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Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Easy Dinner Recipe

by on July 21, 2025

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Craving a dinner that’s crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious? You’ve come to the right place! This Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan recipe is simple and packed with flavor. In just a few steps, you’ll whip up a meal that’s perfect for any night. Let’s dive into this easy dinner idea that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to make your taste buds dance!

For this dish, you need 2 large chicken breasts. Make sure to pound them to 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. You will also need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour (seasoned with salt and pepper) - 2 large eggs (beaten smooth) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for crunch) - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper These coatings give the chicken a crispy, tasty crust that you will love. For the topping, gather: - 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite kind works best) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) These ingredients add flavor and a nice look to your dish. The marinara sauce brings a rich taste, while the cheeses melt beautifully on top. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by prepping your chicken. Take two large chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness of 1/2 inch. This step is key. It makes sure the chicken cooks evenly. If the chicken is too thick, it might not cook through. Once pounded, it is ready for seasoning. Now, let's coat the chicken for that crunchy texture. Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix 1 cup of flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second dish, beat two large eggs until smooth. For the third dish, combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Take each chicken breast. First, coat it in the flour mix. Shake off the extra flour. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs. Allow the excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mix. Make sure it's fully coated for the best crunch. Get ready to fry your chicken. In a large skillet, pour enough olive oil to cover the bottom with about 1/4 inch of oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place the breaded chicken in the skillet. Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each piece with marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Now, it's time to bake. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Look for the cheese to melt and bubble. When done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Enjoy your crispy cheesy chicken Parmesan! To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They add extra texture. Ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated. Dredge in flour first. This helps the egg stick. Then, dip it in the egg wash. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil. This creates a golden crust. Boost the taste of your chicken by adding seasonings. Mix garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs. This gives each bite a burst of flavor. You can also add herbs like oregano or thyme. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Don’t forget to season your flour with salt and pepper. Make your dish look fancy with simple plating tips. Use a colorful plate to make the meal pop. Pour some marinara sauce around the edges. This adds color and flavor. Place a crispy chicken breast in the center. Top it with melted cheese and fresh basil. This not only tastes good but looks great too. Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy texture, always opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Let Chicken Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before baking to allow the juices to redistribute for a juicy bite. Preheat the Oil: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; it should shimmer. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Layer Flavors: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables or extra herbs into the marinara sauce for an added depth of flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch up the classic chicken with seafood. Shrimp or scallops work well. To make this dish, coat the seafood in the same seasoned flour and breadcrumbs. Cook them in hot oil until golden. Use marinara sauce and cheese as you would for chicken. This twist adds a fresh taste and is perfect for seafood lovers. If you want a vegetarian version, try eggplant or zucchini. Slice these vegetables into thick pieces. Salt them to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry. Coat them just like the chicken. Fry until crispy and top with marinara and cheese. This option gives you a tasty, meat-free meal that everyone will enjoy. While mozzarella and Parmesan are favorites, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try provolone or gouda for a richer flavor. Blend different cheeses for a unique taste. Just ensure they melt well. This way, you can customize your dish to match your mood or pantry supplies. You should store leftover Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Before putting it in the fridge, let it cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it can last for up to three months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness. To enjoy your Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan again, you need to reheat it right. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's hot throughout. If you want that crispy texture, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Enjoy your meal just as delicious as when you first made it! You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs stay juicy and have great flavor. You might also try turkey cutlets for a leaner option. If you want something plant-based, use eggplant slices or tofu. Thinly slice these options and follow the same steps in the recipe. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to a day before frying. You can also cook the chicken and keep it warm in the oven. Just add the marinara and cheese right before serving to keep it fresh. To keep the chicken crispy, place it on a wire rack after frying. This lets air circulate and prevents sogginess. Avoid covering the chicken with foil, as this traps steam. If you are storing it, use an oven to reheat, which helps restore crispness. This blog post covered key steps for making delicious chicken dishes. We talked about selecting your chicken, choosing coatings, and picking tasty toppings. You learned the best techniques for preparing and cooking your chicken to achieve great flavors and crispiness. Remember to try fun variations, like chicken parmesan with seafood. Store your leftovers properly for later enjoyment. No matter your choice, following these tips will help you impress family and friends. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Flavorful Crunch: The combination of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible crispy crust that elevates the dish.
  2. Comfort Food Classic: This recipe brings the beloved Italian-American classic to your kitchen, satisfying cravings for hearty, cheesy goodness.
  3. Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer extra spices or different cheeses, this recipe allows for personal touches to cater to your taste.
  4. Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to special gatherings, this chicken Parmesan is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Ingredients

Chicken

For this dish, you need 2 large chicken breasts. Make sure to pound them to 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.

Coatings

You will also need:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour (seasoned with salt and pepper)

– 2 large eggs (beaten smooth)

– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)

– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

These coatings give the chicken a crispy, tasty crust that you will love.

