Crispy Chicken Parmigiana is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. Imagine golden, crunchy chicken breasts topped with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce, all baked until bubbly and delicious. It’s a dish that brings together crispy, juicy chicken with tangy sauce and gooey cheese in the best way.
I always enjoy making this dish on a weekend when there’s time to really crisp up the chicken. I find that coating the chicken just right and frying it until perfectly golden makes all the difference. Then, piling on plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese with a good marinara makes it so satisfying. It’s one of those meals that feels like a special treat but is simple enough to make at home.
Serving this crispy chicken parm with a side of spaghetti or garlic bread is my favorite way to enjoy it. It’s also great with a fresh salad when you want something lighter alongside. No matter how you serve it, this dish has a way of bringing people together, and I think it’s because of the perfect combo of textures and flavor. It’s a meal I always look forward to making and sharing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Pounding the breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can also use thin chicken cutlets.
Bread crumbs & cheese: Italian-style breadcrumbs add great flavor, but plain breadcrumbs with added Italian herbs work well too. Parmesan adds sharpness; Pecorino Romano is a good substitute.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but low-moisture mozzarella can be used if you want less water content and a firmer melt.
Marinara sauce: Use good-quality store-bought or homemade sauce. For a quicker version, tomato pasta sauce with herbs is a fine option.
How Do You Get Extra Crispy Chicken for Parmigiana?
Crispiness is all about breading and frying technique. Here’s what I find helps:
- Pat the chicken dry before breading to help coatings stick better.
- Use three steps for breading: flour, egg wash, then breadcrumbs with cheese and herbs. Press the crumbs gently but firmly.
- Use enough oil to cover at least half the chicken’s thickness. Heat the oil well before adding chicken to avoid sogginess.
- Fry on medium-high heat; don’t crowd the pan. Fry a few pieces at a time, flipping carefully.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil before baking.
This method gives you a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken inside. It’s worth taking time for this step to nail perfect texture!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan – perfect for frying the chicken to a crispy golden brown.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin – helps pound chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking.
- Three shallow bowls – ideal for setting up your breading station with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
- Baking sheet – to bake the chicken with sauce and cheese until bubbly and melted.
- Paper towels – great for draining excess oil from fried chicken to keep it crisp.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding Italian sausage slices under the cheese for an extra protein kick and bold flavor.
- Use provolone cheese instead of mozzarella for a slightly sharper taste with good meltability.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers on top before baking to include extra veggies and texture.
- Season breadcrumbs with red pepper flakes for a little heat, perfect if you like a spicier dish.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Parmigiana
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil, for frying
For The Sauce & Topping:
- 1 ½ cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Time Needed
This dish takes about 20 minutes to prep and fry the chicken. Baking time in the oven is around 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly. Overall, plan for about 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Chicken:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Next, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about half an inch. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In three shallow dishes, place the flour in the first, beaten eggs mixed with water in the second, and combine the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and garlic powder in the third. This setup will make coating the chicken simple and quick.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Lightly coat each chicken breast in flour and shake off any extra. Dip it into the egg mixture, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated for a perfect crispy crust.
4. Fry the Chicken:
Heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When the oil is hot, fry the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and let them drain briefly on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Place the fried chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet. Spoon a good amount of marinara sauce over each piece, then top with slices or shredded mozzarella. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh, thinly sliced basil leaves for a bright, fresh flavor. Serve your crispy chicken parm hot with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before prepping. Pat them dry well to ensure the breading sticks properly and the chicken crisps up nicely.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Chicken?
Absolutely! To bake, coat the chicken as usual, then place on a greased baking sheet and spray lightly with oil. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Then add sauce and cheese and bake until melted.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of marinara if the chicken seems dry.
What Are Good Side Dishes for Chicken Parmigiana?
Classic sides include spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with roasted or steamed vegetables for a lighter meal option.
