Name: Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts, sliced in half length-wise to create 6 cutlets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (can also use gluten-free flour blend or white whole wheat); 3 eggs, whisked; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 tsp Italian herb blend (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary); 1 tsp garlic powder; 6 slices Mozzarella cheese; 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

If you’re craving that perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and saucy comfort food, I’ve got a treat for you. This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe hits just the right balance with tender chicken cutlets, a golden breadcrumb crust, and oozy melted mozzarella that’s pure magic.

A white rectangular baking dish holds six pieces of breaded cutlets, each covered with a bright red tomato sauce layer, followed by a melted golden-brown cheese layer, and sprinkled with small pieces of fresh green herbs on top. The cutlets have a crispy textured edge that is slightly browned, and some grated cheese is scattered around the cutlets in the dish. A small bunch of fresh green basil leaves is placed at the bottom right corner of the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love making chicken parmesan because it feels like a special occasion even on a regular weeknight. The crispy coating locks in juiciness and the combination of marinara and cheeses brings all those cozy Italian-American vibes right to your plate.

Crunchy, Golden Crust: The breadcrumb and parmesan mix creates a deliciously crispy coating every time.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Pounding the cutlets to ½-inch thickness ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Melty, Gooey Cheese: Mozzarella and parmesan combine perfectly to add creamy, savory richness.
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, perfect for an impressive weeknight meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering the right ingredients is all about simple, quality flavors. Look for fresh chicken breasts and good Parmesan cheese, and don’t be shy about using a nice olive oil to get that golden crust. I like using a flavorful Italian herb blend to keep things authentic but also easy to replicate.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise to six cutlets, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, three whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a simple white ceramic dish with mixed golden breadcrumbs blended with shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese and Italian herb blend, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, six slices of fresh white mozzarella cheese arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with finely shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh green basil leaves, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged with balanced proportions and symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Pounded thin, they cook quickly and stay tender.
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend): Helps the breading stick and adds a light coating.
Eggs: Bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken beautifully.
Olive oil: Perfect for pan-frying to crispy perfection with a subtle fruity flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Create the irresistible crunchy crust.
Parmesan cheese: Adds savory, nutty flavor to the breadcrumbs and topping.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning the breading mix evenly.
Italian herb blend: Thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary bring that classic Italian aroma.
Garlic powder: For subtle, warming garlic notes in every bite.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts gorgeously on top for that ooey-gooey layer.
Marinara sauce: The tangy, tomato base that keeps it all moist and flavorful.
Fresh basil: Adds a bright, aromatic finish right before serving.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you're catering to dietary needs or simply craving a twist, there are plenty of ways to make it uniquely yours while keeping that crunchy, cheesy magic intact.

Gluten-Free Version: I love using a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a delightfully crispy Chicken Parmesan that everyone can enjoy without missing a beat.
Baked Instead of Fried: For a lighter take, try baking the breaded cutlets at 450°F for about 25 minutes before adding cheese and sauce. This method saves oil but still delivers that golden crust I crave.
Herb-Forward Experiment: If you want a fresher flavor profile, swap the Italian herb blend with fresh thyme and rosemary finely chopped—this adds a lovely aromatic twist.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into your breadcrumb mixture to give the dish a subtle, satisfying heat that wakes up the palate.
Cheese Variations: Try mixing provolone or fontina with mozzarella for a gooey, melty topping that's a little different but just as delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

This image shows a white baking dish filled with several pieces of layered chicken parmesan. Each piece has a base layer of crispy golden-brown breaded chicken, topped with a thick layer of bright red marinara sauce with a slightly chunky texture. On top of the sauce is a layer of melted, bubbly, light golden mozzarella cheese mixed with sprinklings of white parmesan. Small bits of fresh, chopped dark green basil are scattered across the top, with a whole basil leaf placed on the chicken in the foreground. The background is a white marbled surface, and a metal spatula lifts one piece from the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Tenderize the Chicken Cutlets

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Next, take your chicken breasts sliced into cutlets and place them into a large ziplock bag or between parchment paper sheets. Using a rolling pin or meat mallet, pound firmly until each cutlet is about ½ inch thick. This step is crucial for even cooking and a juicy, tender bite. Remove the chicken from the bag and gently pat dry with paper towels to help the coating stick perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the Flavorful Breadcrumb Coating

