Introduction
There is something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines a golden, crispy crust with rich tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parm delivers all of that and more. This dish takes the comfort of traditional chicken parmesan and elevates it with a bold, savory twist. Instead of using just breadcrumbs to coat the chicken, we use a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese. This small change adds a nutty depth and extra crunch that you will absolutely love.
This version of chicken parmesan is inspired by classic Italian-American cooking but refined to create a restaurant-style experience at home. It is perfect for family dinners, date nights or even meal prep for the week. It is easy enough for beginners but impressive enough to serve to guests. What makes it even better is how customizable it is. You can tweak the cheese, spice levels or side dishes to make it uniquely yours.
Whether you are a seasoned home cook or someone just starting to explore the kitchen, this recipe will guide you every step of the way. It is approachable, flavorful and incredibly rewarding. By the time you are done, you will have a beautifully crisp and tender piece of chicken that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. And yes, it is every bit as good as it sounds.
Let’s get into the details and show you exactly how to bring this amazing dish to life.
Ingredients Needed
This recipe uses basic pantry staples that are easy to find. The star of the show is Parmesan cheese, which brings the flavor and crunch. You will also need a few simple ingredients for breading and topping the chicken, as well as a flavorful marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese to finish it off.
Below is a complete list of ingredients along with a calorie estimate per item. This helps you track your intake while enjoying a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) | 2 large | 500 |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup | 228 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup | 431 |
| Italian seasoned breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup | 200 |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | 10 |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | 0 |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons | 360 |
| Marinara sauce | 1 cup | 90 |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 1 cup | 336 |
| Fresh basil (optional) | For garnish | 5 |
You likely have most of these items on hand already. If not, they are available at any local grocery store. Together, these ingredients create a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting without being overly complicated.
Read More: Baked Stuffed Chicken Breast for Dinner
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Cooking Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parm is surprisingly straightforward. You just need to follow a few simple steps. With a bit of prep and attention to detail, you will get restaurant-worthy results right in your own kitchen.
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound each piece to about half an inch thick. Season both sides with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Set up three shallow bowls for your breading station. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs. This mix gives your crust a delicious cheesy crunch that is way more flavorful than regular breading.
Dredge each piece of chicken in flour first. This helps the egg stick. Then dip it into the beaten eggs. Finally press it into the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated on both sides. Press gently to help the crust stick.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cutlets. Cook each piece for about three to four minutes per side. You are looking for a golden brown crust and cooked-through chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed and let the chicken rest on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Now comes the fun part. Place the crispy cutlets on a baking sheet. Spoon marinara sauce over the top of each one. Use about two to three tablespoons per cutlet so the crust stays crisp underneath. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Place the baking sheet under a preheated broiler. Let the cheese melt and bubble for about two to three minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Once the cheese is golden and bubbly, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor.
Read More: Creamy Rice and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This dish is super flexible. You can make small changes to fit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some easy ways to customize your Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parm.
If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumb mix. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour instead of regular flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you are watching your carbs, try using crushed pork rinds in place of breadcrumbs for a low-carb crust.
Feel free to change up the cheese too. Mozzarella is classic but provolone, fontina or a mix of Italian cheeses all work beautifully. If you want to add a fresh element, top with arugula or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
You can also use this crusting method on other proteins like turkey cutlets or even eggplant for a vegetarian twist. It’s a versatile technique that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Nutritional Information
Here is the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving. This recipe serves four people.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 to 550 |
| Protein | 40 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20 grams |
| Fat | 30 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 10 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 800 milligrams |
| Sugar | 3 grams |
These values are estimates and may vary depending on exact brands and portion sizes used. You can lighten the dish by using less oil, part-skim cheese or a lower-sodium marinara.
Serving Suggestions
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parm is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over spaghetti for a traditional Italian dinner. For a lighter option, try zucchini noodles or roasted vegetables. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb pairing that adds texture and nutrients.
A crisp Caesar salad or simple garden salad balances the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a slice of crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up the extra marinara and melted cheese. A glass of red wine like Chianti or a sparkling water with lemon rounds out the meal.
This dish also works well for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days and reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crisp.
Read More: Ziti Bake That’s Perfect for Family Dinners
Conclusion
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Parm is more than just a dinner recipe. It’s a feel-good, flavor-packed experience that you can enjoy any night of the week. The Parmesan crust adds a gourmet touch while keeping the dish approachable and easy to make. With a few basic ingredients and a simple method, you get a crispy, cheesy, saucy masterpiece every time.
Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family or friends, this dish is sure to impress. It is classic comfort food with a modern, flavorful twist. Try it once and it just might become a regular part of your dinner rotation.