Topping and Garnishes

For the topping, gather:

– 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite kind works best)

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

These ingredients add flavor and a nice look to your dish. The marinara sauce brings a rich taste, while the cheeses melt beautifully on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Start by prepping your chicken. Take two large chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness of 1/2 inch. This step is key. It makes sure the chicken cooks evenly. If the chicken is too thick, it might not cook through. Once pounded, it is ready for seasoning.

Coating Process

Now, let’s coat the chicken for that crunchy texture. Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix 1 cup of flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second dish, beat two large eggs until smooth. For the third dish, combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Take each chicken breast. First, coat it in the flour mix. Shake off the extra flour. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs. Allow the excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mix. Make sure it’s fully coated for the best crunch.

Frying and Baking

Get ready to fry your chicken. In a large skillet, pour enough olive oil to cover the bottom with about 1/4 inch of oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place the breaded chicken in the skillet. Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each piece with marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.

Now, it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Look for the cheese to melt and bubble. When done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Enjoy your crispy cheesy chicken Parmesan!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Crispiness

To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They add extra texture. Ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated. Dredge in flour first. This helps the egg stick. Then, dip it in the egg wash. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil. This creates a golden crust.

Flavor Enhancements

Boost the taste of your chicken by adding seasonings. Mix garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs. This gives each bite a burst of flavor. You can also add herbs like oregano or thyme. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Don’t forget to season your flour with salt and pepper.

Plating Suggestions

Make your dish look fancy with simple plating tips. Use a colorful plate to make the meal pop. Pour some marinara sauce around the edges. This adds color and flavor. Place a crispy chicken breast in the center. Top it with melted cheese and fresh basil. This not only tastes good but looks great too.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy texture, always opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
  2. Let Chicken Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before baking to allow the juices to redistribute for a juicy bite.
  3. Preheat the Oil: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; it should shimmer. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
  4. Layer Flavors: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables or extra herbs into the marinara sauce for an added depth of flavor.

Variations

Chicken Parmesan with Seafood

You can switch up the classic chicken with seafood. Shrimp or scallops work well. To make this dish, coat the seafood in the same seasoned flour and breadcrumbs. Cook them in hot oil until golden. Use marinara sauce and cheese as you would for chicken. This twist adds a fresh taste and is perfect for seafood lovers.

Vegetarian Substitute Options

If you want a vegetarian version, try eggplant or zucchini. Slice these vegetables into thick pieces. Salt them to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry. Coat them just like the chicken. Fry until crispy and top with marinara and cheese. This option gives you a tasty, meat-free meal that everyone will enjoy.

Different Cheese Choices

While mozzarella and Parmesan are favorites, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try provolone or gouda for a richer flavor. Blend different cheeses for a unique taste. Just ensure they melt well. This way, you can customize your dish to match your mood or pantry supplies.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

You should store leftover Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Before putting it in the fridge, let it cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation.

Freezing Tips

If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it can last for up to three months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.

Reheating Instructions

To enjoy your Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan again, you need to reheat it right. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s hot throughout. If you want that crispy texture, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Enjoy your meal just as delicious as when you first made it!

FAQs

What can I substitute for chicken breasts?

You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs stay juicy and have great flavor. You might also try turkey cutlets for a leaner option. If you want something plant-based, use eggplant slices or tofu. Thinly slice these options and follow the same steps in the recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to a day before frying. You can also cook the chicken and keep it warm in the oven. Just add the marinara and cheese right before serving to keep it fresh.

How do I keep the chicken crispy for longer?

To keep the chicken crispy, place it on a wire rack after frying. This lets air circulate and prevents sogginess. Avoid covering the chicken with foil, as this traps steam. If you are storing it, use an oven to reheat, which helps restore crispness.

This blog post covered key steps for making delicious chicken dishes. We talked about selecting your chicken, choosing coatings, and picking tasty toppings. You learned the best techniques for preparing and cooking your chicken to achieve great flavors and crispiness. Remember to try fun variations, like chicken parmesan with seafood. Store your leftovers properly for later enjoyment. No matter your choice, following these tips will help you impress family and friends. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bit

