Easy Weeknight Chicken Parmesan

Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe Ready in Under an Hour

By Kendra ThompsonSeptember 25, 2025

Table of Contents

Ready for the Best Easy Chicken Parmesan Recipe Ever?

Honestly, who doesn't love Chicken Parmesan ? Ever craved that comforting, cheesy goodness but felt intimidated? Well, fear no more.

This Chicken Parmesan recipe easy is about to become your new weeknight go-to! It's simple, delicious, and totally achievable, even if you're a cooking newbie.

What's the deal with Chicken Parm, anyway?

This classic dish has Italian American roots and brings comfort in every single bite. This dish of breaded chicken cutlets, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese will make your mouth sing.

This Homemade Chicken Parmesan is surprisingly easy to make. This recipe yields four servings, perfect for a family dinner.

Why this Chicken Parmesan is your new BFF

Beyond the flavour, this Weeknight Chicken Parmesan recipe is quick and simple! This Quick Chicken Parmesan is packed with protein.

And honestly, nothing beats the feeling of creating a restaurant worthy meal in your own kitchen. This Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe is guaranteed to impress.

So, what do we need?

Let's get our ingredients in order, shall we? First we have 4 chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each) pounded thin.

Then we will use 1 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. I can almost smell that delicious aroma already! You will need 2 eggs, some milk, 1/2 cup olive oil and 2 cups of your favourite marinara sauce.

Lastly, 8oz of mozzarella and some basil!

This recipe is for busy folks. Let's get cooking!

Alright, let's dive into the heart of our Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe : the ingredients and gear! Honestly, this is where the magic happens.

It's not rocket science, I promise, but using quality ingredients makes a world of difference.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Real

Okay, before we even think about frying chicken, let's make sure we've got our ducks in a row.

Main Ingredients: The Building Blocks

Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each). Here's a little secret: pound them to about ½ inch (1.25cm) thickness. This helps them cook evenly. You know, nobody likes a dry, uneven chicken!
Salt & Pepper: 1 tsp ( 5ml ) kosher salt and ½ tsp ( 2.5ml ) black pepper. Because even Chicken Parmesan needs a little love.
Breadcrumbs: 1 cup ( 120g ) plain dried breadcrumbs. Italian style ones are my go-to, but honestly, use what you've got.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup ( 50g ) grated Parmesan cheese. Real Parmesan, not the stuff in the green can, okay?
Italian Seasoning: 1 tbsp ( 15ml ) dried Italian seasoning. That's the secret weapon for that Homemade Chicken Parmesan taste.
Garlic Powder: ½ tsp ( 2.5ml ) garlic powder.
Eggs: 2 large eggs.
Milk: 2 tbsp ( 30ml ) milk.
Olive Oil: ½ cup ( 120ml ), divided. For that golden, crispy goodness.
Marinara Sauce: 2 cups ( 480ml ). Jarred is fine. Quick Chicken Parmesan is the goal, remember?
Mozzarella Cheese: 8 oz ( 225g ) fresh mozzarella cheese. Sliced!
Fresh Basil: ¼ cup ( 25g ) grated Parmesan cheese, plus fresh basil for garnish (optional, but highly recommended).

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You

We're not just slapping breadcrumbs on chicken here. We're building flavour!

Italian Seasoning: Don't skimp! It's a blend of herbs that makes Chicken Parmesan so good.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle but important base note.
Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the breadcrumb mixture? Genius.
Marinara Magic: Grab a good quality marinara. Honestly, it makes all the difference.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this Chicken Parmesan recipe easy .

Shallow Dishes: 3 of them. For the breading station. Pie plates work great.
Large Skillet: Cast iron is ideal, but any large skillet will do.
Baking Sheet: To bake the Best Chicken Parmesan recipe .
Meat Mallet: Or a rolling pin! For pounding that chicken flat.

And that's it! No crazy gadgets required for this Weeknight Chicken Parmesan . Now, let's get cooking! You'll be surprised how easy it is to make Chicken Parmesan with pasta , or even just as a standalone dish.

Alright, let's whip up an Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe that would make even Nonna proud! Honestly, this is going to be a straightforward, no-fuss version that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Think less Gordon Ramsay screaming, more Jamie Oliver relaxed. It's a quick Chicken Parmesan that doesn't skimp on flavour.

Getting Started: Prep Steps

Before we dive in, let's get our ducks in a row. That means mise en place , my friends! First, pound those 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thick.

Season them with 1 tsp of kosher salt and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Trust me, this makes all the difference.

For the breading, you'll need three shallow dishes. In the first, mix 1 cup of plain dried breadcrumbs (Italian style if you have it), 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp of dried Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp of garlic powder.

Second, whisk 2 large eggs with 2 tbsp of milk. Lastly, a plate with just plain breadcrumbs.

