If you love a dish that combines the satisfying crunch of breaded chicken with the irresistible gooeyness of melting mozzarella, you are going to adore this Chicken Parmesan with Crispy Breaded Chicken and Melty Mozzarella Recipe. It’s a heartwarming classic reimagined in a way that makes every bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors—from the delicate seasoning and crispy crust to the rich marinara sauce and that dreamy blanket of cheese. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is bound to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Chicken Parmesan with Crispy Breaded Chicken and Melty Mozzarella Recipe is surprisingly straightforward because it uses simple, essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish irresistible.
- Chicken breasts: Choose large, fresh breasts cut lengthwise for quick and even cooking with a tender interior.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt & pepper: Basic staples that enhance and balance every other ingredient.
- Flour: Helps the breading adhere to the chicken and creates a light base layer of crust.
- Eggs: Beat thoroughly to bind your crispy breadcrumb coating perfectly.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provide that signature airy crispness crucial for the “crispy” effect in the recipe.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty tang to the breading, boosting flavor complexity.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that compliments the chicken and adds an aromatic touch.
- Marinara sauce: Homemade or store-bought, it’s the luscious, tangy tomato base that makes the dish sing.
- Olive oil: Used for frying—opt for a good quality one for extra flavor and a golden crust.
- Shredded mozzarella: The star of the melty cheese topping that creates that irresistible gooey finish.
- Optional spaghetti or pasta: Perfect for serving on the side for a classic Italian meal.
- Fresh basil (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan with Crispy Breaded Chicken and Melty Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and position your rack toward the upper third to get a nice finish on the chicken. If you’re serving pasta, boil a salted pot of water and cook your preferred pasta until al dente—this adds a comforting, hearty side that soaks up any extra sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Season and Dry the Chicken
Cut your chicken breasts lengthwise so each piece is thinner—this helps them cook faster and more evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the breading sticks perfectly, then sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for that foundational flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading Stations
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. This simple setup lets you create a beautifully crispy exterior with every step adding both crunch and flavor.
Step 4: Warm the Marinara Sauce
Gently heat the marinara sauce over low heat. Having it hot is essential for spooning over the chicken later without cooling the dish down or sogging the breading.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium heat—this oil will help create that coveted golden crust. Once the pan is ready, coat each chicken piece by dredging in flour, then egg, then the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off excess at each step. Fry two pieces at a time, giving them plenty of space, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
After frying, transfer all four chicken pieces back into the skillet and place it in the oven for 5 minutes. This step ensures the chicken cooks through and the crust stays crisp, setting the stage for the final cheesy topping.
Step 7: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Broil
Remove the skillet from the oven and switch your broiler to high. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the hot marinara sauce onto each piece—just enough to keep the breading crisp. Top with shredded mozzarella and return the skillet to the oven. Broil just until the cheese melts and bubbles—only a few minutes, so watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 8: Serve and Finish
Serve your Chicken Parmesan immediately, ideally with pasta tossed in the reserved marinara sauce to soak up every flavor. Garnish with fresh basil if you like, adding a lovely aromatic touch that brightens the whole dish.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan with Crispy Breaded Chicken and Melty Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and herbal fragrance that cuts through the richness, making each bite taste even fresher. You could also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper right before serving for a final flourish.
Side Dishes
The classic choice is spaghetti tossed with warm marinara sauce. However, roasted vegetables like asparagus or garlic green beans offer a healthy, bright contrast to the richness. A simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette can balance out the meal beautifully as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the chicken on individual plates atop a nest of spaghetti for a stunning presentation. For a lighter twist, serve the crisp chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or layer the sauce and cheese as a dip for chicken fingers made from this recipe—there are so many ways to enjoy this dish’s versatility!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the chicken and pasta separate if possible to preserve the texture of the crispy breading.
Freezing
This recipe freezes quite well. Lay the breaded, cooked chicken pieces on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Store for up to one month. The cheese-topped version freezes best if you add the sauce and cheese after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven to regain crispiness, about 10–15 minutes, adding mozzarella and broiling briefly if you froze the plain chicken. Microwave reheating can make the breading soggy, so oven reheating is your best bet to enjoy that signature crisp.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work great and offer a slightly juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can be thicker and need a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, though panko is preferred for its extra crunch. If using regular breadcrumbs, consider mixing in a bit more Parmesan or a touch of crushed crackers for added texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, and double-check your marinara sauce ingredients to avoid gluten-containing additives.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before frying. You can also make the marinara sauce ahead or use a pre-made sauce, making the final cooking faster and easier.
How do I prevent the breading from getting soggy under the sauce?
The key is to spoon just a spoonful of hot but not watery marinara on top and add the cheese immediately before broiling. Avoid drowning the chicken in sauce so the crunch stays intact.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan with Crispy Breaded Chicken and Melty Mozzarella Recipe really hits all the right notes for a crowd-pleasing dish. It’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug from the inside out. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to something special. Trust me, once you taste that perfect harmony of textures and layers, you’ll want it on repeat!
Print
Chicken Parmesan with Crispy Breaded Chicken and Melty Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This classic Chicken Parmesan recipe features crispy breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection. Served with optional spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce, it’s a comforting Italian-American favorite perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 heaping teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Cheese
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 8 ounces spaghetti or other pasta (optional)
- Fresh basil (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat the oven to 400°F and position the rack in the top third. Boil a salted pot of water and cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions if serving.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Pat dry and season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Warm Marinara Sauce: Heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat until hot for later use.
- Heat Skillet: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to an oven-proof skillet and heat over medium heat.
- Bread the Chicken: Coat each chicken piece first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Shake off excess at each step.
- Fry Chicken: Place 2 chicken pieces in the skillet with space between them. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy, flipping carefully with tongs. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil for the second batch. After frying all pieces, remove skillet from heat and arrange chicken inside.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
- Broil with Sauce and Cheese: Remove the skillet from the oven. Turn the broiler on high. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of hot marinara sauce onto each piece without over-saturating. Top with shredded mozzarella. Return to the oven and broil for a few minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, watching closely to prevent burning. Meanwhile, toss drained pasta with remaining marinara sauce.
- Serve: Serve chicken immediately with the pasta on the side and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- To avoid soggy breading, add only a thin layer of marinara sauce before adding mozzarella cheese.
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer or omit it entirely for a low-carb option.
- Using an oven-proof skillet simplifies the transition from stovetop frying to oven baking.
- Fresh basil adds a nice herbal finish but is optional.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before frying chicken to achieve a crispy crust.
