Cheesy Crispy Chicken Parmesan

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This crispy, golden Cheesy Crispy Chicken Parmesan delivers restaurant-quality results with a perfectly crunchy coating and gooey cheese.

Quick Answer: Make Cheesy Crispy Chicken Parmesan by coating chicken breasts in seasoned breadcrumbs, pan-frying until golden (4-5 minutes per side), then topping with marinara and mozzarella. Broil 2-3 minutes until cheese bubbles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Category: Main Dish

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Contains dairy, eggs, gluten

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Extra crispy coating that stays crunchy even with sauce
Ready in under an hour with minimal cleanup
Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
Budget-friendly compared to restaurant versions
Freezes beautifully for future meals

Quick Benefits

This Cheesy Crispy Chicken Parmesan combines golden, panko-crusted chicken with melty mozzarella and zesty marinara. The double-breading technique ensures maximum crunch, while the two-cheese blend creates the perfect gooey topping.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally (8 pieces total)
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) for baking.
Place flour in a shallow dish. Beat eggs in a second shallow dish with salt and pepper. Combine Panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper in a third shallow dish.
Dip each chicken piece into flour, shaking off excess. Then, dip into beaten eggs, followed by a coating of the breadcrumb mixture. Press to adhere well.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Alternatively, air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 7 minutes, flipping halfway.
Spread 1½ cups marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place browned chicken pieces on top. Add marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Sprinkle fresh basil on top and serve hot over pasta or with bread for a complete meal.

You Must Know

Pat chicken completely dry before breading
Don’t crowd the pan when frying
Let oil return to temperature between batches
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure 165°F (74°C)
Watch closely during broiling to prevent burning

Serving Suggestions

Spaghetti with extra marinara sauce
Caesar salad or garlic roasted broccoli
Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
Light Italian red wine like Chianti

Creative Variations

Use chicken thighs for juicier results
Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina
Add prosciutto under the cheese layer
Make it spicy with calabrian chilies in the sauce

Cultural Notes

Chicken Parmesan, or “Chicken Parm,” emerged from Italian-American communities in the northeastern United States. It’s an adaptation of the Italian eggplant Parmigiana, modified to suit American tastes with chicken and additional cheese.

Pro Tips

Use Japanese panko for extra crunch
Grate mozzarella fresh for better melting
Season each layer of breading
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I bake instead of fry the Cheesy Crispy Chicken Parmesan?
A: Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
A: Ensure chicken is dry and press breading firmly to adhere.

Q: Can I use chicken tenderloins?
A: Yes, reduce cooking time to 3-4 minutes per side.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat in 350°F oven until hot.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, freeze before adding sauce and cheese for up to 3 months.

Health Benefits

While Cheesy Crispy Chicken Parmesan is an indulgent dish, it provides lean protein from chicken breast and calcium from cheese. Using olive oil adds heart-healthy fats, and the tomato sauce contains beneficial lycopene.

Nutrition

(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 650 • Carbs: 42g • Protein: 52g • Fat: 28g • Sodium: 980mg

Notes

For best results, use high-quality marinara sauce and freshly grated cheese.