Name: Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless (skinless chicken breast halves – Pound them evenly so they cook tender and juicy.); Salt and black pepper – Simple but essential for seasoning.; 2 large eggs – Help the coating stick better to the chicken.; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – Much crispier than regular breadcrumbs.; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided – Adds nutty flavor in both coating and topping.); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Creates a light base layer so breading clings well.; For Cooking and Topping; ½ cup olive oil – Ideal for frying; adds flavor and makes the crust golden.; ½ cup tomato sauce – Use a good-quality sauce for the best flavor.; ¼ cup fresh mozzarella (cubed – Melts beautifully for creamy texture.); ½ cup grated provolone cheese – Adds extra gooeyness and flavor depth.; ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped – Brightens the final dish with freshness.); 2 teaspoons olive oil – A quick drizzle for added flavor.

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Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe | Crispy & Cheesy

When I made this Classic Chicken Parmesan for the very first time, I felt like I had created something truly special in my kitchen. The chicken turned out perfectly golden, the cheese melted into gooey layers, and the fresh basil gave it a little restaurant-style finish.

I couldn’t believe how something this simple could taste so elegant. Each bite was crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful without being heavy. I’ve made it for both family dinners and friends, and trust me—it never fails to impress.

Ingredients for Classic Chicken Parmesan

The right ingredients make this dish shine. Here’s what I use and why.

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves – Pound them evenly so they cook tender and juicy.
Salt and black pepper – Simple but essential for seasoning.
2 large eggs – Help the coating stick better to the chicken.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs – Much crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided) – Adds nutty flavor in both coating and topping.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Creates a light base layer so breading clings well.

For Cooking and Topping

½ cup olive oil – Ideal for frying; adds flavor and makes the crust golden.
½ cup tomato sauce – Use a good-quality sauce for the best flavor.
¼ cup fresh mozzarella (cubed) – Melts beautifully for creamy texture.
½ cup grated provolone cheese – Adds extra gooeyness and flavor depth.
¼ cup fresh basil (chopped) – Brightens the final dish with freshness.
2 teaspoons olive oil – A quick drizzle for added flavor.

Note: This recipe serves 4 people generously.

Variations

There are many ways to make this dish fit different needs and tastes.

Gluten-Free – Swap the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions.
Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free cheese and an egg replacer for a lighter option.
Veggie Boost – Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini under the sauce and cheese.
Extra Flavor – Mix a pinch of Italian seasoning or garlic powder into the breadcrumb coating.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

Meat mallet – To flatten chicken evenly.
Large skillet – For frying to golden perfection.
Oven-safe baking dish – To bake with sauce and cheese.
Shallow bowls – Perfect for flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating.

How to Make Classic Chicken Parmesan?

This dish is all about layering flavors for the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and saucy.

Flatten and Season the Chicken

First, pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet until they are about ½-inch thick. This makes sure they cook evenly and stay juicy. Season both sides well with salt and pepper, since this simple step boosts the flavor of the final dish.

Bread the Chicken with Care

Prepare three shallow bowls for the breading station—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with half the Parmesan cheese. Dip the chicken in flour, then egg, and finally press into the breadcrumb mix. Take your time to coat well so every bite is crispy.

Fry Until Golden

Heat olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers. Fry each chicken breast for about 2 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. This step locks in crispiness while keeping the inside tender. Place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Add the Toppings

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Arrange the fried chicken in an oven-safe dish. Spread a spoonful of tomato sauce on each, then top with mozzarella cubes, provolone, and a sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Just before serving, add fresh basil on top and drizzle lightly with olive oil for a restaurant-style finish.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my own cooking experience, here’s what makes this recipe even more amazing:

Let the breaded chicken rest for about 10–15 minutes before frying so the coating sticks better.
Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for the best melt and flavor.
Don’t overload the sauce—less is more if you want to keep the chicken crispy.
If cooking for a crowd, fry in batches so the oil stays hot and the chicken doesn’t soak up extra grease.

How to Serve Classic Chicken Parmesan?

This dish is versatile and works in so many ways. I love serving it over al dente spaghetti with garlic bread on the side for a true Italian-style meal. For something lighter, it pairs beautifully with a Caesar salad or roasted veggies. You can also make it into a sandwich by tucking it inside a toasted hoagie roll with extra sauce and cheese. A sprinkle of basil or even a squeeze of lemon at the end makes it look and taste even better.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at what you get per serving:

Calories: 471
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 25g

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can bread and fry the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the sauce and cheese just before baking so it stays crispy.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F to keep the crust crispy.

Freezing

Cooked chicken Parmesan can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven with a little extra sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This chicken Parmesan is the kind of recipe that wins hearts every time. Here’s why:

Quick but impressive – It feels gourmet without taking hours.
Crispy and cheesy – Every bite has the perfect texture.
Customizable – You can adjust flavors, cheeses, or toppings easily.
Family-friendly – It’s satisfying for both kids and adults.
Works for any occasion – From weeknight dinners to dinner parties.

Ash Tyrrell