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

If you love that perfect combo of golden, crunchy crust and melty, cheesy goodness, this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s everything you want in a classic Italian-American comfort food, but with a crispy, tender twist that makes each bite sing.

A white rectangular baking dish holds six pieces of breaded cutlets, each covered with a bright red tomato sauce layer, followed by a melted golden-brown cheese layer, and sprinkled with small pieces of fresh green herbs on top. The cutlets have a crispy textured edge that is slightly browned, and some grated cheese is scattered around the cutlets in the dish. A small bunch of fresh green basil leaves is placed at the bottom right corner of the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. 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 this chicken parmesan countless times, and every single time it turns out crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with those vibrant Italian flavors that just can’t be beat. It’s truly the best chicken parmesan recipe for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.

Perfectly Crispy: The breadcrumb and Parmesan coating fries up golden and crunchy, locking in juicy tenderness.
Flavor-Packed: Italian herbs and garlic powder make the breading extra fragrant and delicious.
Melty Cheese Heaven: Mozzarella and parmesan cheese melt beautifully, giving you gooey cheesy goodness every time.
Easy & Versatile: Whether pan-fried or baked, it’s straightforward and works great with pasta, salads, or crusty bread.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right ingredients is half the fun and key to making your chicken Parmesan shine. Here’s what you’ll want to grab before you start, along with a few tips from my kitchen.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise to six cutlets, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, three whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a simple white ceramic dish with mixed golden breadcrumbs blended with shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese and Italian herb blend, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, six slices of fresh white mozzarella cheese arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with finely shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh green basil leaves, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged with balanced proportions and symmetry, 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: I recommend slicing them in half lengthwise to make cutlets that cook evenly and stay juicy.
All-purpose flour: This creates a light base layer to help the egg and breadcrumbs stick nicely—you can swap for gluten-free or white whole wheat flour if you prefer.
Eggs: Whisked eggs act like glue for the breading, making sure every bit clings to the chicken.
Olive oil: Using olive oil to pan-fry lends rich flavor and helps you get that golden crust.
Breadcrumbs: The foundation for the crispy coating—I like plain breadcrumbs for crunch and to let the herbs shine.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth both in the breadcrumbs and the topping layers.
Italian herb blend: The mix of thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary fills the dish with classic Italian aroma and flavor.
Garlic powder: A subtle boost of warm flavor that complements the herbs without overpowering the chicken.
Mozzarella slices: Melts smooth and gooey—an essential for that traditional Chicken Parmesan experience.
Marinara sauce: A vibrant, tangy tomato base that ties everything together.
Fresh basil: Adds a fresh, peppery finish and a pop of green to brighten the dish.

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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 things I adore about this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to lighten it up, try new herbs, or even turn it into a plant-based delight, there’s plenty of room for creativity here!

Gluten-Free Variation: I swapped the all-purpose flour and traditional breadcrumbs with a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko in one batch—and honestly, you couldn’t tell the difference. The chicken stayed crispy and flavorful, perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
Baked, Not Fried: For a lighter twist, try baking the breaded cutlets at 450°F for 25 minutes instead of frying. This method requires less oil but still delivers a beautiful golden crust when finished under the broiler. I love this option on busy weeknights!
Herb and Cheese Swaps: Sometimes I like to experiment by adding fresh chopped rosemary or swapping some Parmesan for Pecorino Romano in the breading. It adds a slightly sharper, saltier kick that’s delicious with the mozzarella and marinara.
Seasonal Touch: In summer, topping the finished chicken with fresh sliced tomatoes or a drizzle of basil pesto is a wonderful way to brighten the dish and showcase seasonal produce.
Plant-Based Alternative: For a vegetarian version, try using thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms in place of chicken, following the same breading and baking process. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy those classic flavors.

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

This image shows a white baking dish filled with several pieces of layered chicken parmesan. Each piece has a base layer of crispy golden-brown breaded chicken, topped with a thick layer of bright red marinara sauce with a slightly chunky texture. On top of the sauce is a layer of melted, bubbly, light golden mozzarella cheese mixed with sprinklings of white parmesan. Small bits of fresh, chopped dark green basil are scattered across the top, with a whole basil leaf placed on the chicken in the foreground. The background is a white marbled surface, and a metal spatula lifts one piece from the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Get Ready by Tenderizing the Chicken

