Crispy Chicken Parmesan Recipe : Easy 30-Minute Dinner!

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Are you craving a comforting Italian-inspired dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? This Chicken Parmesan recipe delivers crispy, golden-breaded chicken topped with melted cheese and savory tomato sauce in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re searching for simple chicken recipes for busy weeknights or impressive baked chicken recipes for weekend gatherings, this classic dish checks all the boxes. With tender chicken breast, crunchy panko coating, and a trio of Italian cheeses, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table faster than ordering takeout.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is one of those timeless chicken breast recipes that never goes out of style. This version combines the best of both worlds: pan-frying for that irresistible golden crust, followed by a quick bake to melt the cheese to perfection. It’s a fantastic quick dinner idea when you need something satisfying that the whole family will devour.

What sets this recipe apart is the three-cheese blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone, plus the addition of fresh basil that brightens every bite. The panko bread crumbs create an extra-crispy coating that stays crunchy even under the sauce and cheese. Plus, pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks quickly and evenly no more dry, overcooked chicken breasts!

If you love simple chicken recipes that deliver big flavor without complicated techniques, you’re in the right place. This dish is versatile enough to serve over pasta, alongside a fresh salad, or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make this delicious Chicken Parmesan. Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it one of the most convenient baked chicken recipes for spontaneous cooking.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves	4	Pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
Salt and black pepper	To taste	Freshly ground preferred
Large eggs	2	Beaten for breading
Panko bread crumbs	1 cup	Creates extra crispy coating
Grated Parmesan cheese	¾ cup	Divided (½ cup for breading, ¼ cup for topping)
All-purpose flour	2 tablespoons	For light dusting
Olive oil	½ cup + 2 teaspoons	For frying and drizzling
Prepared tomato sauce	½ cup	Use your favorite brand
Fresh mozzarella	¼ cup	Cut into small cubes
Fresh basil	¼ cup	Chopped
Grated provolone cheese	½ cup	Adds depth of flavor

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To make this recipe successfully, you’ll need a few key tools. Having quality equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what I recommend:

For pounding the chicken to an even thickness, a good meat tenderizer is essential. You’ll also need a reliable frying pan for achieving that perfect golden crust. A sharp chef’s knife makes prep work quick and safe, while mixing bowls are necessary for setting up your breading station.

Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions, and a quality baking sheet or baking dish for the final oven step. Having proper kitchen utensils like tongs and spatulas will help you flip the chicken safely while frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Gather all your ingredients and set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for the panko-Parmesan mixture. Having everything organized makes the process much smoother.

Step 2: Pound the Chicken

Place chicken breasts between two sheets of heavy plastic or inside resealable freezer bags. Use a meat tenderizer to pound each breast to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and tender results. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

Using a sifter or strainer, lightly dust each chicken breast with flour on both sides. In a shallow bowl, beat the two eggs. In a separate bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well using a fork or your hands.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Dip each flour-coated chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Then press firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Press the crumbs into the chicken to ensure they adhere well. Place breaded chicken on a clean plate and let rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the coating stick during frying.

Step 5: Pan-Fry for Golden Perfection

Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage it will finish in the oven. Use kitchen utensils like tongs to flip carefully.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake

Transfer the pan-fried chicken to a baking dish. Top each breast with 2 tablespoons of prepared tomato sauce, spreading it evenly. Layer with equal amounts of cubed fresh mozzarella, chopped basil, and shredded provolone cheese. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan over the top and drizzle each breast with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. An instant-read thermometer should register at least 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan

Pound evenly: Taking the time to pound chicken to uniform thickness is crucial for even cooking. It’s one of the secrets to tender, juicy chicken breast recipes.

Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the breaded chicken rest for 10-15 minutes allows the coating to set, preventing it from falling off during frying.

Use fresh mozzarella: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, fresh mozzarella cubes create a creamier, more authentic texture.

Control oil temperature: If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn before the chicken cooks. If too cool, the coating will absorb excess oil and become soggy. Medium-high heat with shimmering oil is perfect.

Make it ahead: You can bread the chicken up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate. This makes it an excellent option for quick dinner ideas when you want to prep ahead.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Parmesan is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many sides. Serve it over spaghetti or linguine tossed with marinara sauce for a classic presentation. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

For a lower-carb option, serve the chicken over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. The dish also works wonderfully as a sandwich place it on a toasted hoagie roll with extra sauce and cheese for a phenomenal Chicken Parmesan sandwich.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispy coating. You can also reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for extra crispiness.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce and cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add sauce and cheese before reheating in the oven.

Variations to Try

Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the bread crumb mixture for a kick of heat.

Herb-Crusted Version: Mix dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme into your panko coating for extra flavor.

Lighter Baked Option: Skip the pan-frying step entirely and bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes before adding toppings. While not as crispy, it’s a lighter alternative.

Ground Chicken Variation: If you’re exploring ground chicken recipes, you can form seasoned ground chicken into patties, bread them, and follow the same process for a unique twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular bread crumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko creates a lighter, crunchier coating. If using regular bread crumbs, the texture will be denser but still delicious.

Do I have to pound the chicken?
Pounding ensures even cooking and tenderness. If you skip this step, thicker parts may remain undercooked while thinner sections overcook.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko bread crumbs. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

What’s the best tomato sauce to use?
Any quality marinara or tomato sauce works well. Choose one with flavors you enjoy since it’s a key component of the dish.

Can I prep this in advance?
Yes! Bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. You can also fully cook it and reheat before serving.

Is Chicken Parmesan the same as Chicken Parmigiana?
Yes, they’re the same dish. “Parmigiana” is the Italian name, while “Parmesan” is the Americanized version.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Why This Recipe Works

This Chicken Parmesan succeeds because it combines multiple cooking techniques for optimal results. Pan-frying creates an irresistibly crispy exterior, while finishing in the oven gently cooks the chicken through without drying it out. The three-cheese combination provides complex flavor and perfect meltability, while fresh basil adds brightness that cuts through the richness.

The panko-Parmesan coating stays remarkably crispy even under sauce and cheese, making every bite satisfying. By pounding the chicken to uniform thickness, you eliminate the common problem of dry, overcooked chicken breast recipes. This attention to detail transforms a simple dish into something truly special.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan recipe proves that simple chicken recipes can be absolutely spectacular. With straightforward techniques, accessible ingredients, and minimal prep time, you can create a meal that tastes like it came from an Italian restaurant. It’s one of those baked chicken recipes that becomes a regular in your dinner rotation because it’s reliable, delicious, and loved by everyone.

Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe is approachable and forgiving. The combination of crispy coating, tender chicken, melted cheese, and savory sauce is simply irresistible. Give it a try tonight and discover why Chicken Parmesan remains one of the most popular chicken breast recipes of all time.

Ready to make this delicious dinner? Gather your ingredients, heat up that frying pan, and get ready for compliments! Don’t forget to share your results and let us know how your Chicken Parmesan turned out.

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