Have you ever craved restaurant-quality chicken with a golden, crispy parmesan crust but thought it was too complicated to make at home? Think again! This parmesan chicken recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or impressive weekend dinners. Making this dish at home not only saves you money compared to dining out but also gives you complete control over ingredients, ensuring a healthier, fresher meal. 

Ingredients List

    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
    • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)

For the Sauce:

    • 1 cup marinara sauce
    • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
    • Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
    • Optional: Extra parmesan for serving

Timing / Cooking Schedule

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

This recipe fits perfectly into a weeknight dinner routine, taking less time than ordering takeout. You can prep the breading station while the oven preheats to maximize efficiency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry edges. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station Create three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs (add 1 tablespoon water for easier coating), and one with breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. This parmesan chicken recipe requires a proper breading station for the best crust.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg wash, then press firmly into the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Let coated chicken rest for 5 minutes to help the breading adhere.

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Don't overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed for maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese Preheat oven to 400°F. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and top with mozzarella. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and chicken reaches 165°F internally. This easy parmesan chicken recipe technique ensures restaurant-quality results every time.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Let chicken rest for 3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan if desired.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

    • Calories: 485
    • Protein: 52g
    • Carbohydrates: 28g
    • Fat: 18g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 8% DV
    • Iron: 15% DV

Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice

Dietary Swaps: - Gluten-free: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs - Keto-friendly: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond meal - Dairy-free: Substitute nutritional yeast for parmesan and omit mozzarella

Flavor Variations: Try adding lemon zest to the breading for brightness, or use spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara. You can also substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Meal Prep Tip: Bread chicken in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This actually helps the coating stick better!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using Pre-Shredded Cheese Pre-shredded parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper browning. Always grate fresh cheese for the best crust.

Mistake 2: Overcrowding the Pan This steams the chicken instead of creating a crispy crust. Cook in batches with space between each piece.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Resting Time Cutting chicken immediately causes juices to run out. Wait 3-5 minutes for tender, moist results.

Mistake 4: Cooking at Too High Heat Excessive heat burns the coating before the chicken cooks through. Medium-high is ideal for this parmesan-crusted chicken.

Storage / Leftovers Tips

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results with this parmesan chicken recipe, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness—microwaving will make the coating soggy. You can freeze breaded, uncooked chicken for up to 2 months; cook from frozen by adding 5 extra minutes to the cooking time. Leftover sauce can be stored separately for up to 5 days. This easy parmesan chicken recipe reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. For freezing cooked chicken, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.