Chicken Parmigiana with Mozzarella and Parmesan Crust: A Crispy, Cheesy Classic
Few dishes hit the comfort food sweet spot like a well-made Chicken Parmigiana—especially one with a generous, golden crust of gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese. This version takes the classic Italian-American favorite and elevates it with a rich, savory twist that cheese lovers will adore.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, planning a dinner party, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this dish delivers on all fronts. It’s bold, flavorful, crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and topped with a blanket of bubbling cheese. What more could you ask for?
Chicken Parmigiana with Mozzarella and Parmesan Crust
This Chicken Parmigiana is an Italian-inspired classic topped with a golden crust of melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. A crispy, cheesy, and savory dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or dinner parties.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: min
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness and season with salt and pepper.
- Set up breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture (with garlic and onion powder). Dredge chicken in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Heat ¼ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken breasts in batches for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place chicken on top, then spoon more sauce over each piece. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the chicken.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness if desired.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve with pasta or salad.
Nutrition
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbs: 32 g
- Protein: 42 g
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Facebook PinterestWhy This Chicken Parm Recipe Stands Out
This isn’t just any chicken Parm. What sets it apart is the crust—a perfect mix of melted mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan, broiled to bubbly perfection. The chicken is tender and evenly cooked thanks to being pounded to the ideal thickness, and the seasoned breadcrumb coating adds just the right amount of crunch.
Add to that a layer of warm, garlicky marinara sauce and a fragrant garnish of fresh basil, and you’ve got a dinner that feels like it came straight from your favorite Italian trattoria.
Tips for Crispy, Cheesy Chicken Parm Success
- Pound the chicken evenly. This ensures uniform cooking and keeps the meat juicy.
- Use Italian-style breadcrumbs. They’re already seasoned, saving you time while still packing flavor.
- Mix Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of savory depth before the cheese topping even comes into play.
- Don’t skip the skillet sear. It gives your chicken a head start on that golden crust before baking.
- Broil at the end. Just 2–3 minutes can take your cheese topping from melted to magnificently crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cheesy chicken perfection with:
- Spaghetti or linguine tossed in olive oil or extra marinara
- A crisp Caesar salad with garlic croutons
- Roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus
- A glass of Chianti or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc for balance
This recipe is also perfect for meal prep. Leftovers reheat well and can be repurposed into chicken Parm sandwiches or wraps the next day.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Chicken Parmigiana has stood the test of time—it’s flavorful, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. With the added bonus of a cheesy Mozzarella and Parmesan crust, this version goes above and beyond.
Try it once, and you’ll see why this dish earns a spot on your weeknight dinner rotation—or your next special occasion spread.
