Chicken Parmesan — or Chicken Parmigiana — is a beloved Italian-American classic that’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. It’s crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, served over pasta or with a side of garlic bread. The best part? You don’t need to be a chef to master it. This ultimate chicken parmesan recipe easy guide will walk you through step by step!
🛒 Ingredients
For the chicken:
2 large chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise for 4 thin cutlets)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko for extra crunch)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup olive oil (or a mix of olive oil and butter for frying)
For the sauce & topping:
2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
For serving:
Spaghetti or your favorite pasta
Garlic bread or side salad
🔑 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise for thinner cutlets.
Lightly pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch) for even cooking.
Season with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge and Bread
Set up three bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in the third.
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
3. Pan-Fry Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Place cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
4. Assemble with Sauce and Cheese
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
Place chicken cutlets on top.
Spoon more marinara over each piece, then sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
🍝 Serving Suggestions
Serve over spaghetti tossed with extra marinara sauce.
Pair with garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad for a complete meal.
For a lighter version, serve with roasted vegetables or zucchini noodles.
🌟 Why This Recipe Works
This ultimate chicken parmesan recipe easy guide you need is:
Crispy yet cheesy: Breaded chicken keeps its crunch under layers of gooey cheese.
Quick & easy: Ready in under 45 minutes.
Family-friendly: A crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone loves.
Restaurant-quality: Brings the Italian-American favorite to your home kitchen.
✅ Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving comfort food, this is the dish for you. The ultimate chicken parmesan recipe easy guide you need makes it simple to create a restaurant-worthy meal at home. From crispy breading to melty cheese, it’s everything you want in a hearty dinner.