Chicken parmesan
Get a taste of Italy with our chicken parmesan recipe, featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy panko–Parmesan crust and topped with mozzarella and a rich tomato sauce. It is perfect for a cosy dinner with its satisfying, cheesy crunch, juicy chicken, and the comforting depth of a homemade sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken
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2
Large chicken breasts
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1 tsp
Coarse salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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2
Garlic cloves
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2
Eggs
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50 ml
Fresh basil
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50 ml
Fresh parsley
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Tomato sauce
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½
Onion
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1
Garlic clove
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1 tbsp
Olive oil
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½ tsp
Chilli flakes
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1 tsp
Dried oregano
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1 tsp
Dried basil
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½ tsp
Sugar
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1 can
Chopped tomatoes (400 g)
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2 tbsp
Tomato purée
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2 tbsp
Apple cider vinegar
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½ tsp
Salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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Panko-Parmesan breading
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50 g
Panko breadcrumbs
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40 g
Parmesan cheese, grated
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½ tsp
Salt
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Freshly ground black pepper
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200 ml
Neutral-flavoured oil
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Topping
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Neutral-flavoured oil
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50 g
Mozzarella, grated
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25 g
Parmesan cheese, grated
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Instructions
Chicken
Tomato sauce
Panko-Parmesan breading
Assembling and baking
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
When you slice the chicken breasts lengthwise, cut across the grain, meaning perpendicular to the visible lines in the meat. This shortens the muscle fibres and makes the cooked chicken noticeably more tender.
Moisture is the enemy of crispness. If the surface of the chicken is even slightly wet, the coating can cling unevenly and brown less well, leading to soft patches. A quick pat with kitchen paper before dipping the chicken in the egg mixture helps the coating adhere more cleanly and crisp more reliably, resulting in a more even and satisfying crunch.
Let the fried chicken sit on a small rack or a sheet of paper towel for a minute after frying. This allows excess oil to drip away, preventing it from soaking back into the crust and softening it before it goes in the oven. This helps keep the crisp texture all the way to the table.
Let your chicken parmesan rest for a few minutes after baking for the best results. This resting time lets the juices redistribute within the chicken, keeping it moist and tender. It also sets the melted cheese slightly, preventing it from sliding off when you plate it. Moreover, resting stabilises the internal temperature, enhancing the flavour balance and maintaining the breading's crispness.
FAQ: Questions about chicken parmesan
Want to make the perfect chicken parmesan? Our FAQ section answers all your questions, so you can cook delicious chicken parmesan every time.
What is chicken parmesan?
Chicken parmesan is breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. In our recipe, the chicken is dipped in a fresh herb and garlic egg wash, coated with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and fried until golden brown. Then it is baked with a homemade tomato sauce topped with a layer of mozzarella and more Parmesan.
Can I make chicken parmesan ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare chicken parmesan in advance. For short-term prep, fry the breaded chicken and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. Before serving, add tomato sauce and cheese, then bake. For longer storage, fry the chicken, flash-freeze it, and store it in the freezer for up to four months. Thaw it and bake it with sauce and cheese when you are ready to eat it. If you want to assemble it completely before storing, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance. However, bake it just before serving to keep the chicken crispy.
What to serve with chicken parmesan?
Chicken parmesan pairs well with sides that complement its richness or enhance its Italian flavours. Consider classic pastas or roasted vegetables such as garlic, asparagus, or breakfast potatoes. A crispy garlic bread is also a delicious side for chicken parmesan. Fresh salads, like Caesar salad or shaved Brussels sprouts, offer a crisp contrast.
Can I freeze chicken parmesan?
Yes, you can freeze chicken parmesan, but it is best to do so before you cook it. Prepare the chicken by coating it with the egg and breadcrumb mixture, then freeze it unbaked. Wrap each piece tightly in cling film or use freezer bags, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. If you want to freeze a fully cooked dish, let it cool completely first. Then wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the cheese may become grainy after thawing and reheating. When stored properly, frozen chicken parmesan will stay good for 2-3 months.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
708 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
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| Fibre | - | 3 g |
| Protein | 16.5 % | 28.7 g |
| Fat | 74.8 % | 59.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8.7 % | 15.2 g |
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Make the best chicken Parmesan with this easy recipe
We all love a classic Italian chicken parmigiana, and our chicken parmesan recipe is just that. It is a delicious comfort food with tender yet crispy panko-Parmesan chicken breasts topped with mozzarella and an aromatic tomato sauce. Everything is made from scratch, ensuring bold flavours, perfect texture, and a deeply satisfying result – but still keeping it simple to make.
If you enjoy our chicken parmesan, you might also like some other comforting dishes, for example, our stuffed mushrooms recipe, a delicious cheese and onion quiche, a gooey cheese and garlic bread, or an aubergine parmigiana with similarly warm, satisfying flavours as those in chicken parmesan.
Crispy panko crust with grated Parmesan
The magic of chicken parmesan lies in its balance of ingredients. The Parmesan-infused panko coating delivers a light, savoury crunch that stays crisp even after baking, while the tender chicken provides a juicy contrast. Fresh garlic and herbs in the egg wash add extra depth, and every bite gets a lift from the gentle heat of chilli and the brightness of the tomato sauce. Each component brings its own character, working together to create a meal that is both comforting and full of flavour.
With homemade tomato sauce
Making the tomato sauce from scratch adds a freshness and complexity you simply will not get from a jar. Sautéed onions and garlic create a soft, fragrant base, while tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of vinegar round out the sauce with acidity, sweetness, and warmth. The result is a smooth, aromatic topping that pairs perfectly with the crisp chicken and melting cheese. It is simple ingredients transformed into something deeply satisfying.
An Italian-American food classic for the whole family
This recipe captures the heart of Italian-American cooking by using traditional Italian flavours, including fresh herbs, garlic, tomatoes, and aged cheese, and preparing them in an American-influenced way: crispier, cheesier, and more richly layered. The panko-Parmesan crust, the herb-forward tomato sauce, and the bubbling cheese on top all reflect the style that makes Italian-American cuisine so beloved.
It is the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that works for all ages; familiar enough for picky eaters, satisfying enough for adults, and simple to serve family-style.
Add your own touch
If you are feeling adventurous, add your own touch to the recipe. You can replace chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs or thin chicken cutlets. Thighs will be juicier but require a bit more frying time and a slightly longer bake, while cutlets cook faster and give you the crispiest, most classic result.
Do you have an air fryer and prefer this method rather than pan-frying and oven-baking? Follow the recipe until you are ready to fry the chicken. Then, lightly spray the chicken pieces with oil and cook them in the air fryer at 180 °C in a single layer for 5-6 minutes on each side, turning halfway through. Top with tomato sauce and cheese, then let everything cook for an additional 2-4 minutes.
