Crispy Golden Chicken Parmesan

Craving a delightful and effortless weeknight dinner? This exquisitely breaded Homemade Chicken Parmesan Recipe is an absolute staple in my kitchen, especially when I have a batch of savory marinara sauce ready to go. Perfectly combining crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and a generous melt of cheese, it’s a dish that promises to transform any ordinary evening into a special family meal.

Chicken Parmigiana, an iconic Italian-American classic, is renowned for its comforting flavors and satisfying textures. It’s the ultimate quick, tasty, and deeply satisfying entree that consistently earns rave reviews. With its irresistible blend of tender chicken cutlets, a vibrant Homemade Marinara Sauce, and a double layer of gooey, melted cheese, it’s guaranteed to become a cherished family favorite in your home too!

Why This Homemade Chicken Parmesan Will Be Your New Favorite

This baked chicken parmesan isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary hero for busy evenings. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

• Effortless Weeknight Solution: This recipe truly shines as a last-minute dinner solution. As long as you have some leftover marinara sauce tucked away in the fridge or freezer, and a few slices of your favorite melting cheese, you’re halfway to a delicious meal. The foundational components are easy to prepare ahead, allowing for quick assembly when hunger strikes. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need a hearty, home-cooked meal without the stress.
• Customizable and Convenient Crust: The crisp, golden crust is key to authentic chicken parm. While traditional breadcrumbs work wonderfully, I often reach for a box of seasoned croutons from the pantry. Crushed into fine crumbs, they provide a flavorful and beautifully crunchy coating for the chicken, making them a popular and convenient option. Alternatively, a blend of Panko breadcrumbs seasoned with Italian herbs delivers an equally delightful crispness.
• Adaptable Ingredients for Every Kitchen: No need to stress if you’re missing an ingredient! This recipe is incredibly forgiving. Don’t have provolone slices? Shredded mozzarella works perfectly. Short on time for homemade marinara? A high-quality store-bought spaghetti or marinara sauce will absolutely do the trick, ensuring you can still enjoy this comforting dish without compromise. It’s designed for flexibility, catering to your schedule and pantry staples.
• Irresistible Flavor Profile: From the tangy sweetness of the tomato sauce to the savory, seasoned chicken and the gooey, salty cheese, every bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s comfort food at its finest, satisfying even the pickiest eaters.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Chicken Parmesan is a universally loved dish. Its familiar flavors and textures make it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, minimizing dinner-time negotiations.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: Many components can be prepped in advance. The marinara sauce can be made days ahead, and chicken can even be breaded and frozen, ready to be baked on demand. This foresight significantly cuts down on active cooking time.

Key Ingredients for the Best Homemade Chicken Parmesan

Crafting the perfect Chicken Parmesan starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a deeper dive into what you’ll need and why each component matters:

• Kitchen Staples: Olive Oil and Butter: These two fats are essential for building flavor and achieving that coveted golden-brown crust on your chicken. Olive oil provides a fruity base and higher smoke point, while butter adds richness and promotes beautiful browning.
• Marinara Sauce (Homemade or Store-Bought): The marinara is the soul of this dish. While a homemade version offers unparalleled freshness and depth of flavor, a good quality store-bought marinara can be a fantastic time-saver. Look for brands with simple ingredients and a rich tomato base. The sauce provides the necessary moisture and tangy contrast to the breaded chicken and cheese.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for fresh, plump chicken breasts. The key to even cooking and tender results is pounding them to an even thickness, typically around ½ to ¾ inch. This ensures each cutlet cooks through at the same rate and remains juicy.
• Seasoned Croutons (Crushed) or Breadcrumbs: For that perfectly crispy coating, crushed seasoned croutons are a clever shortcut, infusing extra flavor. Alternatively, 1 to 1½ cups of high-quality breadcrumbs, such as Panko, mixed with salt, dried basil, and thyme, will create an exceptional crust. Panko breadcrumbs, in particular, are known for their light, airy texture that delivers superior crispiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: This is not the place to skimp! Always use freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano for its complex, nutty, and salty flavor. The pre-grated variety in a green can often contains anti-caking agents and lacks the authentic taste and texture that truly elevates the dish. It’s incorporated into the breading and sprinkled over the top for an extra layer of savory goodness.
• Egg: Whisked with 2 tablespoons of milk or water, the egg wash acts as the crucial binder, helping the breading adhere to the chicken cutlets. This ensures a crisp, uniform coating that won’t fall off during cooking.
• Provolone Cheese (Sliced): Sliced provolone offers a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a fantastic melt. It contributes to the classic gooey, stretchy texture of Chicken Parmesan, creating a beautiful blanket over the chicken.
• Mozzarella Cheese (Sliced or Fresh): The quintessential cheese for Parmigiana! You can choose between classic low-moisture mozzarella slices for their excellent melt and stretch, or fresh mozzarella for a creamier, milder flavor. Using both provolone and mozzarella provides a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making each bite extra cheesy and delicious.

