Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 625 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 48 min | Total: 1 hr 18 min
Cost: $19.46 total, $4.86 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, about 56 g)
- 3 tablespoons Flat Leaf Parsley (chopped)
- 3 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 1.5 lbs total, sliced into 6 thin fillets)
- 2 large Eggs (beaten)
- 0.33 cup All-Purpose Flour (approximately 40 g)
- pinch Salt (for flour and egg mixture)
- pinch Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 cup Italian Bread Crumbs (seasoned)
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 cup Olive Oil (for pan‑frying)
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
- 2 cups Low‑Moisture Shredded Mozzarella (about 226 g)
- 0.25 cup Extra Grated Parmesan (about 30 g, for topping)
- 1 pound Spaghetti Pasta (or any long pasta)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 425°F and let it heat while you prepare the other ingredients.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 425°F
Grate Cheese and Chop Parsley
Grate 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and finely chop 3 tablespoons of flat‑leaf parsley. Set both aside.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to make six thin fillets. Place a piece between two sheets of parchment paper and pound with a meat mallet until evenly thick (about ½‑inch).
Time: PT5M
Set Up Dredging Station
In three shallow bowls, place: (1) 2 beaten eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper; (2) 1/3 cup flour with a teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon pepper; (3) the breadcrumb mixture – ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1 cup panko, ½ cup grated Parmesan, and the chopped parsley.
Time: PT5M
Measure Olive Oil
Measure out 1 cup of olive oil and set it near the skillet; this ensures you have enough for a full pan‑fry without guessing.
Time: PT1M
Dredge the Chicken
One piece at a time, coat the chicken in the flour, shaking off excess, dip in the egg mixture, let excess drip, then press into the breadcrumb‑cheese mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Time: PT5M
Heat Oil
Add the measured olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium‑high until the surface shimmers.
Time: PT3M
Pan‑Fry Chicken
Place 2‑3 coated chicken pieces in the hot oil. Cook about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning. Transfer each piece to a paper‑towel‑lined baking sheet.
Time: PT16M
Add Sauce and Cheese
On each fried chicken piece, spoon ¼‑⅓ cup marinara onto the center, then top with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella and a tablespoon of extra grated Parmesan.
Time: PT5M
Bake Until Melted
Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake 15‑20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Time: PT18M
Temperature: 425°F
Cook Pasta
While the chicken bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 1 pound of spaghetti, and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 212°F
Plate and Serve
Divide the pasta among plates, place a baked chicken parm on top or beside, garnish with the remaining chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 625
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Flat Leaf Parsley: Italian parsley
- Instead of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Instead of Eggs: Egg replacer
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Marinara Sauce: Pizza sauce
- Instead of Low‑Moisture Shredded Mozzarella: Provolone, Cheddar
- Instead of Spaghetti Pasta: Linguine, Fettuccine
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Parchment Paper
- Meat Mallet
- Shallow Bowls
- Measuring Cups
- Grater
- Mixing Spoon
- Large Skillet
- Paper Towels
- Baking Sheet
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Tongs
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Pound chicken to even thickness
- Set up dredging station
- Pan‑fry chicken until golden
- Top with sauce and cheese
- Bake until cheese melted and chicken cooked through
Chef Tips from the Video
- Mixing both Italian breadcrumbs and panko gives a crunchy yet tender crust.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle heat.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little garlic‑herb oil for 30 minutes before breading.
Troubleshooting
Chicken is not crispy after baking.
Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken and avoid overcrowding the pan. Pat the fried pieces on paper towels before baking and use the breadcrumb‑panko mix for extra texture.
Sauce becomes watery in the oven.
Drain excess oil from the fried chicken, use a thick marinara (or add a spoonful of tomato paste), and bake on a rack so excess moisture can drip away.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for best texture.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without pasta) in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bread the chicken, place on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen for a crisp result.
- Prepare marinara sauce ahead of time and store refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Cook pasta al dente, toss with a little olive oil, and refrigerate; reheat with sauce when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Parmesan in Italian‑American cuisine?
Chicken Parmesan evolved from traditional Italian dishes like Eggplant Parmigiana. Italian immigrants in the United States substituted the more affordable chicken for eggplant, creating a hearty, meat‑based version that became a staple of Italian‑American family meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Parmesan in Italian‑American cuisine?
In the Northeastern U.S., especially New York and New Jersey, the dish often features a thicker breadcrumb crust and extra mozzarella. In the Midwest, some cooks add provolone or use a blend of cheeses, while in the South a spicier marinara with red‑pepper flakes is common.
How is authentic Chicken Parmesan traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot, topped with melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, alongside a side of spaghetti tossed in marinara. Many families also serve it with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Parmesan traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Chicken Parmesan is a popular weeknight dinner, but it also appears at family gatherings, pot‑lucks, and holiday meals because it can be made in large batches and pleases both children and adults.
What makes Chicken Parmesan special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The dish combines the crisp, fried coating of Italian breaded meats with a rich tomato‑based sauce and melty cheese, embodying the comfort‑food ethos of Italian‑American cooking while using readily available chicken.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Parmesan at home?
Common errors include using oil that isn’t hot enough, overcrowding the pan, and not patting the fried chicken dry before baking. These lead to soggy crusts and uneven cooking.
Why does this Chicken Parmesan recipe use both Italian breadcrumbs and panko instead of just one type?
Combining the seasoned Italian breadcrumbs with panko creates a layered texture: the Italian crumbs add flavor, while panko contributes extra crunch, resulting in a more satisfying crust.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Bread the chicken, freeze it, and fry when needed, or bake the assembled chicken with sauce and cheese, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven to retain crispness.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken is done?
The crust should be golden‑brown and crisp, the cheese fully melted and slightly bubbling, and the internal temperature should read 165°F. The meat inside should be juicy and white, not pink.
What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specializes in approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists, often featuring quick weeknight meals and clear step‑by‑step tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Preppy Kitchen focuses on simplifying traditional Italian‑American dishes with minimal equipment and clear visual cues, emphasizing speed and accessibility while still preserving authentic flavors, unlike some channels that use more elaborate techniques or exotic ingredients.
What other Italian‑American recipes is the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen known for?
Preppy Kitchen is known for recipes like Classic Spaghetti Carbonara, Baked Ziti with Sausage, and Easy Meatball Subs, all presented with a friendly, instructional style that appeals to home cooks of all skill levels.
Last updated: August 26, 2026
