Delicious Chicken Parmigiana in 1 Hour

Published on February 10, 2026

By Amberly Vahn

Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 4 · Technique: Baking and Frying · Storage: Up to 3 days in the fridge.

Quick Answer

Create a delicious Chicken Parmigiana in just a few steps by breading chicken breasts, frying them to golden perfection, and baking with marinara and cheese for a comforting dish.

Ah, Chicken Parmigiana. Nothing brings the warmth of home and the essence of Italian comfort food into my New York City kitchen quite like this dish. As I roam through the bustling streets, the scent of melty cheese and rich tomato sauce wafting from cozy trattorias makes me crave a hearty plate of chicken parm. It’s a classic that never fails to delight, especially as we approach the festive season, when gatherings around the table become all the more special.

A Classic Holiday Dish

This Chicken Parmigiana is perfect for holiday gatherings, showcasing the love and heartwarming flavors that make this time of year so special. The combination of crispy chicken, savory marinara, and gooey cheese brings everyone together for a truly memorable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a beloved classic that brings the warmth of Italian comfort food right to your table.
• Simple ingredients come together for a dish that feels both hearty and sophisticated.
• Perfect for festive gatherings, it invites friends and family to share in delicious moments.
• The crispy breaded chicken topped with melted cheese becomes a crowd-pleaser every time.
• Customizable to your taste, you can easily make it gluten-free or add your favorite herbs for a personal twist.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful Chicken Parmigiana:

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fine breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

For the Sauce and Cheese

• 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or good-quality store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnishing

• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil (for frying)

How to Make Chicken Parmigiana (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps for a perfect Chicken Parmigiana that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the breading stick better. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. To ensure even cooking, gently pound the chicken with a meat mallet until they are about 1/2 inch thick.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another, whisk together the eggs. Finally, put the breadcrumbs in a third dish. This station is key for achieving that perfect, golden crust.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

First, dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off before coating it generously with breadcrumbs. Ensure you’re getting every nook and cranny here for that crunchy texture we all love.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken into the oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as the delightful aroma will beckon you, but let it sizzle away without flipping too early.

Step 5: Prepare for the Oven

Once your chicken is beautifully browned, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom, then place the fried chicken on top.

Step 6: Build the Layers

Spoon more marinara sauce over each chicken breast, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Go napkin-free with the cheese; we all want that beautiful, gooey top!

Step 7: Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Step 8: Serve

Once your chicken is out of the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes. Top with fresh basil leaves for that pop of color, and serve it hot with pasta or a crisp side salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Skipping the drying step: Make sure your chicken is well-dried before seasoning and breading; otherwise, the coating will become soggy.
• Crowding the pan when frying: Fry in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and sogginess.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Choose fresh marinara sauce and good-quality cheese; they make all the difference in achieving a flavorful dish.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• For an extra flavor boost, try adding Italian herbs like oregano or thyme to the breadcrumbs.
• If you prefer, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
• Consider preparing the chicken ahead of time and keeping it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving to have that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience for your guests.

Variations

• Swap marinara sauce for pesto for a different flavor profile.
• Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or gouda, for a unique taste.
• Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms as layers for extra nutrition and flavor.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with a side of pasta and a light marinara sauce.
• Pair with a crisp side salad for a balanced meal.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare the breaded chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before frying.
• Storage: Store leftover Chicken Parmigiana in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness instead of using a microwave.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

Testing this Chicken Parmigiana taught me how crucial it is to balance the saltiness of the cheeses with the vibrant acidity of the marinara. Each bite needs to hit a perfect harmony, reminding me just how simple flavors can elevate a dish from good to unforgettable. Plus, it’s always better when shared with friends, especially during this robust holiday season!

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 2 servings · Serving Size: 1 chicken breast

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~600 calories · 40g protein · 30g carbs · 35g fat

Amberly Vahn

Delicious Chicken Parmigiana in 1 Hour

Create a delicious Chicken Parmigiana in just a few steps by breading chicken breasts, frying them to golden perfection, and baking with marinara and cheese for a comforting dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fine breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

Group: For the Sauce and Cheese

• 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or good-quality store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Group: For Garnishing

• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil (for frying)

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Meat mallet
• Shallow dishes (for breading station)

Method

 

1. Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the breading stick better. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. To ensure even cooking, gently pound the chicken with a meat mallet until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
2. In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another, whisk together the eggs. Finally, put the breadcrumbs in a third dish. This station is key for achieving that perfect, golden crust.
3. First, dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off before coating it generously with breadcrumbs. Ensure you’re getting every nook and cranny here for that crunchy texture we all love.
4. In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken into the oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on it, as the delightful aroma will beckon you, but let it sizzle away without flipping too early.
5. Once your chicken is beautifully browned, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom, then place the fried chicken on top.
6. Spoon more marinara sauce over each chicken breast, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Go napkin-free with the cheese; we all want that beautiful, gooey top!
7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
8. Once your chicken is out of the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes. Top with fresh basil leaves for that pop of color, and serve it hot with pasta or a crisp side salad.

Notes

Make sure your chicken is well-dried before seasoning and breading; otherwise, the coating will become soggy. Fry in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and sogginess. Choose fresh marinara sauce and good-quality cheese; they make all the difference in achieving a flavorful dish.

FAQs