Cheesy Parmesan Chicken

This Cheesy Chicken Parmesan is one of those classic comfort food recipes that never disappoints. I start by coating tender chicken breasts in a seasoned Parmesan breadcrumb mixture before pan-frying them until perfectly golden brown. The chicken is then nestled into a baking dish, covered with rich marinara sauce, and topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese. As it bakes, the cheese becomes bubbly and lightly browned while the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. Every bite delivers crispy breading, savory marinara, and gooey melted cheese that makes this dish an instant family favorite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside

Loaded with melted mozzarella cheese

Easy enough for weeknight dinners

Restaurant-quality results at home

Family-friendly and kid-approved

Perfect served with pasta, garlic bread, or salad

Uses simple ingredients you probably already have

Variations

Spicy Chicken Parmesan

Add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture and marinara sauce.

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan

Air fry the breaded chicken until crispy, then finish in the oven with sauce and cheese.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parmesan

Use a 50/50 blend of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan

Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds.

Alfredo Chicken Parmesan

Swap the marinara sauce for a creamy Alfredo sauce.

Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches

Serve the finished chicken on toasted Italian rolls.

Extra Cheesy Version

Add provolone or fontina cheese alongside the mozzarella.

Cheesy Parmesan Chicken

This Cheesy Chicken Parmesan features crispy breaded chicken breasts baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for an easy and delicious Italian-inspired dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 28 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course main dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil for frying
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• If necessary, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Place flour in the first shallow bowl. Whisk eggs in the second bowl.
• In the third bowl combine: Breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Garlic powder, Dried basil, Salt, Black pepper Mix thoroughly.
• Coat each chicken breast in flour. Dip into the egg mixture. Press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
• Transfer browned chicken to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Top generously with mozzarella cheese.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until: Chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are lightly golden
• Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.

Video

Recipe Tips

For extra crispy Chicken Parmesan, avoid covering the chicken completely with sauce before baking. Leave some of the crispy breading exposed around the edges so it maintains its crunch while the cheese melts.

Keyword chicken breast recipes, chicken parmesan, chicken recipes, easy chicken parmesan, garlic parmesan chicken pasta

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these: