Easy Homemade Chicken Parmesan

🍗 Easy Homemade Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan (or “Chicken Parm”) is a crispy, cheesy, saucy dish that’s a favorite for good reason. It’s comforting, filling, and tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant — but it’s easy to make at home!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 large ones, sliced in half)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Olive oil (for frying)

Toppings:

• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Optional Sides:

• Cooked spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta
• Garlic bread or green salad

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally so they cook evenly.
• Pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Set up 3 shallow bowls:

1. Flour (lightly seasoned with salt and pepper)
2. Beaten eggs
3. Breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper

Now dip each chicken piece:

1. In the flour, coating both sides
2. Then in the egg
3. Finally, in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

• Heat about 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Cook each breaded chicken piece for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
• Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.

📝 Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked yet — it’ll finish baking in the oven.

Step 4: Add Sauce & Cheese

• Place the fried chicken on a baking tray or in a baking dish.
• Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of marinara sauce on top of each piece.
• Add a generous handful of mozzarella cheese, then a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake

• Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
• Optional: Turn the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes to crisp the top!

Step 6: Serve

• Serve hot over pasta, with a salad, or in a sandwich.
• Garnish with chopped basil or parsley for a fresh finish.

🍽 Serving Ideas

• Classic: Serve over spaghetti with extra marinara sauce.
• Sandwich: Add to a toasted sub roll for a cheesy Chicken Parm sandwich.
• Low-Carb: Serve with zucchini noodles or a green salad.
• Family-Style: Pair with garlic bread and roasted veggies.

✅ Tips for Best Results

• Pound the Chicken: If the chicken is too thick, it may cook unevenly. Pounding helps it cook faster and more evenly.
• Use a Thermometer: Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.
• Crispy Cheese Finish: Broil for a minute or two at the end to brown the cheese beautifully.

🔄 Variations to Try

• Baked Instead of Fried: For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
• Spicy Chicken Parm: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinara.
• Stuffed Parm: Fill the chicken with a ricotta-spinach mixture before breading.
• Eggplant Parm: Swap chicken for thick slices of eggplant.
• Buffalo Style: Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce before adding cheese.

❓ FAQ

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread and fry the chicken ahead of time, then top with sauce and cheese just before baking.

Can I freeze it?
Yes. Bread the chicken and freeze it raw or cooked. You can also freeze leftovers — just reheat in the oven until hot.

Can I use thighs?
Definitely! Chicken thighs are juicier. Just make sure they cook through to 165°F.

Don’t want to fry?
You can skip frying and go straight to baking. Just drizzle the breaded chicken with oil before baking for crispiness.

📌 Final Thoughts

Chicken Parmesan is a go-to comfort meal that looks fancy but is actually simple to make. With crispy chicken, tangy sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.