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 a perfectly golden, tender, and cheesy Italian classic, this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is just what your dinner table needs. It’s a comforting dish that combines crunchy breaded chicken with melty mozzarella and rich marinara—totally irresistible!

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish holding five pieces of breaded chicken topped with red tomato sauce and melted golden cheese sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The chicken pieces are arranged in two rows, three on the bottom and two on top, with some crispy brown edges around the chicken. A bunch of fresh green basil leaves is placed on the bottom right corner of the dish, adding a vibrant green color. The dish sits on a wooden surface with part of a white marbled texture visible on the side. 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’ve made a lot of chicken parmesan over the years, but this version strikes the perfect balance between crispiness and gooey cheese every time. It’s seriously a win–win for busy weeknights or whenever you want to impress without fuss.

Golden Crispy Crust: The breading bakes up beautifully crunchy but isn’t heavy or greasy.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Pounding the cutlets thin ensures quick, even cooking and juicy bite.
Melty Mozzarella & Parmesan: Cheese lovers rejoice—the topping’s cheesy goodness is spot on.
Simple, Fresh Ingredients: Everything you need is easy to find, and substitutions are simple too.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, I recommend grabbing fresh chicken breasts and quality cheese for best flavor. Having everything prepped helps this recipe come together quickly, and you can even swap ingredients to suit dietary needs.

Flat lay of six raw chicken cutlets with smooth pale pink flesh, a small mound of fine all-purpose flour on a white ceramic plate, three whole brown eggs with clean uncracked shells arranged neatly, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, a shallow white dish containing coarse golden breadcrumbs mixed with green dried Italian herbs and specks of grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with bright red marinara sauce smooth and glossy, six slices of fresh white mozzarella cheese stacked slightly overlapping on a simple white plate, a small white bowl holding finely shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, and a small bunch of fresh vibrant green basil leaves, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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: Slicing them into cutlets and pounding thin means tender, quick-cooking pieces.
All-purpose flour: Helps the egg wash stick and adds a light coating; gluten-free or whole wheat flour also works.
Eggs: Acts as the binding agent to hold the breadcrumbs on the chicken.
Olive oil: Used for frying to get a golden, crispy crust without greasiness.
Breadcrumbs: Provide that classic crispy texture; you can opt for gluten-free if needed.
Parmesan cheese (for breadcrumbs and topping): Adds savory, nutty flavor and pairs perfectly with mozzarella.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the breading thoroughly.
Italian herb blend: A fragrant combo of thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary that lifts the flavor.
Garlic powder: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the crust.
Mozzarella cheese slices: Melts into gooey perfection on top of the chicken.
Marinara sauce: The rich, tangy tomato sauce that finishes the dish beautifully.
Fresh basil: Added at the end for a fresh, bright herbal note.

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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

The beauty of this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is how adaptable it is to your tastes and needs. Whether you want to lighten it up, tailor it for dietary preferences, or add a little seasonal twist, there are plenty of ways to make this classic dish your own.

Gluten-Free Variation: I’ve made this recipe gluten-free by swapping in a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs. It still crisps up beautifully and tastes just as authentic, making it a perfect solution for guests with gluten sensitivities.
Baked Instead of Fried: On busy nights when I want less fuss and oil, I bake the breaded cutlets at 450°F for 25 minutes instead of pan-frying, then add cheese and sauce and finish baking. It’s a lighter but still incredibly tasty approach that doesn’t compromise on crispness.
Herb and Spice Variations: Feel free to customize the breadcrumb seasoning with your favorite dried herbs or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat. Fresh oregano or basil mixed in with the breadcrumbs can add a bright, fresh pop of flavor, too.
Cheese Options: While mozzarella and parmesan are traditional, I sometimes add a sprinkle of pecorino romano for a sharper bite or swap mozzarella with provolone for a creamier melt.
Seasonal Touch: In summer, topping the chicken with fresh basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving really elevates the dish with bright, garden-fresh notes.

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

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with several pieces of golden brown, crispy chicken topped with a thick layer of red tomato sauce and melted pale yellow cheese sprinkled with small, chopped green herbs. The chicken pieces look crunchy around the edges with some grated cheese melted and browned on the sides. One piece is being lifted with metal tongs, showing the crispy texture underneath the sauce and cheese. Fresh, whole green basil leaves are placed both on the dish and in the corner. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Tenderize and Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

Start by slicing your 3 chicken breasts in half length-wise to create 6 thin cutlets. Place them between parchment paper or inside a ziplock bag, then gently pound with a rolling pin or meat hammer until they are about ½ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and gives the chicken a tender texture. Once pounded, pat each cutlet dry with paper towels to help the breading stick better.