Grab a shallow dish and combine 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs with ½ cup shredded parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian herb blend, and garlic powder. Mixing these ingredients ahead lets every bite deliver that satisfying, savory crunch and depth of flavor.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

Prepare three shallow bowls side by side for an assembly line approach: one with ½ cup flour (all-purpose or your preferred alternative), one with 3 whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture. This setup makes breading fast, efficient, and less messy.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken Cutlets Carefully

Take each chicken cutlet and first coat it thoroughly in the flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip it into the whisked eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture on both sides, ensuring every inch is covered with that aromatic, crispy coating. Repeat until all six cutlets are breaded.

Step 5: Brown the Cutlets to Golden Perfection

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over low to medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the breaded cutlets. Brown each side for about 2-3 minutes until you see a gorgeous golden crust forming—this is the texture and flavor foundation for what makes this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe so irresistible.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Arrange your beautifully browned chicken cutlets in a single layer in a large baking dish. Place one slice of mozzarella on top of each cutlet, then spoon 1 ½ cups of marinara sauce over them. Pop it into your preheated oven at 425°F and bake uncovered for 14 minutes. This melts the cheese perfectly and blends those delicious flavors.

Step 7: Broil and Garnish for the Final Touch

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese on top. Switch your oven to broil on high and broil for just 1 minute—keep a close eye to catch it the moment the cheese bubbles and turns lightly browned. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped basil over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy every crispy, cheesy, juicy bite!

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe so every bite is perfectly golden, juicy, and bursting with flavor.

Even Thickness Matters: Pounding your chicken cutlets to about ½ inch thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay tender – no dry edges or undercooked centers.
Breadcrumb Pressing Technique: When coating the chicken, gently press the breadcrumb mixture onto both sides instead of just dipping. This extra step creates that irresistible crispy crust.
Oil Temperature Control: Keep your heat at low to medium when browning the chicken to avoid burning the crust before the chicken cooks through.
The Broil Finish: Don’t skip the final broil step after baking; it melts and lightly browns the parmesan cheese topping for that signature golden finish and extra flavor.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

The image shows three stages of coating a piece of raw meat in a recipe sequence. In the first frame, a woman's hand is holding a pale pink raw meat piece while resting it on a bed of white flour on a white plate with a scalloped edge, all placed on a wooden surface. The meat is dry and powdery from the flour. In the second frame, the same woman's hand dips the flour-covered meat into a shallow white bowl filled with bright yellow beaten egg, with bubbles visible on the liquid’s surface. The third frame displays the woman's hand pressing the egg-covered raw meat into a round white dish filled with a mix of coarse, light brown breadcrumbs, creating a textured coating. The background is the same wooden surface, maintaining consistency across all stages. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped basil is the perfect aromatic garnish to brighten and complement the rich tomato sauce and cheese. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded parmesan on top before serving for an added cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Chicken Parmesan pairs beautifully with classic pasta – whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni tossed in olive oil or extra marinara sauce. For something fresh, serve alongside an Italian salad like a Tuscan artichoke salad or chopped Italian salad. Don't forget some crusty Italian or country sourdough bread to soak up all the delicious sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and the crust fairly crisp for reheating.

Freezing

Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat and preserve the crispy crust, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. The recipe works beautifully with gluten-free flour blends and gluten-free breadcrumbs without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Is it necessary to pound the chicken cutlets?

Yes, pounding the chicken cutlets to about ½ inch thick ensures they cook evenly and stay tender. Without pounding, the chicken may cook unevenly, resulting in dry or rubbery bites.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Definitely! The recipe includes a baked method where the breaded cutlets are baked at 450°F for 25 minutes before adding cheese and sauce, then baked a little more and broiled. It’s a great lower-oil option with equally delicious results.

What can I serve with this chicken parmesan?

It goes wonderfully with pasta of any kind, Italian-inspired salads like Tuscan artichoke or chopped salad, and crusty bread such as sourdough or Italian country bread. These sides complement the dish and round out the meal perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is such a rewarding experience—it’s a true comfort food classic that feels special yet simple to prepare. I hope these tips, serving ideas, and storage tips inspire you to enjoy this golden, cheese-laden delight anytime you crave something both crispy and comforting. Happy cooking and buon appetito!