Introduction
Easy Chicken Parmesan is a comforting, family-friendly dish that delivers big flavour without complicated steps. Crispy breaded chicken is layered with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, creating a satisfying meal that feels both familiar and indulgent. This simplified version keeps all the classic elements while streamlining the process, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. I often turn to this recipe when I want something reliable that everyone enjoys, without spending hours in the kitchen. The chicken stays juicy on the inside, the coating turns golden and crisp, and the cheese melts beautifully over the top. Served with pasta, salad, or even on its own, this easy chicken parmesan proves that classic comfort food does not need to be complicated to be delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is straightforward, budget-friendly, and packed with flavour. It uses simple ingredients and delivers crispy texture with minimal effort. It is versatile, reheats well, and works for both casual meals and entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are sliced thin to ensure quick cooking and a tender result.
All-Purpose Flour
Flour helps the coating adhere to the chicken and promotes even browning.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binding layer, allowing the breadcrumbs to stick properly.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs create the crispy exterior that defines chicken parmesan.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan adds savoury depth and enhances the flavour of the coating.
Salt
Salt seasons the chicken and brings out the flavours in each layer.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and balance.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning provides classic herb flavour that complements the sauce and cheese.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for pan-frying or baking, helping the coating crisp evenly.
Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce adds richness and acidity, balancing the fried chicken.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella melts smoothly, creating a stretchy, creamy topping.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil adds colour and a light, aromatic finish.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 190°C and lightly grease a baking dish.
Slice the chicken breasts into thin cutlets and season with salt and black pepper.
Set up a breading station with flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and Italian seasoning in a third.
Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip into the eggs, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Spoon marinara sauce over each piece of chicken, then top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately four people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is 25–30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispness, or microwave for convenience.
Variations and Customizations
Easy Chicken Parmesan can be adjusted to suit different preferences. For a lighter version, the chicken can be baked instead of pan-fried. I have also prepared this dish using panko breadcrumbs, which created an extra-crispy coating.
For added flavour, garlic powder or red pepper flakes can be mixed into the breadcrumbs. You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different finish. Chicken parmesan also works well served in sandwiches or wraps, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the first serving.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides lean protein from chicken along with calcium from cheese. Baking instead of frying can reduce overall fat content. Gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour can be used if needed.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Thin Chicken Cutlets
Even thickness ensures quick, even cooking.
Do Not Overcrowd the Pan
Cook chicken in batches for better browning.
Sauce After Frying
Adding sauce only after crisping keeps the coating from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baking works well and reduces oil use.
What sauce works best?
A classic marinara or tomato basil sauce is ideal.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work but may need longer cooking.
How do I keep the coating crispy?
Avoid adding sauce until after frying or baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and bake just before serving.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Freeze breaded chicken before adding sauce and cheese.
Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes, they work perfectly.
What sides pair well with chicken parmesan?
Pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables are great options.
Can I make it spicy?
Add chilli flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
How do I know the chicken is done?
It should be opaque and reach an internal temperature of 75°C.
Conclusion
Easy Chicken Parmesan is a dependable classic that brings together crispy chicken, rich sauce, and melted cheese in a way that never disappoints. With simple ingredients, straightforward preparation, and crowd-pleasing flavour, this recipe is perfect for both busy evenings and relaxed family meals. It is proof that comfort food can be easy, satisfying, and consistently delicious.
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