Dinner

Chicken Parmesan with Mozzarella

Name: Chicken Parmesan with Mozzarella
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ cup olive oil; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh basil; Cooked spaghetti or linguine; Extra Parmesan for sprinkling

Servings: 4 Total Time: 50 mins Difficulty: Beginner

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan (or “Chicken Parmigiana”) is one of the most beloved Italian-American classics. Tender chicken breasts are coated in crispy golden breadcrumbs, layered with marinara sauce, and topped generously with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and feels like a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.

This dish brings comfort and elegance to the table—perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even date nights at home. The combination of crunchy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella makes this recipe unforgettable.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between crispy, cheesy, and saucy. The chicken remains juicy on the inside while the outer coating stays golden and crunchy. When the mozzarella melts over the top, every bite is rich, hearty, and satisfying. It’s a dish that never fails to impress and instantly puts you in a good mood.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Classic Comfort Food: Familiar, cozy, and always delicious.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone—from kids to adults—loves it.
Restaurant-Worthy at Home: Save money while enjoying a dish that feels gourmet.
Versatile: Serve it over spaghetti, with garlic bread, or as a standalone dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Components can be prepped in advance.

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: ~550–600 per serving (including sauce & cheese)

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Main Course, Dinner

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs + 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup olive oil (for frying)

For the Topping:

2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

For Serving:

Cooked spaghetti or linguine (optional)
Extra Parmesan for sprinkling

Simple Cooking Directions

Bread the chicken with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
Pan-fry until golden brown.
Layer with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot over spaghetti or with bread.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Prepare Chicken:
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ½ inch thick).
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Bread the Chicken:
- Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and garlic powder in a third.
- Dredge chicken first in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumb mixture.
Pan-Fry the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry chicken until golden brown (about 4 minutes per side). Remove and drain on paper towels.
Assemble:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken in a baking dish, spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with spaghetti or garlic bread.

How to Serve

Classic style: Over a bed of spaghetti with extra marinara.
With sides: Pair with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh Caesar salad.
Sandwich style: Serve in a toasted hoagie roll for a Chicken Parm sub.

Additional Recipe Tips

Pound chicken evenly so it cooks properly.
Use fresh mozzarella for a more indulgent, creamy topping.
For extra crispiness, bake chicken on a wire rack before topping with sauce.
Avoid drowning the chicken in sauce to keep the coating crunchy.

Variations

Lighter Version: Bake instead of frying.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to marinara sauce.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Layer fried chicken pieces with pasta, sauce, and cheese, then bake.
Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Low-Carb: Skip breading and bake chicken topped with sauce and cheese.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze breaded and cooked chicken without sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw, then top with sauce and cheese before baking.
Reheating: Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving (it makes breading soggy).

Special Equipment Needed

Meat mallet (for pounding chicken)
Large skillet (for frying)
Baking dish
Shallow bowls (for breading station)

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan with Mozzarella is the definition of comfort food: crispy chicken, rich marinara, and melty cheese all in one bite. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether served over pasta, with garlic bread, or in a sandwich, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it again and again.

Print Recipe