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!

A white rectangular baking dish holds six pieces of breaded cutlets, each covered with a bright red tomato sauce layer, followed by a melted golden-brown cheese layer, and sprinkled with small pieces of fresh green herbs on top. The cutlets have a crispy textured edge that is slightly browned, and some grated cheese is scattered around the cutlets in the dish. A small bunch of fresh green basil leaves is placed at the bottom right corner of the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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!

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise to six cutlets, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, three whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a simple white ceramic dish with mixed golden breadcrumbs blended with shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese and Italian herb blend, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red marinara sauce, six slices of fresh white mozzarella cheese arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with finely shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh green basil leaves, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged with balanced proportions and symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

This image shows a white baking dish filled with several pieces of layered chicken parmesan. Each piece has a base layer of crispy golden-brown breaded chicken, topped with a thick layer of bright red marinara sauce with a slightly chunky texture. On top of the sauce is a layer of melted, bubbly, light golden mozzarella cheese mixed with sprinklings of white parmesan. Small bits of fresh, chopped dark green basil are scattered across the top, with a whole basil leaf placed on the chicken in the foreground. The background is a white marbled surface, and a metal spatula lifts one piece from the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

The image shows three stages of coating a piece of raw meat in a recipe sequence. In the first frame, a woman's hand is holding a pale pink raw meat piece while resting it on a bed of white flour on a white plate with a scalloped edge, all placed on a wooden surface. The meat is dry and powdery from the flour. In the second frame, the same woman's hand dips the flour-covered meat into a shallow white bowl filled with bright yellow beaten egg, with bubbles visible on the liquid’s surface. The third frame displays the woman's hand pressing the egg-covered raw meat into a round white dish filled with a mix of coarse, light brown breadcrumbs, creating a textured coating. The background is the same wooden surface, maintaining consistency across all stages. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

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.

What if I don’t have an Italian herb blend?

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.

Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?

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.

Is there a lighter way to make this dish?

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!