First things first—place your chicken cutlets between two sheets of parchment paper or inside a large ziplock bag. Using a rolling pin or meat mallet, pound each piece firmly until it's about ½ inch thick. This step isn’t just about thickness—it ensures every bite is tender and cooks evenly. Once pounded, pat the chicken dry with paper towels so the breading sticks beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Your Flavor-Packed Breadcrumb Blend

In a shallow dish, whisk together the breadcrumbs, shredded Parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian herb blend, and garlic powder. This fragrant mixture is the secret to that perfect crispy crust, so take a moment to mix everything thoroughly. You’ll want each cutlet coated in these savory herbs and cheese.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

Line up three shallow bowls for an assembly line approach: one with the flour, one with the whisked eggs, and one with your breadcrumb mixture. This setup keeps things organized, makes breading quicker, and ensures you get an even coat every time.

Step 4: Bread Each Cutlet with Care

Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the whisked eggs. Finally, press the cutlet firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well. The gentle pressing helps the crumbs adhere, creating that addictive crunch once cooked. Repeat until all your cutlets are beautifully breaded.

Step 5: Brown the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over low to medium heat. Working in batches if necessary, cook each cutlet for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Keep an eye on the heat—too high and the crust might burn before the chicken cooks through. You’re aiming for that irresistible golden crust that’s crispy yet tender inside.

Step 6: Assemble Your Chicken Parmesan

Arrange the browned chicken cutlets in a large baking dish. Layer each piece with a slice of mozzarella, then spoon marinara sauce generously over the top. This layering ensures every bite delivers cheesy, saucy goodness.

Step 7: Bake and Broil to Melted, Bubbly Bliss

Pop the baking dish into your preheated 425°F oven uncovered, and bake for 14 minutes so the cheese melts perfectly and the flavors marry. Then sprinkle the shredded Parmesan evenly over the top. Switch your oven setting to broil on high and broil for just 1 minute—watch carefully! You want that bubbly, golden-brown finish without burning. It’s the crowning touch for this classic dish.

Step 8: Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped basil over the top. This adds a bright, herbal aroma and color contrast that lifts the whole plate. Serve hot with your favorite pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh Italian salad. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!

Top Tip

These tips can really take your Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe from great to unforgettable by ensuring perfect texture and flavor every time.

Perfect Thickness: Pounding your chicken cutlets to an even ½ inch thickness is a game changer for tender, evenly cooked meat.
Breadcrumb Blend: Combining Parmesan cheese with Italian herbs in your breadcrumb mixture adds a depth of flavor that really enhances the classic taste.
Pan Searing Heat: Use low to medium heat when browning the chicken to get that golden crust without burning the breadcrumbs.
Don’t Skip Broiling: Broiling for the last minute creates that irresistible bubbly, browned cheese topping that completes the dish beautifully.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe

The image shows three stages of coating a piece of raw meat in a recipe sequence. In the first frame, a woman's hand is holding a pale pink raw meat piece while resting it on a bed of white flour on a white plate with a scalloped edge, all placed on a wooden surface. The meat is dry and powdery from the flour. In the second frame, the same woman's hand dips the flour-covered meat into a shallow white bowl filled with bright yellow beaten egg, with bubbles visible on the liquid’s surface. The third frame displays the woman's hand pressing the egg-covered raw meat into a round white dish filled with a mix of coarse, light brown breadcrumbs, creating a textured coating. The background is the same wooden surface, maintaining consistency across all stages. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped basil is the classic garnish that adds a lovely bright note and beautiful color. For a little extra zing, you can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle a touch of good-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

This chicken parmesan pairs wonderfully with spaghetti or penne tossed in olive oil and garlic, or a zesty Italian chopped salad to lighten things up. Don't forget crusty breads like sourdough or Italian bread — they're perfect for sopping up all that delicious marinara sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken parmesan by wrapping individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken parmesan on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese remelts nicely. This helps maintain the crispy breading better than using a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make a tender and juicy alternative. Just make sure to pound them to an even ½ inch thickness for consistent cooking and crispiness.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with certified gluten-free versions. Be sure to use gluten-free Italian seasoning if needed to keep it safe.

How long will it take to make this recipe from start to finish?

This Crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe takes about 30 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 45 minutes for a delicious homemade meal.

Can I prepare the chicken cutlets ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken cutlets a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. For best crispness, brown and bake them just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen experiences where simple ingredients come together into a comforting classic. I hope these tips and serving suggestions inspire you to create this golden, cheesy delight for your family and friends. Nothing beats that warm, bubbly cheese and crispy crust paired with fresh basil — it’s pure happiness on a plate. Enjoy every bite!