Crafting Your Signature Marinara Sauce

While a good store-bought marinara is a great shortcut, making your own is surprisingly simple and deeply rewarding. Here are some tips for a truly exceptional homemade marinara:

• Easy Batch Cooking for Your Freezer Stash: This marinara is incredibly easy to prepare from scratch, making it an ideal candidate for batch cooking. Doubling or even tripling the recipe means you can stock your freezer with a ready supply of delicious, homemade sauce, making future weeknight dinners even quicker. A frozen batch thaws beautifully and tastes just as fresh.
• Prioritize Quality Canned Tomatoes: The quality of your canned tomatoes directly impacts the flavor of your marinara. Invest in good-quality whole peeled or crushed tomatoes. Brands like Pomi, known for being BPA and GMO-free and made from authentic Italian tomatoes, deliver superior flavor and texture. Look for San Marzano tomatoes if you can find them, as they are celebrated for their balanced sweetness and low acidity.
• Simple, Flavorful Cooking Process: The beauty of marinara lies in its simplicity. After sautéing aromatic onions and garlic until fragrant, the rest of the ingredients — good quality tomatoes, a pinch of sugar to balance acidity, and classic Italian herbs like basil and oregano — are added. A gentle simmer for just about 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and robust sauce.
• Versatile Beyond Chicken Parm: Your homemade marinara is incredibly versatile! It’s not just for Chicken Parmesan; it’s a foundation for countless other Italian-inspired dishes. Consider using your leftover marinara for a comforting Spaghetti Pie, which is always a hit. Or, challenge yourself with delicate Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi, bathed in this fresh sauce. It’s also fantastic for topping pizzas, simmering meatballs, or simply serving over your favorite pasta.
• Enhance with Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, finishing your marinara with a handful of fresh basil leaves torn just before serving will brighten the flavors immensely.

Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Parmesan

Achieving restaurant-quality Chicken Parmesan at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Embrace the Double Cheese Delight: For an unbelievably rich and gooey Chicken Parm, always use two varieties of melting cheese. The combination of mozzarella and provolone is my secret weapon. Mozzarella provides that classic stretchy, mild creaminess, while provolone adds a slight tang and a fantastic melt, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious cheese blanket.
• Quality Sauce is Non-Negotiable: Whether you opt for homemade or store-bought, the quality of your marinara sauce significantly impacts the final dish. If using a jarred version, choose a brand you love. I’ve found brands like Simpson’s Marinara Sauce, often found at Whole Foods and Fresh Market (recognizable by its red, white, and green label with five plum tomatoes), offer a superior flavor profile that rivals homemade. A great sauce elevates every component of the meal.
• Perfectly Pounded Chicken Cutlets: Flattening your chicken breasts to an even thickness is crucial for consistent cooking and tenderness. Use the flat side of a meat mallet or even the bottom of a small, heavy skillet. Take your time and use gentle, even strokes to avoid tearing the chicken. Aim for about ½ to ¾ inch thickness. This ensures each cutlet cooks through simultaneously, preventing dry spots and promoting a juicy interior.
• Classic Serving Suggestions: For the ultimate classic presentation, serve your Chicken Parmesan alongside a generous portion of spaghetti or your favorite pasta, tossed lightly in extra marinara sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Creative Uses for Leftovers: Don’t let any delicious leftovers go to waste! Sliced Chicken Parmesan is fantastic served cold or reheated. It makes for a superb topping on a fresh green salad for a lighter entree, tucked into a crusty roll for a satisfying sandwich, or even chopped and incorporated into a pasta bake. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Achieve a Crispy Crust: For extra crispiness, after breading, you can lightly fry the chicken in a pan with a mix of olive oil and butter until golden brown on both sides before baking. This initial searing locks in flavor and creates an even crunchier exterior. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
• Don’t Forget to Season: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper before breading, and ensure your breadcrumb mixture is well-seasoned. This layers the flavor from the inside out.
• Baking for Perfection: Bake your chicken until it’s cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures the chicken is safely cooked. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the chicken.

Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Chicken Parmesan

Making delicious Chicken Parmesan at home is simpler than you might think. Here’s a quick overview of the process:

1. Begin by flattening your chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or the flat bottom of a small skillet.
2. Prepare a simple egg wash, then dip each chicken cutlet into it, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Next, dredge the chicken into your seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing firmly so the crumbs adhere well.
4. Sauté the breaded chicken in a pan with olive oil and butter until beautifully browned and crisp on both sides.
5. Transfer the browned chicken cutlets to a casserole dish.
6. Generously top each piece of chicken with slices of provolone and mozzarella cheese, followed by a ladleful of marinara sauce.
7. B Bake the dish as directed in the recipe card until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Common Questions About Homemade Chicken Parmesan

Explore More Delicious Recipes

If you loved this Homemade Chicken Parmesan, you’ll surely enjoy exploring these other delightful dishes:

• Spaghetti Pie
• Herbed Chicken Nuggets
• Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells 
• Spicy Penne with Tomatoes and Havarti
• Plus, explore all my Main Dish Recipes for endless meal inspiration!

The Recipe:

Homemade Chicken Parmesan

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
50 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes

Yield
6 servings

A delicious weeknight dinner that always receives raves from my crew

Ingredients

For Marinara

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 whole garlic cloves
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 53 ounces canned chopped tomatoes
• Large pinch of sugar
• 3 basil sprigs (or ½ teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

For Chicken

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded with a meat mallet to an even thickness
• Box of seasoned croutons, crushed or 1-1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (Panko works well) seasoned with salt, basil and thyme
• ½ cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg mixed with 2 tablespoons milk or water
• Olive oil
• Butter
• 2-6 slices of Provolone cheese (if your slices are thin, you will need the larger amount)
• 2-6 slices Mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Make marinara: Heat olive oil and cook garlic cloves till slightly golden. Add onions and cook till soft. Add tomato paste and mix to combine and cook briefly.
2. Carefully add tomatoes (oil will splatter), a large pinch of sugar, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
3. Remove garlic cloves.
4. Spray a large baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside. Preheat oven to 350º.
5. Pound chicken into cutlets about ½-¾ inch thick. Set aside.
6. In a pie tin, whisk the egg with water or milk.
7. In another pie tin, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan with ½ teaspoon salt, basil, and thyme for each cup (or mix crushed, seasoned croutons with Parmesan and omit the seasonings).
8. Heat about 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan.
9. Dip chicken first in egg wash, then in crumbs, pressing to help them adhere. Place into hot pan and cook on both sides till well browned.
10. Remove to prepared pan.
11. Top each piece of chicken with a half slice of provolone and a half slice of mozzarella (use a whole slice if your slices are thin). Cover chicken with 1 ½ cups marinara sauce or enough to top each piece.
12. Bake for 20 minutes at 350° or till chicken is cooked through.

Notes

You may use a jar of good-quality marinara in lieu of the homemade marinara recipe for a quicker option.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1 chicken breast

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 671Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 205mgSodium: 29396mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 4gSugar: 10gProtein: 63g

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Disclosure: Pomi supplied me with samples of their tomatoes for a previous collaboration. I was not compensated for writing this specific post, and the opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author, reflecting an honest assessment of the product, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Pomi.