Let's Make Chicken Parmesan recipe easy

Bread that chicken! Dip each chicken breast in the plain breadcrumbs, then the egg wash, and finally the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press it gently to make sure it sticks.
Pan-fry time! Heat 1/2 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook 'em up: Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4- 5 minutes per side. No one wants raw chicken.
Topping time: Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet. Top each one with marinara sauce (use your favourite 2 cups of sauce). Then, add slices of mozzarella (8 oz) and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup).
Bake it! Bake in a preheated oven at 375° F ( 190° C) for about 10- 15 minutes , until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Best Chicken Parmesan recipe

Honestly, the secret to Homemade Chicken Parmesan is pounding the chicken. This makes it cook evenly. Oh my gosh, don't crowd the pan when frying! Cook in batches.

This gets you that golden brown crust we all crave.

If you want to get ahead, you can bread the chicken earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge.

Also, avoid buying pre-shredded cheese. This will prevent the cheese from melting properly. I have made this Chicken Parmesan recipe so many times! It is the Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe ever!

So there you have it a Weeknight Chicken Parmesan that’s sure to impress. I usually serve my Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe with some spaghetti and garlic bread, classic, right? Now go on, get cooking!

Alright, so you're gonna nail this Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe ! Let's talk shop about a few extra bits to make it chef's kiss perfect.

We're making Chicken Parmesan , not rocket science, but a few tweaks can elevate your Weeknight Chicken Parmesan game.

Recipe Notes to Rule Them All

Honestly, these are the little things that make or break a dish. It's not enough to simply follow this Chicken Parmesan recipe easy ; you gotta put your heart into it! Let's make the Best Chicken Parmesan recipe ever!

Serving Suggestions That Sizzle

Think presentation, darling. A sprig of fresh basil? Boom! Instant restaurant vibes.

Honestly, for plating, I love a big, shallow bowl. It lets the Chicken Parmesan with pasta sit all cosy in the sauce. Maybe a little extra grated Parmesan on top? Never hurts.

Garlic bread is a MUST. Seriously. Also, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through all the richness beautifully .

A nice glass of chianti goes down well also! I cannot stress this enough!

Storage Tips: Because Life Happens

Leftover Chicken Parmesan ? Lucky you! Seriously.

Store those babies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, the oven is your friend.

A low temp, like 325° F ( 160° C) , keeps it from drying out. About 15- 20 minutes should do it.

Freezing is an option, too. Wrap each Chicken Parmesan cutlet individually in plastic wrap, then pop 'em in a freezer bag.

They'll last for up to a month. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Going gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs! Easy peasy.

Fancy a bit of heat? Chuck some red pepper flakes into your breadcrumbs. Trust me.

Seasonal swaps? In the summer, use fresh tomatoes for your sauce. Roasting them first intensifies the flavour. Winter? Add a splash of red wine to your marinara.

So fancy! For a Homemade Chicken Parmesan with seasonal swaps, you can mix other cheeses like cheddar and gouda.

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body

Okay, let's be real, Chicken Parmesan isn't exactly a health food. Haha! But!

It's packed with protein from the chicken and cheese. Calcium too! Just, you know, maybe don't eat it every night.

It also can become a Quick Chicken Parmesan if you use pre-made ingredients.

Each serving has roughly 550 calories, 45g protein, 30g fat and 25g carbs. This will vary, of course, depending on portion size and specific ingredients.

I would recommend using leaner ground chicken if you want to lessen the intake.

Okay, you've got this! This Chicken cutlets recipe is a winner. Don't overthink it. Just relax, enjoy the process, and get ready for some seriously delicious Baked Chicken Parmesan recipe .

You're going to slay this Easy Chicken Parmesan recipe ! Good luck, darling, and happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to keep my chicken parmesan from getting soggy? No one likes a soggy bottom, eh?

Great question! To avoid soggy chicken parmesan, make sure to pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness, and don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to less crispy chicken.

Also, consider using Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch they're like the Maris Piper potatoes of the breadcrumb world!

How can I make this chicken parmesan recipe easy even easier? I'm all about time saving hacks!

If you're short on time, use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese and a good quality jarred marinara sauce. You can also prep the breading station ahead of time or even bread the chicken earlier in the day and store it in the fridge until you're ready to cook. It's like batch cooking for busy people!

Can I freeze chicken parmesan? Because sometimes one just makes too much, innit.

Yes, you can! Let the cooked chicken parmesan cool completely, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer safe container. It will keep for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.

It’s almost as good as getting a takeaway, without leaving the house!

What are some yummy variations I can try with this easy chicken parmesan recipe? Fancy something a bit different, like.

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. You could also substitute provolone cheese for mozzarella for a sharper, tangier flavor.

Or go vegetarian and use slices of eggplant instead of chicken just remember to salt them first to remove excess moisture!

Is this easy chicken parmesan recipe healthy? I'm trying to be good, you know!

While Chicken Parmesan is a comfort food classic, it can be relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium. To make it healthier, use lean chicken breasts, bake instead of frying (though the crispness will be slightly different), and use a low-sodium marinara sauce.

Serving it with a large salad can also help balance the meal. Remember, it's all about moderation a little bit of what you fancy does you good!

What's the best pasta to serve with chicken parmesan? Because pasta and chicken parm, name a better duo.

Chicken parmesan pairs perfectly with a variety of pasta shapes! Spaghetti, linguine, or penne are all classic choices. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds its shape under the saucy chicken. And don’t forget to reserve some pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles!