My tried-and-true recipe for crispy chicken cutlets breaded in parmesan and bread crumbs topped with gooey melted mozzarella over marinara sauce.
EVERY.
DANG.
TIME.
I ask Husband what he wants for supper he says chicken parmesan. It’s like some automated response he has programmed in his husband brain.
How do I look? Beautiful.
Did you take out the trash? I will in a minute.
Do you have any cash? No.
What do you want for supper? Chicken parmesan.
I guarantee you he has said this to me at least 400 times in the last 15 years.
And I’m like do you really want chicken parmesan or is that just the first thing that popped in your head? And he’s like does it matter?
Fair point.
So I have had a lot of experience making chicken parmesan. And this is my absolute favorite way to prepare and serve it. I love that you finish it all off in one dish in the oven because then you’re not trying to do 47 things at once.
You can cook the pasta and heat the sauce while everything’s getting happy in the oven and everything’s ready to serve at once.
Plus when you let the chicken bake in a little bit of sauce, it gets even more tender and juicy.
And you know what I just thought about? I guess I get to say my chicken parm is so good my husband has asked for it over 400 times. Ha!
But seriously, I’m putting that on a t-shirt.

Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
- 3 large boneless chicken breasts
- Salt, pepper and garlic powder
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil
- 1 24-oz. jar marinara sauce
- 12 oz. spaghetti or linguine
- 8 ounces mozzarella, shredded (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Cut each breast into two cutlets (reducing the thickness by half, not the width or length). Gently pound out the cutlets with a meat mallet (or juice glass or rolling pin or whatever gets the job done) until flattened and even in thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Combine eggs and water in medium bowl and whisk well; set aside.
- Combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder and salt in a shallow bowl or pie plate; set aside.
- Heat 1/4-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry but not hot enough to burn the parmesan cheese and bread crumbs so don’t crank it up as high as you normally would to fry something breaded in flour.
- Dip each cutlet in egg wash and shake off any excess. Dredge chicken in bread crumb mixture and shake off any excess. Fry chicken on both sides until golden brown. Cook in batches so not to overcrowd the pan. Set fried chicken aside to drain on paper towels or cooling racks.
- When all the chicken is cooked, pour half of the marinara sauce in a 13x9 baking pan then arrange chicken cutlets in a single layer over sauce. Top chicken with mozzarella then bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Meanwhile, heat remaining marinara and cook pasta in liberally salted water per manufacturer’s instructions for al dente preparation.
- Serve chicken with pasta and sauce from pan and remaining marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh grated parmesan and parsley if desired.
Notes:
- If I want to stretch this to 6 servings, I add one 8-oz. can of garlic & basil tomato sauce to the marinara to make the sauce go a little farther and prepare a whole pound of pasta.
- I don’t pour all the marinara in the pan because I don’t want the chicken to be submerged in it. I just pour enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
- I mean the bread crumbs in the can. You can use plain bread crumbs too but add a little Italian seasoning and/or oregano to it.
- Yes, you can use the green can of grated parmesan. It just won't be quite as good.
- I know y’all have heard me preach about shredding your own cheese but it’s so incredibly true when it comes to mozzarella. Please buy some quality mozzarella and shred it yourself for this dish. I promise you won’t regret it!
What brand of marinara sauce do you use?
ReplyDeletePrego! I love all of the Prego tomato sauces! And they didn't even pay me to say that!
DeleteOh goody, cause Prego is my favorite too! Trader Joes makes a Tuscan Marinara that is canned which is also very good.
DeleteI've been looking at your recipes and enjoying your stories. I have actually cooked several of your recipes and I just need to tell ya........wish we were neighbors and pals.......keep on keepin on girlfriend, you were meant for this. Suzanne
ReplyDeleteThank you, Suzanne :)
DeleteOh my word.....yummy!! Never made before..wanted to...so easy and the fam loved it!!
ReplyDeleteI just cooked this for Christmas dinner and it was a hit! My mother is begging for the recipe. Thanks for sharing & happy holidays!
ReplyDeleteMade this tonight and my "Husband" said, "Very,very good!"
ReplyDeleteLove all your recipes! Thanks!
This was absolutely delicious Mandy! Thank you for making our dinner extra flavorful, tonight. Love your site and your hilarious commentaries and of course, your fantastic recipes. Kindest regards!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharon!
DeleteWe have an egg allergy in our house. Is there something else we can use to coat the chicken? Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMandy, this was flipping amazing! I can see why your husband asks for this often. First time making chicken parm, won't be my last.. I do know your recipe will be a staple in the house. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteWOW!!! This is delicious. I have made this twice in one week, for various friends and family and everyone loved it!!
ReplyDeleteYAY!! Glad you enjoyed it!!
DeleteThat looks so good! I am going to try this.
ReplyDeleteWhen you say "liberally salted water, how much salt are you talking about?
ReplyDeleteGood job Mandy this one is a winner
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I am going to try this. It looks so tasty!
ReplyDeleteThis is the best chicken parmesan I have ever made. My hubby was a huge fan.
ReplyDeleteI’ve made this recipe numerous times and each time it’s a hit! Very easy, quick and delicious! Thank you for sharing a great recipe ❤️
ReplyDelete