Crispy Chicken Parmigiana
Crispy Chicken Parmigiana is a classic dish that combines crunchy breaded chicken with gooey melted cheese and a rich tomato sauce. The chicken is coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture…
Tip: save now, cook later.Crispy Chicken Parmigiana is a classic dish that combines crunchy breaded chicken with gooey melted cheese and a rich tomato sauce. The chicken is coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried until golden and crisp, then topped with marinara sauce and lots of melted mozzarella and parmesan. It’s a simple but incredibly satisfying meal that always hits the spot.
I love making this dish because it balances textures so well—there’s that satisfying crunch on the outside, and then the tender chicken and melty cheese inside. One tip I always use is to let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving so the cheese can set just right and not slide off. It’s one of my go-to dinners when I want something comforting but still feel like I’m treating myself.
My favorite way to enjoy Crispy Chicken Parmigiana is with a side of spaghetti tossed in extra marinara sauce. It turns the meal into a cozy Italian feast that’s great for family dinners or when friends come over. Whenever I make it, the warm smell fills the kitchen, and everyone around the table always asks for seconds—no surprise there!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender. If you want juicier meat, chicken thighs can work too but adjust cooking time.
Breadcrumbs: I like Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. If you don’t have those, plain breadcrumbs with added garlic powder and dried herbs work well.
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and has a soft texture. You can also use shredded mozzarella but avoid pre-shredded blends to keep that melty texture.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is convenient, but homemade sauce with fresh tomatoes and garlic will boost flavor if you have time.
How Do You Get the Chicken Crispy and Tender Every Time?
The secret to crispiness is in the breading and frying steps. Here’s how I do it:
- Pat the chicken dry and pound it evenly to help it cook uniformly.
- Set up a three-step breading station (flour, egg wash, breadcrumb mix). This triple coating builds a strong crust.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to make sure they stick well and create texture.
- Use medium-high heat for frying so the crumbs crisp quickly but the chicken cooks through. Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming.
- Drain on paper towels before baking to reduce excess oil and keep the crust crunchy.
These steps give you a golden, crunchy crust with juicy chicken inside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for frying chicken evenly to a golden crisp.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin – helps pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for quick, uniform cooking.
- Three shallow bowls or dishes – great for setting up your breading station (flour, egg wash, breadcrumbs).
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easy when baking with sauce and cheese.
- Tongs – handy for flipping chicken without losing the crunchy coating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for eggplant slices for a vegetarian version that’s just as tasty and crispy.
- Add red pepper flakes to your breadcrumb mix for a little heat and extra flavor kick.
- Mix Italian herbs like basil and thyme into the marinara sauce to deepen the herb aroma.
- Try topping with provolone or fontina cheese instead of mozzarella for a different melty cheese experience.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Parmigiana?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 ½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs (Italian style preferred)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For Topping:
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for making Crispy Chicken Parmigiana is about 35-40 minutes. It takes around 15 minutes for preparation, including pounding and breading the chicken, then about 15 minutes for frying and baking until the cheese melts perfectly. This dish comes together quickly and is great for a satisfying dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re about ½ inch thick. Season both sides with a little salt and black pepper which helps bring out the natural flavor.
2. Bread the Chicken:
Set up your breading station by placing flour in one shallow dish. In another, whisk together the eggs and water. In a third dish, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Now, coat each chicken breast first with flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press firmly in the breadcrumb mixture so every bit is covered.
3. Fry Until Crispy:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully lay the breaded chicken breasts in the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. When done, transfer the chicken onto paper towels to drain any excess oil.
4. Bake with Sauce and Cheese:
Place the crispy chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking tray. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each, then add slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top. Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle fresh, thinly sliced basil over the chicken parmigiana. Serve hot, ideally over spaghetti or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. This ensures even cooking and better breading adherence.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Mozzarella?
If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, shredded mozzarella works well too. Avoid pre-shredded blends with anti-caking agents, as they won’t melt as smoothly.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Parmigiana?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to keep the crust crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bread and fry the chicken in advance, refrigerate it, and then bake with sauce and cheese just before serving to keep things fresh and crispy.
