When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the mark quite like Chicken Parmesan. This beloved Italian-American classic has won hearts across the world, and for good reason. Crispy breaded chicken cutlets, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese—it’s a meal that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing for a special family gathering, this Chicken Parmesan recipe is bound to be a hit.
What makes this recipe the best? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and breaded to crispy perfection. The marinara sauce is tangy and flavorful, and the melted cheese adds the ultimate finishing touch. Plus, this dish is easy to make, even for beginner cooks, but feels fancy enough to serve at a dinner party.
With a deliciously crunchy exterior, tender chicken, and layers of savory goodness, this Chicken Parmesan recipe will become a staple in your home. So, let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to make the best Chicken Parmesan ever.
The BEST Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
For Assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by prepping the chicken breasts. If they are particularly thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning adds flavor to the chicken and forms a delicious base.
- Bread the Chicken: Set up a breading station. In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, then into the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure it sticks well.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce, dried basil, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, making sure it’s generously covered. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, followed by a light sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
