Irresistible Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana Recipe

Updated on: December 20, 2025

Delectable Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana with melted mozzarella and fresh basil on a white plate.

Introduction

Craving a taste of classic Italian-American comfort food right at home? Look no further! This recipe for Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana delivers everything you love about the iconic dish. Imagine tender, breaded chicken, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. Get ready to create a truly delicious, restaurant-quality Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana that will impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana

You’ll adore this homemade Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana for so many reasons. It captures that iconic flavor profile and satisfying textures you crave. This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend feasts. It’s an ideal choice for family meals or when entertaining guests, always a crowd-plaser. You can easily customize it to suit your personal taste preferences. Ultimately, it delivers an unparalleled comfort food satisfaction that truly nourishes the soul.

Ingredients

Gathering fresh, quality ingredients is key for the best flavor. This recipe calls for pantry staples and fresh produce to create a delicious Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana.

1 large can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces total, 4 oz each)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (part-skim recommended)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. For chicken, use pre-cut chicken cutlets to save time; adjust cooking as they are thinner. While Panko breadcrumbs give the crispiest coating, regular seasoned breadcrumbs work well too. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even pre-shredded mozzarella if fresh isn’t available. For the sauce, a quality jarred marinara is perfect for speed, but homemade marinara will add even more depth of flavor. Fresh oregano or parsley can substitute for basil if needed.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools to make this fantastic Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana. Have these items ready:

Meat mallet or rolling pin
Three shallow dishes (for your breading station)
Large skillet (oven-safe is helpful, but not essential)
9×13 inch baking dish
Tongs
Whisk
Instant-read thermometer

Instructions

Making homemade Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions. You’ll be enjoying this classic dish in no time.

Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts evenly to about ½-inch thick. This ensures uniform cooking and tenderness for your Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes for your breading station. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, lightly beat the large egg. In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and the 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge each pounded chicken breast first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, making sure it’s completely covered on all sides. Gently shake off any loose crumbs.
Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the breaded chicken cutlets. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (use an instant-read thermometer to check).
The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) to ensure food safety.

Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Preheat Oven & Assemble: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the simmering marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish.
Layer & Top: Place the pan-fried chicken cutlets in a single layer over the sauce in the baking dish. Spoon more of the flavorful marinara sauce generously over each piece of chicken, ensuring it’s well covered.
Add Cheese & Bake: Arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella cheese over the sauced chicken. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added layer of flavor. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Rest, Garnish & Serve: Carefully remove the Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana & Troubleshooting

Achieving the perfect Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana is easy with these simple tips. Ensure uniform cooking by pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness. For crispy breading, don’t overcrowd the skillet during frying; cook in batches if necessary. To prevent soggy chicken, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken, and fry quickly until golden. Use quality, fresh mozzarella for the best melt and a rich, creamy texture. Simmer your marinara sauce adequately to develop a deeper, more robust flavor. Always use an instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked to 165°F.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

This homemade Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana pairs beautifully with a variety of classic side dishes.

Serve it alongside your favorite pasta, like spaghetti, penne, or linguine, tossed with extra marinara.
Don’t forget warm, crusty garlic bread or a simple Italian bread for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
A light, refreshing green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.
Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, are excellent choices to complete the meal.

Storage & Reheating

Planning ahead or enjoying leftovers is simple with Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana.

Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm refrigerated portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or gently reheat in the microwave for quicker results.

Variations

Get creative with your Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana!

Spicy Parmigiana: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce for a subtle kick.
Gluten-Free: Easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Healthier Baked Version: For a lighter option, skip the pan-frying and bake the breaded chicken directly in the oven until cooked through before assembling with sauce and cheese.
Make-Ahead: Prep the chicken (pound and bread) and sauce in advance, then assemble and bake closer to serving time for a quick weeknight meal.

Nutrition Information (Estimated)

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands, ingredient choices, and portion sizes. For precise nutrition details, we recommend using an online nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients.

Nutrient	Per Serving (Estimated)
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	45 g
Fat	28 g
Carbohydrates	28 g

FAQ

Can I use pre-made chicken cutlets for this Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana recipe?: Yes, absolutely! Using pre-made chicken cutlets is a great time-saver; just adjust cooking times slightly as they are usually thinner.
How do I prevent the breading from getting soggy?: To keep the breading crisp, ensure your oil is hot before frying and don’t overcrowd the skillet. Also, avoid drenching the chicken in too much sauce when assembling.
What’s the best type of mozzarella to use for Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana?: Fresh, low-moisture mozzarella, either sliced or shredded, provides the best melt and classic taste for this dish.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the chicken (pound and bread) and the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble and bake right before serving.
Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana?: You can freeze individual portions of the cooked dish or even the assembled, unbaked chicken parm. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers for best results.

Conclusion

There’s truly nothing quite as satisfying as a perfectly made, homemade Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana. This recipe brings the beloved flavors of Italy right to your kitchen with ease. We encourage you to try this incredibly delicious and comforting dish soon. Please share your experiences, rate the recipe, and let us know how your culinary adventure turned out. Get ready to gather your loved ones around the table and savor every mouthwatering bite of this timeless classic!