Name: Best Chicken Parm Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs (beaten); 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one dish guaranteed to win over a crowd, it’s the Best Chicken Parm. This recipe brings together crispy golden chicken, tangy marinara, and oozy mozzarella for a dinner that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, the combination of juicy chicken and melty cheese served over a bed of savory sauce is pure comfort. The Best Chicken Parm is so easy to make and so satisfying, you’ll want to put it on repeat in your dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for the Best Chicken Parm is wonderfully simple, but each component pulls its weight. Every element brings something essential to the table, from the crunch of the breadcrumbs to the fragrant lift of fresh basil. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the foundation for juicy, tender results after breading and baking.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the chicken an initial coating so the egg and breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
Large Eggs (Beaten): Acts as the glue holding the breadcrumb layer onto the chicken.
Italian-Style Breadcrumbs: Provide that irresistibly crunchy and flavorful crust for the Best Chicken Parm.
Marinara Sauce (Store-Bought or Homemade): Offers tangy tomato richness that seeps right into the chicken.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers gooey, bubbly goodness across every bite.
Fresh Basil Leaves (for Garnish): Adds a flash of color and a burst of herbal freshness to round out the flavors.

How to Make Best Chicken Parm

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for that final cheese-melting magic. Give your baking dish a light spray with nonstick cooking spray to keep things from sticking—nothing’s worse than losing half your cheese to the pan!

Step 2: Season and Set Up Your Breading Stations

Generously salt and pepper your chicken breasts, then line up three shallow dishes. The first is for flour, the second for your beaten eggs, and the third for those flavorful Italian breadcrumbs. This classic breading lineup is key for perfect texture in the Best Chicken Parm.

Step 3: Dredge and Bread the Chicken

One by one, dip each chicken breast into the flour (shake off excess!), then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. Press the crumbs on so they cling generously—the crispier the exterior, the better!

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Crispy Perfection

Splash a little oil in a skillet and heat it up over medium-high. Fry your breaded chicken breasts for about 4 minutes each side; you want them gorgeously golden-brown all over. This step builds that signature crunch that makes the Best Chicken Parm so irresistible.

Step 5: Assemble With Sauce and Cheese

Nestle the golden chicken into your prepared baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, smothering them generously, then shower each with a solid handful of shredded mozzarella. Cheese is non-negotiable!

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling

Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is gloriously melted, bubbly, and starting to brown at the edges—the universal language of deliciousness.

How to Serve Best Chicken Parm

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a sprig of fresh basil! A few leaves on top brighten up the Best Chicken Parm, cutting through the richness and adding that pop of color that always makes a dish look restaurant-ready.

Side Dishes

For classic Italian vibes, serve your Best Chicken Parm over spaghetti or any long pasta, making the most of any leftover marinara. Want to keep it on the lighter side? Pair with a simple green salad or even roasted vegetables—it’s a surefire hit either way.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t stop with the usual plating! Try serving the Best Chicken Parm on soft sandwich rolls for a crave-worthy Chicken Parm sub, or slice it up to top a crisp Caesar salad for an inventive weekday lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store cooled chicken parm in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and come together even more, making lunch or dinner the next day a treat.

Freezing

The Best Chicken Parm freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap each portion tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It’ll be good for up to 2 months—your future self will thank you for stashing some away!

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until the cheese is melty and the chicken is heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can; it can make the breading less crisp, and no one wants soggy Chicken Parm.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give you a juicier texture, though they might take a little longer to cook through. The Best Chicken Parm is flexible!

What’s the best way to keep the breading from falling off?

Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly and be sure to follow the flour-egg-breadcrumb order closely. Frying at the right temperature is also key to that crispy, clingy coating.

Can I make the Best Chicken Parm gluten-free?

Of course. Use your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and you’ll never miss a beat in flavor or crunch.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded mozzarella?

Pre-shredded is super convenient and works fine, but for extra meltiness, shred a block of mozzarella yourself. It melts more smoothly and will take your Best Chicken Parm over the top.

Can I make this dish ahead for entertaining?

Yes! Assemble the dish (without baking) up to a day ahead and refrigerate, then simply bake just before serving. Perfect for stress-free entertaining with stunning results.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a table with loved ones over the Best Chicken Parm. Whether it’s for a special dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe brings people together and always delivers on flavor. Give it a try—you’ll see why it’s a favorite in so many kitchens!

Best Chicken Parm Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy a classic and satisfying Best Chicken Parmesan dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests. Crispy breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Parm Ingredients:

3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs (beaten)
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
Bread Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the flour, then into the eggs, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs.
Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each piece of chicken until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
Assemble and Bake: Place fried chicken in the prepared baking dish, pour marinara sauce over each piece, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Frying
Cuisine: Italian