Indulge in the classic flavors of this Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Marinara Sauce—a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a crispy Parmesan coating, all topped with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe brings together the comforting tastes of Italian cuisine in a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Parmesan-Crusted Chicken offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The golden-brown crust provides a satisfying crunch, while the marinara sauce adds a tangy sweetness that complements the savory chicken. Finished with gooey melted mozzarella and fresh basil, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Marinara Sauce
A classic Italian-inspired dish with golden, crispy chicken topped with rich marinara and gooey mozzarella.
Introduction
Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Marinara Sauce is a beloved dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your table. The crispy coating made from panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates a crunchy exterior, while the juicy chicken inside remains tender and flavorful. Topped with homemade marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, this dish is an instant family favorite!
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this crispy and cheesy chicken recipe is sure to impress. Serve it with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Marinara Sauce is the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors. It’s an easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The golden-brown Parmesan coating provides the perfect crunch, while the tangy marinara sauce and melted mozzarella add a deliciously rich flavor.
- Easy and Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes!
- Crispy and Cheesy: The Parmesan and panko coating adds a delightful crunch.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish.
- Customizable: You can bake, pan-fry, or air-fry the chicken for different textures.
Recipe Variations
Make this recipe your own with these fun variations:
- Spicy Parmesan Chicken: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the breading mix for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and almond flour instead of regular flour.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the bread crumbs and coat the chicken with almond flour and Parmesan only.
- Extra Cheesy: Add provolone or fontina cheese along with mozzarella for a richer taste.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook the breaded chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Parmesan Chicken
Pair your crispy Parmesan chicken with these delicious sides:
- Pasta: Serve with spaghetti tossed in garlic butter or marinara sauce.
- Salad: A fresh Caesar or Caprese salad complements the dish beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Buttery, crispy garlic bread is a perfect pairing.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a healthy balance.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes enhance the comfort-food appeal.
Expert Cooking Tips
To make the best Parmesan-crusted chicken, follow these pro tips:
✔ Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
✔ Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese has preservatives that can affect texture.
✔ Double-Coat for Extra Crispiness: Dip in egg and breadcrumb mixture twice for a thicker crust.
✔ Let the Chicken Rest Before Cutting: This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to ensure a crisp coating.
Nutritional Benefits of Parmesan Chicken
This dish is not only delicious but also provides several nutritional benefits:
- High in Protein: Chicken breast is an excellent lean protein source.
- Rich in Calcium: Parmesan and mozzarella cheese provide essential calcium for bone health.
- Low in Carbs (with Modifications): You can reduce the carb content by skipping breadcrumbs.
- Good Fats: Olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats.
Per Serving (Approximate Values):
✅ Calories: 450 kcal
✅ Protein: 42g
✅ Fat: 22g
✅ Carbohydrates: 18g
Ingredients & Their Role
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish; use thinly pounded chicken for even cooking.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Enhances the natural flavors.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- 2 large eggs, beaten – Acts as the binding agent for the crispy coating.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – Adds extra crunch to the crust.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Gives a savory, nutty flavor to the breading.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses the chicken with a hint of garlic.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for an Italian touch.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for pan-frying the chicken.
For the Topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce – A tangy tomato-based sauce that complements the crispy chicken.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for a cheesy finish.
- Fresh basil leaves – Adds a fresh, aromatic garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even ½-inch thickness.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
-
In three separate shallow bowls, prepare:
- Bowl 1: Flour.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with ½ cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
-
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
- Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Add Marinara & Cheese
- Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake & Serve
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well, but they may require an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking.
2. How do I make this gluten-free?
Swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
3. What’s the best way to get an extra crispy coating?
For an ultra-crispy crust, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the egg and breadcrumb mixture twice before frying.
4. Can I make this in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the crispy texture and cheesy topping. If they prefer less seasoning, reduce the Italian seasoning.
Conclusion
This Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with Marinara Sauce is a restaurant-quality meal made right at home. Whether served over pasta, with a side of veggies, or on its own, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, with easy ingredient swaps, you can customize it to fit your dietary needs.
Give this crispy and cheesy Italian-inspired dish a try, and let us know how you liked it! Comment below with your favorite way to serve it. 🍽️✨