Dinner

Classic Chicken Parmesan

By RecipeNest · Dinner

Crispy breaded chicken cutlets smothered in marinara and bubbly mozzarella, served over spaghetti. The ultimate Italian-American comfort dinner.

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Prep

15 min

Cook

25 min

Total

40 min

Servings

4

Calories

610

Classic Chicken Parmesan
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Ingredients

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally into 4 cutlets
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for serving
  • 1/3 cup olive oil, for frying
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella
  • Fresh basil, for serving
  • 12 oz spaghetti, cooked, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425°F. Pat the cutlets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Set up three shallow dishes: flour in the first, eggs in the second, and panko mixed with parmesan in the third. Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into the panko to coat.

  3. 3

    Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Fry cutlets 2–3 minutes per side until deeply golden — they will finish cooking in the oven. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.

  4. 4

    Wipe the skillet and spoon a thin layer of marinara across the bottom. Arrange cutlets on top, spoon more marinara over each, and blanket with mozzarella.

  5. 5

    Bake 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. Switch to broil for 1–2 minutes for golden-brown spots.

  6. 6

    Rest 5 minutes, top with fresh basil and extra parmesan, and serve over hot spaghetti.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving · 610 calories

protein

46g

carbs

52g

fat

22g

fiber

3g

sugar

6g

sodium

920mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chicken parmesan ahead of time?+

Bread the cutlets up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate on a parchment-lined sheet. Fry and bake just before serving for the crispiest crust.

What's the best cheese for chicken parmesan?+

Low-moisture shredded mozzarella melts beautifully without weeping water. A finishing shower of parmesan adds salty depth.

Can I bake instead of fry the cutlets?+

Yes — spray the breaded cutlets generously with oil and bake at 425°F on a wire rack for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?+

Pat the chicken completely dry, press the panko on firmly, and don't move the cutlets in the pan until they release on their own.

Can I freeze chicken parmesan?+

Freeze breaded, uncooked cutlets between parchment for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen — just add 3–4 minutes to the bake time.

What sides go with chicken parmesan?+

Spaghetti with marinara is classic. A crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread round out the plate perfectly.

Sarah Mitchell

Recipe by Sarah Mitchell

Professional home cook · Tested in a real American kitchen

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