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’ve ever wanted a restaurant-quality Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe that’s actually easy enough to make on a weeknight, this is the one. Imagine tender breaded chicken cutlets topped with bubbly mozzarella, rich marinara, and a sprinkling of parmesan, all baked to golden perfection — pure comfort on a plate!

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 first made this crispy chicken parmesan for a cozy family dinner, and honestly, it was love at first bite. It’s a fantastic mix of crunchy, cheesy, and saucy that’s hard to resist and so rewarding to prepare.

Perfectly Crispy Yet Tender: The breading crisps up beautifully while the chicken stays juicy inside.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these on hand, with classic pantry staples and fresh basics.
Made In Under an Hour: From prep to plate in just 45 minutes—quick enough for any weeknight.
Versatile Meal: Pairs wonderfully with pasta, Italian salads, or crusty bread for a full meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Here’s a quick rundown of what goes into this crispy chicken parmesan recipe. For the best results, choose fresh chicken breasts and good-quality mozzarella. Also, using a flavorful Italian herb blend in the breadcrumbs makes a world of difference!

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: Slicing them in half lengthwise creates perfect cutlets that cook evenly and quickly.
All-purpose flour: Helps the egg wash stick to the chicken and gives the breading a nice base; gluten-free flour works well too.
Eggs: Whisked eggs create the sticky layer for breadcrumbs to cling to the chicken.
Olive oil: For browning the chicken, adding flavor and crispiness without being heavy.
Breadcrumbs: The main crunch element, enhanced with parmesan and Italian herbs for extra depth.
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty notes both mixed into the breadcrumbs and sprinkled on top.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Italian herb blend: Delivers aromatic freshness with thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlicky punch without overpowering.
Mozzarella slices: Melted to gooey perfection on top, making each bite irresistibly cheesy.
Marinara sauce: A tangy, tomatoey base that complements the fried chicken and cheese perfectly.
Fresh basil: Sprinkled on top at the end for a burst of herbal brightness and color.

📝

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

Everyone loves a Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe, but the best part is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to lighten it up, add some bold new flavors, or tweak it for dietary needs, this dish welcomes your creativity with open arms.

Gluten-Free Version: I swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The texture is just as crispy without compromising on flavor—perfect for guests with gluten sensitivities!
Baked Instead of Fried: For a lighter take, I love baking the breaded cutlets instead of frying. It saves on oil but still makes the chicken crunchy and delicious. Just remember to preheat your oven to 450°F and bake for 25 minutes before adding the toppings.
Herb and Spice Twists: Sometimes, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a gentle kick, or swap Italian herbs for fresh rosemary and sage when I’m feeling a little more adventurous.
Cheese Variations: Mozzarella is classic, but swapping in provolone or adding a sprinkle of goat cheese before baking can add a creamy, tangy punch that’s absolutely irresistible.
Seasonal Side Pairings: While pasta is a classic side, I love serving this with a crisp Italian chopped salad in summer or a warm Tuscan artichoke salad in cooler months.

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: Tenderize the Chicken for Perfect Even Cooking

Start by placing your chicken cutlets in a large ziplock bag or sandwich them between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin or the smooth side of a meat hammer, gently pound each piece until it’s about ½ inch thick. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and stay tender. After pounding, pat each cutlet dry with paper towels—this little step helps the breading stick better and keeps everything crispy.

Step 2: Mix Your Flavor-Packed Breadcrumb Coating

In a shallow dish, combine 1½ cups breadcrumbs, ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper, 2 teaspoons Italian herb blend (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary), and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix these well—you’re building the flavor foundation for your crispy crust that’s packed with warmth and Italian charm.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station Like a Pro

Arrange three shallow bowls side by side: one with ½ cup all-purpose flour, one with 3 whisked eggs, and one with your breadcrumb-parmesan mixture. This assembly line setup makes breading your chicken cutlets quick and efficient, helping each piece get that irresistible golden crunch.

Step 4: Bread the Cutlets Carefully for Maximum Crunch

First, dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps. Then dip the cutlet into the egg wash, fully coating it, before pressing it gently but firmly into the breadcrumb mix. Make sure to coat both sides evenly and pack the breadcrumbs on to get that perfect crispy coating once fried. Repeat this for all six cutlets—your hands are your best tools here!

Step 5: Brown the Chicken in Olive Oil for Crunchy Goodness

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy pan over LOW to MEDIUM heat. Carefully place the breaded cutlets in the pan—avoid overcrowding—and cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. You'll want a nice golden crust that gives way to tender meat inside. Remove the chicken and get ready to assemble for baking.

Step 6: Layer Mozzarella and Marinara, Then Bake

Arrange your browned chicken cutlets in a large baking dish. Top each cutlet with a generous slice of mozzarella cheese, then spoon over 1½ cups of marinara sauce, ensuring every bite gets saucy and cheesy goodness. Bake uncovered in the oven preheated to 425°F for 14 minutes. The melody of melting cheese and bubbling sauce will start to fill your kitchen—pure magic!

Step 7: Add Parmesan and Broil for the Perfect Finish

Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese over each cutlet. Then pop it under the broiler on HIGH for 1 minute—keep a close eye! You want the cheese to melt beautifully and develop a golden brown, bubbly finish without burning. This step adds depth and a beautiful crust of cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil over the hot chicken Parmesan to add a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while everything is warm and melty, paired with your favorite pasta or an Italian-inspired salad. Enjoy every comforting, crispy bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is all about layering flavors and textures, and these tips really help elevate your dish every time.

Perfect Breading: To get that irresistibly crispy crust, be sure to gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken cutlets. It helps them adhere better and crisp up beautifully in the pan.
Heat Control Matters: Browning the chicken on low to medium heat allows the breading to turn golden without burning, while ensuring the chicken cooks through evenly.
Broiling Cheese: Don’t skip the final broil—it’s what gives the melted mozzarella that gorgeous golden brown finish that's so inviting.
Keep Chicken Dry: After pounding your cutlets, pat them dry thoroughly. Excess moisture can make the breading soggy instead of crispy.

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

Fresh basil sprinkled over the top brightens the dish and adds a lovely herbal note. For an extra touch, drizzle a little good quality extra virgin olive oil or finish with a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.

Side Dishes

This crispy chicken parmesan pairs wonderfully with a bed of perfectly al dente pasta, like spaghetti or penne, tossed lightly with olive oil or marinara. For something lighter, serve alongside a crisp Italian chopped salad or a tangy Tuscan artichoke salad. Don’t forget a slice of crusty country sourdough or Italian bread to soak up all those delicious juices!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover crispy chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispy texture, avoid stacking the cutlets directly on top of each other; layering with parchment paper helps.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken parmesan cutlets for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly. Using the oven will help keep the crust crispy—avoiding the microwave if you want to maintain that texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just make sure to pound them to an even ½ inch thickness so they cook evenly and get that perfect crispy coating.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the breading. This will keep your Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe delicious without gluten.

Can I prepare the chicken a day ahead?

Yes! You can bread the chicken cutlets the day before, cover tightly, and keep them refrigerated. Then brown and bake them fresh when you're ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Definitely. Instead of frying the breaded chicken, use the baking method: bake at 450°F for 25 minutes, then add the cheese and sauce, bake for another 5 minutes, and broil for 1 minute. It’s a fantastic lighter alternative with nearly the same great flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe from scratch is such a rewarding experience that brings a little bit of Italian comfort right into your kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes family and friends to the table with warmth and satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will become a beloved favorite. I hope you enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!