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; 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

There’s something utterly satisfying about biting into a golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to juicy, tender chicken beneath—and that’s exactly why my Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s classic comfort food at its best, and I can’t wait to walk you through making it right in your kitchen.

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

This Crispy Chicken Parmesan is one of those dishes that brings joy every single time I make it. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s truly a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

Crispy perfection: The breading crisps up beautifully while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Simple ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together into an irresistible dish.
Quick to make: Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy evenings.
Versatile serving: Pairs wonderfully with pasta, salads, or crusty bread for a full meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When I shop for this recipe, I always make sure to pick fresh, high-quality ingredients that really shine through. Also, it helps to have everything prepped and ready for that smooth assembly line process.

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 lengthwise creates perfect cutlets that cook evenly and quickly.
All-purpose flour: Helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick for a crisp coating; gluten-free alternatives work too!
Eggs: Act like glue to hold all that flavorful breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken.
Olive oil: Adds a lovely richness when browning the cutlets and contributes to that irresistible crunch.
Breadcrumbs: Use fresh or panko for extra crispiness; they’re the base of that signature crunchy crust.
Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth to both the crust and the topping.
Salt and pepper: Simple but essential seasoning to boost all the flavors.
Italian herb blend: Thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary add that classic Italian flair you expect in chicken parm.
Garlic powder: A punch of savory warmth that complements the herbs beautifully.
Mozzarella slices: Melted gooey cheese is the crown jewel of this dish—don’t skip it!
Marinara sauce: Fresh, tangy tomato sauce keeps the chicken moist and adds a burst of classic Italian flavor.
Fresh basil: Bright, aromatic basil sprinkled on top finishes the dish with a pop of color and flavor.

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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 easy it is to customize to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you want to lighten it up or add a personal twist, there are plenty of ways to make it uniquely yours!

Gluten-Free Variation: I’ve often swapped the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free blend, and honestly, it hardly affects the crispiness or flavor – a great option for those with sensitivities!
Lighter Baked Version: When I want a healthier take, I use the baked method detailed below. It uses less oil but still delivers that golden, crispy crust we all crave.
Herb and Spice Play: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano in the breadcrumb mixture or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick.
Cheese Choices: Mozzarella is classic, but swapping in provolone or adding a sprinkle of asiago can layer in extra richness and depth.
Seasonal Sauce: I love making my own marinara during the summer with fresh tomatoes and basil, but a quality store-bought marinara works perfectly year-round.

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: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Space

First things first—get your oven heated to 425°F so it’s ready to go once the chicken is perfectly browned. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully and the sauce to bubble just right. While it heats, gather your dredging stations – one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and a third with your seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Setting this assembly line makes the breading process a breeze!

Step 2: Tenderize the Chicken Cutlets

Place each chicken cutlet between parchment paper or inside a ziplock bag and pound firmly using a rolling pin or meat hammer until they’re about ½ inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy on the inside. Pat the cutlets dry with paper towels before breading—this helps the coating stick better.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Now for the fun part! Dredge each flattened cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip into the whisked eggs, then press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well. I find gently pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken with my hands really helps them stick for that perfect crunch.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken Cutlets

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over low to medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded cutlets and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they develop a golden, crispy crust. You’ll know they’re ready when they easily release from the pan and have a lovely golden color. Be patient here—this step locks in flavor and texture!

Step 5: Layer, Bake, and Broil Your Chicken Parmesan

Transfer the browned cutlets into a large baking dish. Top each one with a slice of mozzarella, then spoon marinara sauce over the top. Bake uncovered at 425°F for 14 minutes to melt the cheese and heat through. Once done, sprinkle shredded parmesan over the chicken and broil on high for about 1 minute. Watch carefully here—the cheese should melt and turn golden brown without burning. The aroma at this stage is absolute heaven!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering fresh chopped basil over your chicken parmesan for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately alongside your favorite pasta or a crisp Italian salad. I love how the fresh basil lifts the richness of the cheese and sauce—it really completes the dish.

Optional Step: The Lighter Baked Method

If you’re aiming for a lighter Crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe, try baking instead of pan-frying. After breading, arrange the cutlets in a well-oiled baking pan, brush or spray with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and bake at 450°F for 25 minutes. Then add the mozzarella, marinara, and parmesan, baking for another 5 minutes. Finish with a quick 1-minute broil to get that irresistible golden cheese layer. You’ll get a beautifully crispy result with far less oil!

Top Tip

Getting that perfect crispy crust and tender chicken in your Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe really comes down to a few key details. These tips will help you nail it every single time!

Even Thickness: Pounding your chicken cutlets evenly to about ½ inch thick ensures they cook uniformly, so no dry edges or undercooked centers.
Pressing Breadcrumbs Firmly: When coating the chicken with breadcrumbs, gently press them on both sides to create that beautiful, crispy crust that won’t fall off during cooking.
Low to Medium Heat Browning: Browning the chicken over low to medium heat keeps the crust golden without burning, giving you that perfect texture before baking.
Broil at the End: Don’t skip the final 1-minute broil after sprinkling parmesan cheese! It melts and browns the cheese perfectly, adding that irresistible finishing touch.

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 basil sprinkled on top is a must for that bright, herbaceous note to cut through the richness. You can also add a handful of torn fresh parsley or a light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil to finish the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic choices include spaghetti tossed with olive oil and garlic or your favorite marinara. For something fresh, try an Italian chopped salad or a Tuscan artichoke salad. Don’t forget crusty Italian bread or sourdough to mop up every bit of sauce and cheesy goodness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it covered tightly helps maintain the moisture inside while preserving the crispiness as much as possible.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! For best results, freeze before baking. Place the breaded chicken cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and then proceed with the baking and topping steps as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the crust crispy while warming through without drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Just be sure to trim and pound your chicken thighs to about ½ inch thickness for even cooking. They’ll add a bit more juiciness and flavor to the dish.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap out the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. The texture will be just as delicious with this easy substitution.

Can I prepare the chicken Parmesan in advance?

Yes! You can bread the cutlets and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before frying or baking. For longer storage, freeze the breaded cutlets and bake them straight from frozen.

Is there a lighter way to make this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe?

Definitely! Try the baked method by laying the breaded chicken in an oiled pan, baking at 450°F for 25 minutes, then adding the cheese and sauce and baking some more, finishing under the broiler. This reduces oil usage but keeps all the flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe at home is so rewarding — the perfect golden crust, bubbling cheese, and fresh basil come together for a comforting classic that everyone loves. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or a special dinner, you’ll find this recipe becoming a fast favorite. So grab your skillet, get ready to bake, and enjoy every delicious bite with the people you love!