Nothing beats the comforting crunch of a perfectly breaded cutlet topped with melty cheese and rich sauce — that’s why I’m excited to share this Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Recipe with you. It’s classic, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to pull off on a weeknight!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly can’t get enough of this Chicken Parmesan — it’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and those layers of mozzarella and parmesan cheese with marinara just make it irresistible. Plus, it comes together in less than an hour!
- Crunchy Perfection: The breadcrumb coating crisps up like the best restaurant version but right in your own kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples, making it super convenient.
- Quick Prep: From start to finish, it takes only 45 minutes to have this delicious dish on your table.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great with pasta, salad, or crusty bread — whatever you’re craving!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before we get cooking, let’s run through the essentials you’ll need. Picking quality ingredients, like fresh chicken breasts and good parmesan, really elevates this dish. And if you want a gluten-free twist, swapping the flour and breadcrumbs is a breeze!

- Chicken breasts: Slicing these into cutlets ensures fast, even cooking and that tender bite we all love.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the breading stick and can be swapped for gluten-free or white whole wheat flour if you prefer.
- Eggs: Act as a glue to hold those flavorful breadcrumbs securely on the chicken.
- Olive oil: Used for browning the chicken, giving that crisp crust with a lovely golden color.
- Breadcrumbs: The crispy base that makes the chicken so addictive; seasoned with herbs for an authentic Italian flavor.
- Parmesan cheese (shredded): Added in the breadcrumbs and on top for that signature nuttiness and melty finish.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to highlight the flavors throughout.
- Italian herb blend: Thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary add that classic Italian aroma and taste.
- Garlic powder: Brings a subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Mozzarella slices: The gooey, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully on baking.
- Marinara sauce: Rich, tomatoey, and slightly tangy, it ties the whole dish together perfectly.
- Fresh basil: A bright, fragrant garnish that lifts the dish with every bite.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your tastes and lifestyle. From swapping breading options to adjusting cooking methods, you can make it uniquely yours while still enjoying that classic golden, cheesy goodness.
- Gluten-Free Variation: I often substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. The chicken still crisps up beautifully, making it a fabulous option for friends with gluten sensitivities.
- Lower-Oil Baked Version: When I want to keep things lighter or save some time, I skip the pan-frying and bake the breaded cutlets at 450°F for 25 minutes before adding toppings. It still delivers that crave-worthy crisp without the extra oil splatter.
- Herb Twist: Adding a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or swapping the Italian herb blend for just basil and oregano brightens the flavors nicely. Feel free to experiment with what fresh herbs you have on hand!
- Seasonal Spin: In the summer, I love topping the chicken with fresh tomato slices under the mozzarella for extra freshness. In winter, a bit of crushed red pepper in the breadcrumbs adds a cozy warmth.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Recipe

Step 1: Tenderize Your Chicken Cutlets
Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 6 even cutlets. Next, place each between two sheets of parchment paper or slip them into a large ziplock bag. Using a rolling pin or meat mallet, firmly pound until each piece is about ½ inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Once tenderized, pat them dry with paper towels to help the breading stick better.
Step 2: Prep the Flavorful Breadcrumb Mixture
In a shallow dish, combine 1½ cups of breadcrumbs, ½ cup shredded parmesan, ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper, 2 teaspoons of Italian herb blend, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. This mixture flavors every crunchy bite with classic Italian notes that make this dish so satisfying.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
Line up three shallow bowls or dishes: one with ½ cup of flour (or your preferred flour alternative), one with 3 whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture. This assembly line makes breading the chicken quick and mess-free.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken Cutlets
Coat each cutlet first in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the whisked eggs, coating completely. Finally, press the cutlet into the breadcrumb mixture, covering both sides well. Be gentle but thorough—this helps build that irresistible crispy crust.
Step 5: Brown the Chicken Cutlets
Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over low to medium heat. Add the breaded cutlets and cook them 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. You’ll smell that toasty breadcrumb aroma and see a gorgeous color develop—these are the signs you’re nailing it.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Arrange the browned chicken cutlets in a large baking dish. Top each with a slice of mozzarella and spoon 1½ cups of marinara sauce evenly over them. Pop the dish into your preheated 425°F oven and bake uncovered for 14 minutes. Then remove and sprinkle ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese on top.
Step 7: Broil for the Perfect Finish
Switch your oven to broil on high and place the chicken under the broiler for 1 minute. Keep a close eye so the cheese melts and browns beautifully without burning. Just like that, your Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Recipe is ready to shine!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil over the top for a bright, herbal lift. Serve your chicken parmesan with your favorite pasta or an Italian salad, and maybe a slice of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Top Tip
Getting the perfect crispy crust on your chicken while keeping it juicy inside can really elevate your Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Recipe. Here are some tips I've learned that will make a big difference in your cooking experience.
- Even Thickness Matters: I always pound my chicken cutlets to about a ½ inch thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender without drying out.
- Press Breadcrumbs Gently: When coating the chicken, gently pressing the breadcrumbs onto both sides helps them stick better and creates that unbeatable crispy texture.
- Control the Heat: Browning the chicken on low to medium heat lets the crust develop a beautiful golden color without burning, and keeps the inside juicy.
- Fresh Basil Finish: Adding fresh basil right before serving brightens the whole dish and adds a lovely fresh aroma that can’t be beat.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Recipe

Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the baked chicken parmesan just before serving. A dusting of extra parmesan cheese adds a nice salty pop, and if you like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works beautifully too.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with classic pasta—think spaghetti, fettuccine, or even bowtie pasta tossed in a little olive oil and garlic. A fresh Italian salad, like a Tuscan artichoke salad or a chopped Italian salad, brings brightness and crunch. Don’t forget some crusty bread, such as country sourdough or Italian bread, to soak up all that delicious marinara sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken tender and the flavors fresh.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well! Place cooled chicken parmesan pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, bake leftovers uncovered at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the breading soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Just adjust the pounding carefully as thighs are usually more tender but can vary in thickness. Cooking time may need a slight adjustment to ensure they’re cooked through.
No worries — you can easily make your own by mixing dried thyme, oregano, basil, and rosemary in equal parts. This blend adds classic Italian flavor without needing a premade mix.
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This way, you can enjoy the Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Recipe without compromising taste or texture.
Definitely! Try the baked version of this recipe which uses less oil. After breading, bake the chicken at 450°F for 25 minutes with a light brushing of olive oil, then add toppings and bake a few more minutes before broiling. This method keeps it crispy but reduces fat.
Final Thoughts
Making Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience—you're greeted with golden, crispy cutlets and bubbling cheese that tastes restaurant-quality but with a comforting homemade touch. With just a little prep and love, this dish will become a staple in your dinner rotation. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to create a memorable meal that your family and friends will rave about. Enjoy every bite!
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Crispy Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Description
This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features tender chicken cutlets breaded to crispy perfection, topped with melting mozzarella, rich marinara, and parmesan cheese, baked to golden bubbly goodness. Ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion, it pairs wonderfully with pasta or a fresh Italian salad.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 chicken breasts, sliced in half length-wise to create 6 cutlets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (can also use gluten-free flour blend or white whole wheat)
- 3 eggs, whisked
- ⅓ cup olive oil
Breadcrumbs
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoon Italian herb blend (thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping
- 6 slices Mozzarella
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken parmesan.
- Tenderize Chicken Place chicken cutlets between two sheets of parchment paper or in a large ziplock bag. Firmly pound them with a rolling pin or meat mallet until they are about ½ inch thick. Remove and pat dry with paper towels.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, shredded parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian herb blend, and garlic powder.
- Set Up Breading Station Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bread the Chicken Coat each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the whisked eggs, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so breadcrumbs adhere on both sides.
- Brown the Chicken Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over low to medium heat. Brown the breaded chicken cutlets for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
- Assemble in Baking Dish Arrange the browned chicken cutlets in a large baking dish. Layer each with a slice of mozzarella and spoon marinara sauce over the top.
- Bake the Chicken Parmesan Bake uncovered in the preheated oven at 425F for 14 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese.
- Broil for Finish Set the oven to broil on high and broil the chicken parmesan for 1 minute or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve Sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top before serving. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan!
Notes
- This recipe pairs excellently with any pasta shape or an Italian salad like Tuscan artichoke or chopped Italian salad.
- Serve alongside crusty bread such as country sourdough or Italian bread for a complete meal.
- To reduce oil use, try the baked method: after breading, place chicken in an oiled baking pan, brush with olive oil, bake at 450F for 25 minutes, then add toppings and bake 5 more minutes before broiling.
- Make sure chicken cutlets are pounded evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Use fresh basil for optimal flavor and a bright, fresh finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg


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