Classic Chicken Parmesan Recipe

I’ve lost count of how many times this classic chicken parmesan recipe has saved dinner in my house, filling it with the comforting aroma of bubbling tomato sauce and golden, crispy chicken. Juggling hungry kids and busy schedules, I know the dinner dilemma well. Our classic chicken parmesan recipe swoops in as your culinary superhero, delivering flavor, comfort, and speed in one pan. This recipe is tailor-made for busy parents and budget-conscious cooks craving a satisfying meal without the fuss. You’ll learn how to whip up this family favorite, tweak it to fit any diet, and make it a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredient Map (Amounts • Role • Swap)

Gathering the right components is the first step to a memorable meal. Here’s what you’ll need for our easy chicken parmesan recipe:

• Chicken Breasts (4 boneless, skinless, about 180-200g / 6.3-7 oz each): The lean protein star for our family-friendly dinner.
• All-Purpose Flour (60g / ½ cup): Forms the first layer for breading adhesion. (Swap: Gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option).
• Garlic Powder (5g / 1 tsp) & Onion Powder (2.5g / ½ tsp): Essential flavor enhancers for the crispy coating.
• Dried Oregano (2.5g / ½ tsp): Adds classic Italian aromatic seasoning.
• Fine Sea Salt (5g / 1 tsp, divided) & Freshly Ground Black Pepper (2.5g / ½ tsp, divided): Essential for seasoning every layer.
• Large Eggs (2): The binding agent for our golden breading.
• Water (15ml / 1 tbsp): Helps thin the egg wash for an even coat.
• Panko Breadcrumbs (160g / 2 cups): Provides the ultimate, airy crispiness for this classic chicken parmesan recipe. (Swap: Crushed cornflakes for superior crunch or gluten-free panko).
• Light Olive Oil or Neutral Vegetable Oil (120-180ml / ½ to ¾ cup): For pan-frying the chicken cutlets to golden perfection.
• Olive Oil for Sauce (30ml / 2 tbsp): Base for our homemade Smoky Red Pepper Marinara.
• Medium Yellow Onion (150g / 5.3 oz), finely diced & Garlic Cloves (4), minced: Aromatic foundation for the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes (800g / 28 oz can): The rich, flavorful base of our marinara.
• Roasted Red Peppers (200g / 7 oz jar), drained and finely chopped: Adds smoky sweetness to the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika (5g / 1 tsp) & Calabrian Chili Paste (5g / 1 tsp): For a hint of smoky warmth and adjustable heat in the marinara.
• Vegetable Stock (120ml / ½ cup): Thins the sauce and adds depth.
• Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese (250g / 1 cup): For the creamy Lemon Basil Ricotta topping. (Swap: Blended cottage cheese if you’re out of ricotta).
• Fresh Basil Leaves (30g / ¼ cup), finely chopped, plus more for garnish & Lemon Zest (5g / 1 tsp): Bright, fresh additions to the ricotta.
• Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese (220g / 8 oz, shredded or thinly sliced): For that irresistible, gooey melt. (Swap: Dairy-free mozzarella shreds for an allergy-aware option).
• Microbial Rennet Parmesan Cheese (50g / ½ cup), finely grated, plus extra for garnish: Adds salty, umami depth to the final dish.

Seasonality & Quality Notes: Choose plump, fresh chicken breasts for the best texture. Opt for good quality crushed tomatoes for the sauce base. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese truly elevates the entire dish.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Step-by-Step Cooking (Kid-Friendly Cues)

Let’s get cooking! This section breaks down how to make your easy, hearty, classic chicken parmesan recipe, with some fun cues for little helpers.

1. Prep the Chicken (10 mins): Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper. Pound evenly with a meat mallet until about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick, making them ready for a quick cook. Kids can help cover with plastic wrap and gently pound. Season both sides of the pounded chicken with 2.5g (½ tsp) salt and 1.25g (¼ tsp) black pepper, watching how the spices sprinkle on.
2. Set Up Breading Station (5 mins): Grab three shallow dishes. In the first, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, 1.25g (¼ tsp) salt, and 0.5g (⅛ tsp) black pepper; it will look like a ‘snowy mountain’ for the chicken. In the second, whisk the eggs with 15ml (1 tbsp) water until slightly foamy. In the third, spread out the Panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Chicken (10 mins): Dredge each chicken cutlet first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully coated and looks nice and crunchy. Set aside the breaded chicken on a clean plate.
4. Pan-Fry to Golden (10-12 mins): Heat 120-180ml (½ to ¾ cup) light olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place 2-3 breaded chicken cutlets in the hot oil (do not overcrowd) and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F). They should sound like a gentle sizzle. Transfer to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. If the chicken is browning too quickly, gently lower the heat slightly to prevent burning. Repeat with remaining chicken.
5. Make the Smoky Red Pepper Marinara & Lemon Basil Ricotta (15-20 mins): While chicken fries, heat 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. I often make a double batch of this marinara on Sunday, saving half in the fridge for a quick pasta night later in the week. Stir in crushed tomatoes, roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, Calabrian chili paste, vegetable stock, remaining salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. It will smell amazing! In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped fresh basil, lemon zest, a pinch of salt, and pepper for the creamy ricotta.
6. Assemble & Bake (20-25 mins): Spoon a thin layer of the Smoky Red Pepper Marinara onto the bottom of the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the pan-fried chicken cutlets over the sauce. Spread a small dollop (about 15ml / 1 tbsp) of the Lemon Basil Ricotta onto the center of each chicken cutlet. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the chicken is heated through. It will smell incredibly inviting as the cheese melts!
7. Rest and Serve (5 mins): Remove the baking dish from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute. Serve this beautiful classic chicken parmesan recipe immediately, garnishing with fresh basil and a dusting of Parmesan for an elegant touch.

Equipment Options:

• Stovetop Finish: After pan-frying, instead of baking, place the chicken back into the skillet with marinara and cheese, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts. This method can be about 5 minutes faster but yields slightly less crispy chicken.
• Air Fryer: For an alternative to traditional baking, air fry breaded chicken at 190°C (375°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Then top with sauce and cheese, and air fry for 5 more minutes until bubbly. This often results in a crispier finish.

Portioning, Serving & Pairings

Each 6oz chicken breast serves one adult; for kids, half-portions are ideal. This dish is perfect for quick weeknight meals or impressive casual dinner parties. Pair with pasta, a green salad, or steamed veggies.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Benefits of Classic Chicken Parmesan

This classic chicken parmesan recipe offers a high-protein punch, fueling active days and serving as a healthy family dinner. It’s adaptable for gluten-free or low-carb meals with veggie noodles.

Time & Budget Cheatsheet

• Total Time: 50-55 min
• Cost Per Serving: $3.50 – $4.50

Budget swaps include store-brand marinara. This dish is great for meal prep; freeze portions (without sauce/cheese) for up to 3 months.

Smart Shopping & Make-Ahead Strategy

Find ingredients for this classic chicken parmesan recipe at supermarkets or via online delivery. Consider fresh chicken for best flavor or frozen to save money. Buy panko and canned goods in bulk.

Pro Tips, Flavor Paths & Safety

For crispy chicken, avoid overcrowding and pat dry. Rest after baking. Flavor can be mild with Italian herbs or spicy with red pepper flakes. Cook chicken to 165°F (74°C) for safety; handle raw carefully.

FAQs

Is classic chicken parmesan good for weekly meal prep or weight goals?

Yes, this classic chicken parmesan recipe excels for meal prep. For weight management, focus on lean chicken, moderate cheese, and veggie sides like zucchini noodles. It’s high-protein and satisfying.

Healthiest substitute for classic chicken parmesan if I’m gluten-free or vegan?

For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or almond flour; I’ve found a 1:1 swap works wonderfully. For vegan, try breaded eggplant or plant-based cutlets with dairy-free cheese and marinara sauce.

Best place to buy ingredients for this family-friendly dinner online or via grocery delivery?

Most online grocers offer all necessary ingredients, including fresh chicken. Local supermarket delivery is convenient for quick meal prep.

How long do classic chicken parmesan leftovers keep and how to reheat?

Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave until heated.

Can I make classic chicken parmesan without frying the chicken?

Yes, for a lighter version, bake or air fry breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. Then top with sauce and cheese, baking until bubbly.

How can I make my classic chicken parmesan extra crispy?

For extra crispy classic chicken parmesan recipe, ensure hot oil, avoid overcrowding. Panko breadcrumbs provide superior crunch. A quick final broil can also crisp the melted cheese.

Conclusion

You’ve mastered a classic chicken parmesan recipe, a truly delicious, easy, and family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights. I know it’s a go-to in my home! Pin this healthy eating recipe to your board for quick meals and make family dinners exciting.

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