Step 2: Mix the Flavor-Packed Breadcrumb Coating

In a shallow dish, combine 1 ½ cups of breadcrumbs with ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper, 2 teaspoons of an Italian herb blend (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary), and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mixing these ingredients upfront means every bite of your breading will be full of classic Italian flavor.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

Line up three shallow bowls or plates: one with ½ cup all-purpose flour, one with 3 whisked eggs, and one with your prepared breadcrumb mixture. This assembly-line process makes breading fast, neat, and ensures an even coating on each chicken cutlet.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken Cutlets

Coat each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess; this helps the egg adhere better. Next, dip the floured cutlet into the whisked eggs, then dredge it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well. Repeat until all cutlets are breaded. You’ll notice how the crumbs cling, creating a perfect base for that crispy crust.

Step 5: Sizzling the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat about 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over low to medium heat. Carefully add the breaded cutlets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until each side is golden brown and the breading is crisp. Take your time here—the color and crunch you develop in this pan-frying step really make the chicken parmesan stand out.

Step 6: Layer, Bake, and Broil for Melty Deliciousness

Transfer the browned chicken cutlets to a large baking dish. Place one slice of mozzarella cheese on each cutlet, and spoon about 1 ½ cups of rich marinara sauce evenly over the top. Bake uncovered in your oven preheated to 425°F for 14 minutes. Then, remove the dish and sprinkle ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese on top of each piece. Broil on HIGH for 1 minute, watching carefully, until the cheese melts and browns lightly. This finishing touch is pure magic!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Once out of the oven, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped basil over the chicken parmesan to add a bright herbaceous note and a pop of color. Serve right away with your favorite pasta, a crisp Italian salad, or crusty bread to soak up all that sauce. Your guests will love it!

Top Tip

Mastering this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is all about a few small but impactful techniques that really elevate the dish. These tips will help you get that perfect crispy crust and melty, flavorful topping every single time.

Even Thickness Matters: Pounding your chicken cutlets evenly to about ½ inch thickness ensures they cook uniformly, preventing undercooked centers or overdone edges.
Breadcrumb Packing: Gently press breadcrumbs onto the chicken instead of shaking them off. This helps build a thicker, crunchier crust that stays put through frying and baking.
Low to Medium Heat for Browning: Cooking the chicken over low to medium heat prevents burning the breading before the chicken is cooked through. Patience leads to the perfect golden crust.
Broil Cheese at the End: A quick 1-minute broil after adding the parmesan cheese gives you that irresistible bubbly, slightly browned finish that makes this recipe sing.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Three photos show steps of breading a piece of raw meat held by a woman's hand with dark nail polish. The first photo shows the meat being placed on a bed of white flour on a white plate with a scalloped edge, the flour layer is dry and powdery. The second photo shows the flour-coated meat being dipped into beaten eggs in a white oval dish, the egg layer looks smooth and bright yellow with foam bubbles. The third photo shows the meat being covered fully in a light brown crispy crumb mixture inside a clear round glass dish, the crumb layer looks rough and textured, and the dishes are on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped basil is the classic finishing touch that brings a vibrant, herbal brightness to your Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe. For a bit more color and flavor, try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some finely grated lemon zest to add a subtle zing.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a hearty bowl of spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic or a simple pasta of your choice. A crisp Italian salad, like a Tuscan artichoke salad or a chopped Italian salad, adds a fresh, tangy contrast. Don’t forget crusty Italian or sourdough bread for soaking up that luscious marinara sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crisp, avoid sealing the chicken while still hot—let it cool slightly before storing.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken parmesan for up to 2 months. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, uncovered, to maintain the crispy breading and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the breading soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can make for a juicier Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe. Just make sure to pound them to an even thickness and adjust cooking time slightly if they’re thicker.

What’s the best way to keep the breading crispy after baking?

Using the pan-frying step at low to medium heat helps start the crispiness, and finishing with a quick broil ensures the cheese browns without sogging the crust. Also, reheating in the oven instead of the microwave keeps the crispiness intact.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, and make sure your marinara sauce and other ingredients are gluten free. The method stays the same.

Is there a way to bake the chicken Parmesan without frying?

Definitely! You can bake the breaded chicken cutlets at 450°F for 25 minutes on a well-oiled baking pan, then add the cheese and sauce and bake another 5 minutes before broiling for 1 minute. This method is lighter and works wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

Making the perfect Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is such a rewarding experience — the combination of tender chicken, crispy breading, gooey cheese, and robust marinara sauce is pure comfort food at its best. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe never fails to impress. I hope these tips and tricks help you enjoy every delicious bite! Happy cooking!