Ohhh friend, get ready for the ultimate comfort food upgrade—Golden Breaded Chicken Parmesan. We’re talking juicy chicken cutlets coated in golden, crispy breadcrumbs, topped with melty mozzarella and rich marinara, then baked until bubbly and beautiful. This dish brings the kind of “I made this?!” pride to the dinner table, and trust me—you’re going to want it on repeat.

It’s hearty, cheesy, and totally satisfying, but still simple enough for a weeknight. And that crunch? Pure magic. Serve it over spaghetti, stuff it into a sandwich, or just eat it straight off the pan. No judgment here—this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly crispy, juicy chicken every time
• Covered in gooey mozzarella and tangy marinara
• Restaurant-style results right from your kitchen
• Kid-friendly, date-night-worthy, and freezer-friendly too
• Pairs beautifully with pasta, salad, or garlic bread

Ingredients

For the Chicken Parmesan

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half horizontally to make 4 cutlets)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
• ½ cup marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (extra for topping)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Set up a dredging station with 3 shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, and herbs.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken cutlet in the flour (shake off excess), then the egg, then coat generously in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press the coating in so it sticks well.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken cutlets on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Spoon marinara sauce over each piece, then sprinkle with mozzarella and a bit more Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for an extra 1–2 minutes if you want that gorgeous golden top.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley and serve hot over pasta, in a sandwich, or with a side salad. Yum!

Tips for Golden Success

• Slice the chicken evenly so it cooks quickly and evenly
• Want extra crunch? Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular
• Don’t skimp on the Parmesan—it adds major flavor to the coating
• Love spice? Add red pepper flakes to your marinara

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Fry the cutlets and refrigerate up to 1 day ahead. Just assemble and bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the crust crispy. Avoid the microwave if possible—it softens the breading.

Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan?
Yes! Let it cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven straight from frozen.

Conclusion

This Golden Breaded Chicken Parmesan is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of. It’s crispy, cheesy, saucy perfection that’s simple enough to pull off anytime but special enough to impress. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself to a solo comfort fest, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

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