For this dish, you need 2 large chicken breasts. Make sure to pound them to 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. You will also need: - 1 cup all-purpose flour (seasoned with salt and pepper) - 2 large eggs (beaten smooth) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for crunch) - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper These coatings give the chicken a crispy, tasty crust that you will love. For the topping, gather: - 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite kind works best) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) These ingredients add flavor and a nice look to your dish. The marinara sauce brings a rich taste, while the cheeses melt beautifully on top. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by prepping your chicken. Take two large chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness of 1/2 inch. This step is key. It makes sure the chicken cooks evenly. If the chicken is too thick, it might not cook through. Once pounded, it is ready for seasoning. Now, let's coat the chicken for that crunchy texture. Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix 1 cup of flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second dish, beat two large eggs until smooth. For the third dish, combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Take each chicken breast. First, coat it in the flour mix. Shake off the extra flour. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs. Allow the excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mix. Make sure it's fully coated for the best crunch. Get ready to fry your chicken. In a large skillet, pour enough olive oil to cover the bottom with about 1/4 inch of oil. Heat it over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place the breaded chicken in the skillet. Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet. Place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Top each piece with marinara sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Now, it's time to bake. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Look for the cheese to melt and bubble. When done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Enjoy your crispy cheesy chicken Parmesan! To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They add extra texture. Ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated. Dredge in flour first. This helps the egg stick. Then, dip it in the egg wash. Finally, press it firmly into the breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil. This creates a golden crust. Boost the taste of your chicken by adding seasonings. Mix garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs. This gives each bite a burst of flavor. You can also add herbs like oregano or thyme. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Don’t forget to season your flour with salt and pepper. Make your dish look fancy with simple plating tips. Use a colorful plate to make the meal pop. Pour some marinara sauce around the edges. This adds color and flavor. Place a crispy chicken breast in the center. Top it with melted cheese and fresh basil. This not only tastes good but looks great too. Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy texture, always opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Let Chicken Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before baking to allow the juices to redistribute for a juicy bite. Preheat the Oil: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; it should shimmer. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Layer Flavors: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables or extra herbs into the marinara sauce for an added depth of flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch up the classic chicken with seafood. Shrimp or scallops work well. To make this dish, coat the seafood in the same seasoned flour and breadcrumbs. Cook them in hot oil until golden. Use marinara sauce and cheese as you would for chicken. This twist adds a fresh taste and is perfect for seafood lovers. If you want a vegetarian version, try eggplant or zucchini. Slice these vegetables into thick pieces. Salt them to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry. Coat them just like the chicken. Fry until crispy and top with marinara and cheese. This option gives you a tasty, meat-free meal that everyone will enjoy. While mozzarella and Parmesan are favorites, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try provolone or gouda for a richer flavor. Blend different cheeses for a unique taste. Just ensure they melt well. This way, you can customize your dish to match your mood or pantry supplies. You should store leftover Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Before putting it in the fridge, let it cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it can last for up to three months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness. To enjoy your Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan again, you need to reheat it right. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's hot throughout. If you want that crispy texture, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Enjoy your meal just as delicious as when you first made it! You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs stay juicy and have great flavor. You might also try turkey cutlets for a leaner option. If you want something plant-based, use eggplant slices or tofu. Thinly slice these options and follow the same steps in the recipe. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to a day before frying. You can also cook the chicken and keep it warm in the oven. Just add the marinara and cheese right before serving to keep it fresh. To keep the chicken crispy, place it on a wire rack after frying. This lets air circulate and prevents sogginess. Avoid covering the chicken with foil, as this traps steam. If you are storing it, use an oven to reheat, which helps restore crispness. This blog post covered key steps for making delicious chicken dishes. We talked about selecting your chicken, choosing coatings, and picking tasty toppings. You learned the best techniques for preparing and cooking your chicken to achieve great flavors and crispiness. Remember to try fun variations, like chicken parmesan with seafood. Store your leftovers properly for later enjoyment. No matter your choice, following these tips will help you impress family and friends. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite!

Crispy Cheesy Chicken Parmesan

Discover the ultimate Crispy Chicken Parmesan recipe that will elevate your dinner game! This Cheesy Chicken Recipe features juicy chicken breasts coated in Panko breadcrumbs for an unbeatable crunch, topped with homemade marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is sure to impress. Try it tonight and enjoy a delightful dinner experience! Save this recipe for later! #CrispyChickenParmesan #CheesyChickenRecipe #PankoBreadedChicken #EasyChickenParmesanRecipe
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Ingredients
  

2 large chicken breasts, pounded to a uniform thickness of 1/2 inch

1 cup all-purpose flour, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper

2 large eggs, beaten until smooth

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crispy texture)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite store-bought variety)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Olive oil, for frying

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.

    In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix well.

      In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs until fully mixed and creamy.

        In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

          Take each flattened chicken breast and dredge it first in the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even and thorough coating.

            In a large skillet, pour in enough olive oil to cover the bottom with about 1/4 inch of oil. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet. Fry for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown and crispy texture.

              Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any drips.

                Top each chicken breast with a generous spoonful of marinara sauce. Then, sprinkle an ample amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce-covered chicken.

                  Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns a delightful golden brown.

                    After baking, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to settle. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor before serving.

                      - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 2

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a colorful plate with a drizzle of extra marinara sauce around the edges. Add a sprig of fresh basil for an elegant touch.

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