Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly on both sides.
Step 6: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add breaded chicken and cook about 2 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked through.
Step 7: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13” baking pan. Place the chicken on top.
Step 8: Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and remaining parmesan cheese.
Step 9: Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and chicken reaches 165 degrees F internally.
Step 10: Garnish with fresh chopped basil. Serve hot, ideally over cooked spaghetti noodles with extra marinara sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade marinara sauce for a fresher, richer flavor, or add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
For extra crispy chicken, try double-dipping the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs before frying.
Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheesy twist.

Storage

Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees F to maintain crispiness. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.