Name: Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts); Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs (beaten); 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup avocado oil; 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded or thinly sliced); 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 24 oz marinara sauce; Fresh parsley (chopped (plus extra for garnish))

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a soul-warming, crowd-pleasing dinner that truly delivers on both comfort and flavor, this Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe will have you swooning from the very first bite. Imagine crispy golden chicken fillets smothered with luscious marinara sauce, rivers of gooey mozzarella, and a bold sprinkle of parmesan, all finished with a shower of fresh parsley. It’s just the thing to transport you to your favorite Italian trattoria—only you made it at home! This recipe is so reliable and outrageously good, you’ll want to make it a regular in your lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe is how a few everyday staples come together to create something extraordinary. Every ingredient has a purpose, contributing to the crunch, melt, tang, or color that make this dish a bona fide classic.

Chicken breasts: Slicing and pounding ensures juicy, evenly cooked pieces that crisp up beautifully.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and bringing out the natural flavors.
All-purpose flour: The key starter in the breading process; helps the egg adhere.
Large eggs: Acts as a velvety glue to hold the breadcrumb coating on tight.
Italian-style breadcrumbs: Packed with herbs and spices for instant flavor and satisfying crunch.
Avocado oil: Perfect for pan-frying to a deep golden brown without smoking up your kitchen.
Mozzarella cheese: For max ooze—shredded or sliced, it’s a stretchy, dreamy topping.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Pops with salty, nutty flavor and helps build that browned cheesy crown.
Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jar or homemade—rich tomato sauce makes everything sing.
Fresh parsley: Bright and herby, this finishing touch makes the whole dish feel fresher (don’t skip it!).

How to Make Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C)—that way it’s ready to finish off your beautiful pan-fried fillets. Lay each chicken breast flat and, using a sharp knife, slice it horizontally to create two thin fillets from each piece. Give them a gentle pound to even out the thickness (this makes them cook up uniformly and stay tender). Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. A little prep here results in restaurant-worthy chicken later!

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

The secret to that irresistible chicken crust is a classic breading lineup. Set out three shallow bowls: one with flour, another with your beaten eggs, and a third with Italian-style breadcrumbs. Organization is key—having your workspace lined up makes the breading process quick and mess-free.

Step 3: Dredge and Coat

Now, for the assembly line: Dust each chicken fillet lightly with flour (tap off any excess). Dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s coated but not dripping, then press it firmly into the breadcrumbs. Get an even layer for that satisfying crunch in every bite. This coating not only locks in juiciness but also gives your Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe that golden signature crust.

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Perfection

Pour the avocado oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering. Fry the chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd!) for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, turning only once to develop that deep, beautiful color. Transfer the browned fillets to a baking sheet lined with parchment. Your kitchen will smell amazing and your chicken will already look like a work of art.

Step 5: Assemble the Parm

A generous ladle of marinara sauce goes over each crispy fillet—use 1/3 to 1/2 cup per piece, depending on how saucy you like it. Top with heaps of mozzarella (the cheesier the better) and a flourish of grated parmesan for extra savoriness. This is where the magic truly happens in the Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe; don’t be shy about the cheese!

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake everything in your preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and golden, with irresistible little brown spots, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temp—it should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove your creation from the oven and shower it with plenty of freshly chopped parsley. Serve right away while everything is melting and piping hot. Whether you pile your Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe over spaghetti or partner it with a crisp salad, every bite will have you grinning from ear to ear.

How to Serve Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe

Garnishes

For that final flourish, nothing beats a handful of vibrant, fresh parsley scattered over the bubbling cheese. You can also give each portion a twist of black pepper or a sprinkle of extra grated parmesan. The garnishes add color, aroma, and a hint of freshness that make the Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe shine on the plate.

Side Dishes

The classic companion to chicken parm is a mountain of spaghetti or your favorite pasta tossed in a bit of olive oil or extra marinara. If you’re looking for something lighter, try a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or even steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread is never a bad idea, either—just to help swipe up extra sauce and cheesy bits.

Creative Ways to Present

Make dinner extra memorable by serving your Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe on a large platter, family-style. Or, try individual mini casseroles for a dinner party-worthy touch. For a casual spin, slice leftovers and tuck them into toasted hoagie rolls to make chicken parm sandwiches—a big hit with kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer your chicken parm to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The breading will absorb some sauce, but the rich flavors only deepen, making for a killer lunch or second dinner.

Freezing

Wrap each cooled, cooked fillet tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then pop into a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the cheese layer, and add fresh cheese just before reheating for that signature ooze.

Reheating

To bring your Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe back to life, place leftover portions in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—about 15 to 20 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight first. Remove the foil during the last few minutes to restore some crispness to the topping.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a juicy alternative—just pound them to even thickness before breading and follow the same method. It will bring even more flavor to your Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour and Italian breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free versions. There are great crispy gluten-free breadcrumb options available in most grocery stores.

What’s the best way to keep the breading from falling off?

Be sure to dry the chicken before breading, shake off any excess flour, and completely coat with egg. Let the breaded fillets rest for a few minutes before frying—the crust will stick much better!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can bread and pan-fry the chicken earlier in the day; just refrigerate until ready to assemble and bake. When you’re ready to eat, top with sauce and cheese, then bake as directed for fresh, melty goodness.

What are some good vegetarian variations?

For a meatless take, swap the chicken for thick slices of eggplant or even lightly breaded cauliflower steaks. Keep the rest of the Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe exactly the same for a vegetarian-friendly crowd-pleaser!

Final Thoughts

This Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe is hands-down one of those dishes that everyone looks forward to. Whether it’s a bustling weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, you’ll love watching people light up after that first bite. Give it a try soon—you might just start a new dinnertime tradition!

Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parm Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious recipe for Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parmesan that is sure to become a family favorite. Tender breaded chicken topped with marinara sauce and a blend of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin fillets. Pound them gently to ensure even thickness. You’ll end up with 4 fillets. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: Bowl 1: Flour, Bowl 2: Beaten eggs, Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken fillet: in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the egg, letting the excess drip, then press into the breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
Pan-Fry to Perfection: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the chicken in batches, 2–3 fillets at a time, for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Assemble the Parm: Spoon 1/3 to 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over each fillet. Top generously with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Bake Until Bubbly: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
Finish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over spaghetti, or pair with a crisp side salad for a lighter take. Enjoy the ultimate Chicken Parm experience!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking, Frying
Cuisine: Italian