Print

Crispy Chicken Parmesan

Crispy Chicken Parmesan
Print Recipe

Crispy Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts breaded to a golden crisp, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and baked with a rich, tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe balances crunchy texture with savory, cheesy, and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 thick chicken breasts, trimmed and pounded evenly
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs (or seasoned bread crumbs)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for frying

Cheese & Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup additional grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups rich tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Flavorings

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley, chopped (for sauce and garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim and pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking and retain juiciness under the crispy coating.
  2. Set Up the Breading Station: In one bowl, beat the eggs with a splash of water. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for an easy dipping and coating process.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first in the egg wash, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated to guarantee maximum crispiness.
  4. Fry to Crispy Perfection: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken about 3-4 minutes per side until a golden, crunchy crust forms. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  5. Add Sauce and Cheese: Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish. Spoon rich tomato sauce over each piece, then top with shredded mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake Until Bubbling: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Notes

  • Pat chicken breasts dry before breading to help the coating stick better.
  • Use room temperature eggs for even breading adherence.
  • Do not overcrowd the frying pan to keep oil temperature hot and maintain crispiness.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy and prevent cheese from sliding off.
  • Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley before serving for enhanced aroma and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Crispy Chicken Parmesan, Italian-American, Breaded Chicken, Baked Chicken, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/crispy-chicken-parmesan/