Name: Easy Chicken Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 28 oz crushed tomatoes; 2 large sprigs basil; 6 garlic cloves, minced; Kosher salt to taste; 1 small yellow onion, diced; Black pepper to taste; 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 6 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup finely grated Parmesan; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 tsp garlic powder; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; Chopped fresh basil for serving; 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

As a child, one of my favorite dinners was always Chicken Parmesan. The irresistible combination of crispy chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese created a flavor explosion that transported me to a cozy Italian trattoria. Now, you can experience that same warmth and comfort with this easy Chicken Parmesan recipe, a dish that promises to impress at any dinner gathering or family weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

What makes this recipe a winner? For starters, it’s a breeze to make, taking less than an hour to serve up a deliciously satisfying meal. It’s budget-friendly, using pantry staples like crushed tomatoes and panko breadcrumbs, making it perfect for a delectable weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, kids love it—who can resist that gooey mozzarella and crispy chicken combination?

“This easy Chicken Parmesan has quickly become a go-to in our house—the kids beg for seconds!”

How This Recipe Comes Together

When preparing this delightful dish, you’ll start by creating a rich tomato sauce that fills your kitchen with an aromatic embrace. Next, you’ll prep the chicken by cutting it into cutlets and setting up a simple breading station. After coating the chicken, fry it until golden, then layer it in a baking dish with sauce and cheese. Finally, a brief bake in the oven will melt that cheese to perfection, giving you a meal that truly shines.

Gather These Items

To make your easy Chicken Parmesan, you will need the following ingredients:

28 oz crushed tomatoes
2 large sprigs basil
6 garlic cloves, minced
Kosher salt to taste
1 small yellow onion, diced
Black pepper to taste
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
6 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup finely grated Parmesan
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp garlic powder
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Chopped fresh basil for serving
1 cup shredded mozzarella

You can swap fresh basil for dried if needed, and feel free to use any breadcrumbs or cheese you have on hand for an easy twist!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: Start by heating the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for another minute. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until thick and flavorful.
Prep the Chicken: While the sauce simmers, set up your breading station. In one bowl, combine the flour and garlic powder. In another, beat the eggs, and in a third, pour in the panko breadcrumbs.
Breading Process: Dredge the chicken cutlets in the flour mixture, making sure they’re well coated. Next, dip each cutlet into the beaten eggs, followed by a generous coating of the panko breadcrumbs.
Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken cutlets into the hot oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until each piece is golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a baking dish, spread a layer of the prepared sauce. Layer the fried chicken cutlets over this, then top with more sauce, followed by the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for a few minutes. Before serving, add a generous sprinkle of fresh basil on top for an aromatic finish.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Chicken Parmesan is wonderful on its own, but pairing it with either a light salad or a side of spaghetti elevates your meal. Consider serving it with garlic bread for that true Italian experience, or a glass of your favorite red wine to complement the savory flavors.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This will help to restore the crispy texture of the chicken while melting the cheese beautifully.

Pro Chef Tips

Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying your chicken to prevent it from becoming soggy. A simple way to test is to drop a crumb of bread into the oil—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
For extra flavor, add some red pepper flakes to your sauce while it simmers.
If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own from scratch.

Creative Twists

For a healthier spin, consider baking the chicken cutlets instead of frying them. Just lightly coat them with olive oil before baking for a crispy texture.
You can also experiment with different cheeses, like provolone or gouda, to add unique flavor notes.
For a twist on tradition, try making Chicken Parmesan stuffed peppers. Simply replace the chicken with sliced bell peppers for a delightful vegetarian option.

Your Questions Answered

What’s the total time to prepare Chicken Parmesan?
This easy Chicken Parmesan takes about 40-50 minutes, including cooking time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and assemble it just before baking for a convenient weeknight meal.
How do I reheat leftovers without losing quality?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain that crispy texture instead of the microwave, which can make it mushy.
What can I substitute for the panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs can work in a pinch, though panko provides a crisper texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for breading the chicken.

Now you’re ready to create a delightful Chicken Parmesan that will charm everyone at your table. Enjoy the cooking adventure!