Chicken Breast Parmesan

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

A delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breast with a crispy parmesan crust, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

Sophia Lane

Created by

Sophia Lane

Last updated on 2025-12-24T18:45:35.448Z

This Chicken Breast Parmesan recipe is a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of crispy chicken, rich marinara, and gooey cheese will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Crispy, golden crust that adds texture to every bite
  • Rich marinara sauce complements the chicken perfectly
  • Melted cheese creates a deliciously gooey topping
  • Easy to prepare and can be made ahead for busy nights

A Comforting Classic

Chicken Breast Parmesan is not just a meal; it's a comforting classic that brings a sense of nostalgia to the dinner table. This dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy parmesan crust, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The moment you take a bite, you'll experience the savory flavors melding together, making it an instant favorite for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It's easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, which means you can whip it up even on the busiest of nights. The combination of the crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the standout features of Chicken Breast Parmesan is how well it lends itself to meal prep. You can make a big batch during the weekend and portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave, and you'll have a delicious, homemade meal ready in minutes.

Additionally, this recipe can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add vegetables to the marinara sauce. The versatility of this dish means you can enjoy it in various forms, making it a staple in your recipe collection.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Chicken Breast Parmesan, the options are endless. Pair it with a side of pasta to soak up the delicious marinara sauce, or serve it alongside a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish. Garlic bread also makes a fantastic accompaniment, allowing you to enjoy every last bit of sauce.

For those looking to add a healthy twist, consider serving the chicken on a bed of steamed vegetables or zucchini noodles. This not only enhances the dish's nutritional profile but also adds a colorful presentation to your plate. No matter how you choose to serve it, Chicken Breast Parmesan is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Olive oil for frying

For the Topping

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Coat the Chicken

In one bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

Fry the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each chicken breast until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish.

Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot with pasta or salad.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is usually the case!), storing Chicken Breast Parmesan is simple. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the crispy texture, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy a homemade meal anytime without the effort of cooking from scratch.

Variations to Try

While the classic Chicken Breast Parmesan is always a hit, you can easily switch things up by incorporating different flavors. Try adding Italian herbs like oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic twist. Alternatively, consider using different sauces, such as pesto or alfredo, to create a unique flavor profile.

For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. These small modifications can transform the dish into something entirely new while still keeping the comforting essence of Chicken Breast Parmesan intact.

Nutritional Information

Chicken Breast Parmesan is not only delicious but also offers a great source of protein from the chicken and cheese. A typical serving can provide around 30 grams of protein, making it a filling option for dinner. However, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes, especially with the breadcrumbs and cheese, which can add extra calories.

To make this dish a bit lighter, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also serve it with a larger portion of vegetables to enhance the nutritional value without significantly increasing calories. Enjoying this dish in moderation will ensure you savor the flavors without compromising your health goals.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work well and provide a juicier texture.

→ What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan?

It's great with spaghetti, a side salad, or garlic bread.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and bake it just before serving.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.

Chicken Breast Parmesan

A delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breast with a crispy parmesan crust, topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Sophia Lane

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup breadcrumbs
  3. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. 2 eggs, beaten
  7. Olive oil for frying

For the Topping

  1. 2 cups marinara sauce
  2. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  3. Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 02

In one bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 03

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each chicken breast until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish.

Step 04

Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 05

Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot with pasta or salad.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 170mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 30g