Introduction

Classic Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella is a beloved Italian-American dish that combines crispy, golden breaded chicken with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is a perfect blend of textures and flavors: tender, juicy chicken encased in a crunchy coating, smothered in tangy tomato sauce, and topped with a bubbly layer of mozzarella that’s irresistible.

This recipe is a must-try because it transforms a simple chicken breast into a restaurant-quality, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or family gatherings. With its combination of crispiness, rich tomato flavor, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Classic Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella because it perfectly balances textures and flavors in every bite. The chicken is tender and juicy on the inside while golden and crispy on the outside. The rich, tangy marinara sauce adds depth and warmth, and the gooey melted mozzarella cheese provides that indulgent, cheesy finish that makes this dish irresistible.

What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to turn simple ingredients into a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that’s both nostalgic and universally loved. It’s easy to prepare, yet the flavors feel elevated, making it a dish that brings joy to any dinner table.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

Classic Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella is a must-try because it transforms simple chicken into a comforting, flavorful, and indulgent meal. Here’s why you shouldn’t miss it:

1. Crispy, Golden Chicken – Tender and juicy inside with a perfect crunchy coating.
2. Rich, Tangy Marinara Sauce – Adds depth and balances the flavors.
3. Melty, Gooey Mozzarella – The ultimate cheesy indulgence that ties the dish together.
4. Comforting and Nostalgic – Reminds everyone of classic Italian-American dinners.
5. Restaurant-Quality at Home – Achieve gourmet flavors without complicated techniques.

Trying this recipe guarantees a hearty, satisfying, and universally loved meal that’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions.

Recipe Details

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~550 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2–3 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil for frying

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp dried basil (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Topping:

• 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Flatten chicken breasts to even thickness (about ½ inch) using a meat mallet.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
2. Bread the Chicken:
   • Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
   • Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread ½ cup marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
   • Place fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
   • Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over each breast.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a side salad.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Even Cooking: Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Crispier Chicken: Double coat the chicken by dipping it in egg and breadcrumbs again before frying.
• Homemade Marinara: Use fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a more flavorful sauce.

Variations

• Add Prosciutto: Layer prosciutto slices on chicken before adding cheese for extra flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
• Parmesan Crust: Mix extra Parmesan into the breadcrumb coating for more flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked breaded chicken or fully baked dish (without cheese) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet or frying pan
• Meat mallet for flattening chicken
• Baking dish
• Three shallow dishes for breading

FAQ

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Q: Can I use mozzarella slices instead of shredded cheese?
A: Yes, slices work perfectly and melt nicely over the chicken.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes, bread the chicken and assemble the dish; refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Substitute flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Conclusion

Classic Chicken Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella is a timeless, comforting dish that delivers crispy, tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Easy to make yet impressive, it’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or date nights. This recipe brings the warmth, flavor, and indulgence of Italian-American cuisine to your table, making it a favorite that everyone will love.