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 meal that’s both crispy and comforting, this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe hits all the right notes. Picture golden, breaded chicken cutlets smothered in melty mozzarella and tangy marinara, baked to bubbling perfection. It’s a classic that’s easier to make at home than you might think!

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 absolutely love making this Crispy Chicken Parmesan because it brings a bit of Italian comfort food right into my kitchen with almost no fuss. The crispy crust with the melty, cheesy topping always impresses everyone at the dinner table, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Perfectly Crispy Chicken: The breading stays crunchy even after baking, giving you that satisfying texture in every bite.
Simple Ingredients: Most are pantry staples, so you can whip this up without a special trip to the store.
Versatile Serving Options: Delicious alongside pasta, a fresh salad, or crusty bread.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get started, make sure to pick good-quality chicken breasts and fresh mozzarella for the best flavor and texture. I also recommend using a flavorful Italian herb blend in the breadcrumbs—it really lifts the entire dish.

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 thin ensures quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
All-purpose flour: Creates a base layer that helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick perfectly.
Eggs: Acts as the glue between the flour and breadcrumb coating for maximum crunch.
Olive oil: For frying the chicken to a golden, crispy crust with rich flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Provides that iconic crunchy coating; I like to use seasoned or Italian style for extra flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Mixed with breadcrumbs and sprinkled on top for a nutty, salty bite.
Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Italian herb blend: Thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary add that warm, aromatic Italian touch.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle, savory punch to the breading.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh slices melt beautifully, creating that ooey-gooey topping everyone loves.
Marinara sauce: Choose a robust, flavorful sauce to complement the cheesy chicken.
Fresh basil: Adds a bright, herbal freshness as a final garnish.

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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 tweak based on what you love or what you have on hand. Whether you want to lighten it up, add some extras, or make it gluten-free, there’s a way to make this classic dish truly your own.

Gluten-Free Version: I swapped regular all-purpose flour and standard breadcrumbs with a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko, and honestly, you wouldn’t even notice. The herb and parmesan crust still crisps up beautifully!
Baked Not Fried: For days when I want less fuss and oil, I bake the breaded chicken at 450°F for 25 minutes, then add my toppings and finish baking for 5 more minutes before broiling. It’s almost as crispy and just as flavorful.
Herb Variations: Sometimes I like using fresh herbs instead of the Italian dried blend — thyme, rosemary, and basil chopped finely into the breadcrumbs brighten the flavor wonderfully.
Cheese Swap: If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, provolone or fontina work great too. Just be sure to use a good melting cheese for that melty, gooey perfection.

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 Your Chicken Cutlets

Start by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or inside a large ziplock bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound each piece until they reach about ½ inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Once done, pat the cutlets dry with paper towels — this ensures the breading sticks perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Your Flavorful Breadcrumbs

In a shallow dish, combine 1 ½ cups of breadcrumbs, ½ cup shredded parmesan, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 2 teaspoon Italian herb blend, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir everything thoroughly so every bite will be bursting with flavor and that signature parmesan crust.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

Arrange three shallow dishes side-by-side: one with ½ cup all-purpose flour, one with the 3 whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture you just made. This assembly line makes breading fast and less messy.

Step 4: Bread Your Chicken Cutlets

Take each cutlet and first coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the eggs, letting the extra drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure both sides are thoroughly coated. Repeat with every cutlet until they’re all breaded and ready.

Step 5: Brown the Chicken to Perfection

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over low to medium heat in a skillet. Add each breaded cutlet and brown for 2–3 minutes on each side until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma here is irresistible — that toasty, garlicky crust is where the magic starts!

Step 6: Layer with Cheese and Sauce, Then Bake

Transfer your browned cutlets to a large baking dish. Place a slice of mozzarella on each, then spoon 1 ½ cups marinara sauce evenly over the top. Pop the dish into your preheated 425°F oven and bake uncovered for 14 minutes. This melts the cheese and warms everything just right.

Step 7: Final Touch with Parmesan and Broil

After baking, sprinkle ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese over each cutlet. Set your oven to broil on high and slide the dish in for about 1 minute — watch closely as the parmesan melts and browns to a bubbly, golden crust. This step is quick but so rewarding!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve Warm

Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil over your Crispy Chicken Parmesan and serve immediately. Whether alongside pasta, a fresh Italian salad, or crusty bread, this dish is sure to delight everyone at your table.

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe means paying attention to a few key details that make all the difference between good and unforgettable. Here are some tips I've picked up along the way that will help you get that perfect crispy crust and melty cheese every time.

Even Thickness Matters: Pounding your chicken cutlets to a consistent ½ inch thickness ensures they cook evenly, preventing dry edges and undercooked centers.
Breadcrumb Pressing Technique: Use your hands to gently press the breadcrumb mixture onto both sides of the chicken cutlets. This helps form that satisfying crispy crust that won’t flake off.
Don’t Rush Browning: Cook your breaded cutlets over low to medium heat to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning. Patience here really pays off!
Broil Briefly for the Perfect Finish: Sprinkle fresh parmesan cheese on top before a quick 1-minute broil to get that bubbly, lightly browned cheese that adds a wonderful texture contrast.

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 is the classic finishing touch for this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe, lending a fragrant herbal pop that brightens the dish. You might also try a sprinkle of extra shredded parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance richness. For a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes on top can be delightful.

Side Dishes

This chicken parmesan pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Pasta in any shape – think spaghetti, penne, or bowtie – dressed lightly with olive oil or more marinara complements the flavors perfectly. For a fresher, lighter contrast, an Italian chopped salad or Tuscan artichoke salad offers crunch and brightness. Don’t forget crusty breads like country sourdough or Italian bread to soak up all that delicious 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. This keeps the flavors fresh and the crust as crisp as possible once reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken parmesan for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To prevent sogginess, avoid freezing with sauce on top—freeze the chicken separately, then add sauce and cheese when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes to warm through and revive the crispiness of the breading. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid the microwave when possible, as it can make the crust soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness, around ½ inch, for even cooking like with the breasts.

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

Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture will remain crispy and delicious!

How can I make this recipe less oily?

Try the baked method by placing breaded chicken in a well-oiled pan and baking at 450°F for 25 minutes, then adding toppings and baking 5 more minutes before broiling. This significantly cuts down the oil used without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can bread and brown the chicken a few hours ahead, then refrigerate. When ready, assemble with cheese and sauce and bake according to the recipe instructions for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a perfectly crispy chicken parmigiana topped with melty mozzarella and fragrant basil. Making this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe at home brings all those classic Italian-American flavors into your kitchen, with the bonus of customizing it to your preference. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend dinner with loved ones, I hope this recipe becomes a beloved staple on your table. Enjoy every luscious bite!